Description

A forgiving and moist poke cake that combines a sturdy yellow cake base with thickened vanilla pudding and a rich chocolate ganache, offering the classic Boston Cream flavor without the structural issues of traditional layer cakes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) yellow cake mix
2 boxes (3.4 oz each / 96g total) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups (720ml) whole milk
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
3 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, milk, and oil/butter. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
While the cake is still hot, poke holes all over the surface about 1 inch apart using a wooden spoon handle or fork, pushing down to the bottom of the pan.
In a separate bowl, whisk instant pudding mix with 3 cups of cold whole milk for 2 minutes until thick. Pour evenly over the hot cake and spread into holes.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours, until the pudding is set.
Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let sit for 2 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Let cool for 5-10 minutes.
Pour the ganache over the chilled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Keep the cake hot when poking holes to ensure proper absorption. Ensure pudding is thick before pouring to prevent sogginess. Chill cake for at least 1 hour before adding ganache. Do not freeze as pudding texture may become grainy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 32
Sodium: 280
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 1
Protein: 5

Keywords: Boston Cream Poke Cake, easy dessert, weeknight baking, chocolate ganache, vanilla pudding cake, homemade poke cake