Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake Recipe Easy Must-Try Dessert

Posted on August 16, 2025

Have you ever dreamt of combining the creamy decadence of Boston Cream Pie with the ease of a poke cake? Well, look no further because this Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake recipe is here to satisfy all your dessert cravings. Imagine moist yellow cake soaked with vanilla pudding and topped with a smooth chocolate ganache—it’s pure magic. If you’re a fan of layered cream-filled desserts, you’ll love this easy twist on a classic favorite!

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or just indulging in a weekend treat, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the delicious story behind this irresistible creation and why it’s a must-try for any dessert enthusiast.

The Story Behind Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake

Boston Cream Pie has a rich history dating back to the 1800s when it was first served at the Parker House Hotel in Boston. Despite its name, it’s not technically a pie at all—it’s a cake filled with pastry cream and topped with chocolate glaze. Over time, this iconic dessert has become synonymous with indulgent celebrations.

Poke cakes, on the other hand, are a modern invention of the 1970s. Designed for simplicity, poke cakes involve strategically poking holes in a baked cake and filling them with pudding, syrup, or other creamy goodness. Combining the traditional flavors of Boston Cream Pie with the poke cake method results in a dessert that’s both nostalgic and easy to make.

Personally, I love this recipe because it blends old-school charm with modern efficiency. It’s perfect for holidays or impromptu gatherings, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, since it’s served chilled, it’s a fantastic dessert option for warmer months.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake so special. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature flavor and texture.

For the Cake:

Yellow Cake Mix: The base of our poke cake. Choose a high-quality brand for the best results. If you prefer homemade, you can make yellow cake from scratch.
Eggs, Oil, and Water: Standard ingredients for preparing the cake mix. Use room-temperature eggs for a fluffier texture.

For the Filling:

Vanilla Pudding Mix: Instant pudding is key here. It creates a creamy, sweet filling that seeps into the cake, giving it that signature poke cake experience.
Whole Milk: For rich, velvety pudding. You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.

For the Topping:

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These melt beautifully for the ganache topping. You can also use dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
Heavy Cream: Helps create a silky ganache. Be sure to use fresh cream for the best texture.

If you’re looking to customize, you can swap vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding or add a layer of whipped cream between the pudding and ganache for extra flair. Don’t forget to pick up your favorite sprinkles or crushed nuts if you want to jazz up the topping!

Equipment Needed

The beauty of this recipe is that it requires minimal equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

9×13 Baking Dish: Perfect for baking and assembling the poke cake.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To prepare the cake batter and pudding.
Wooden Spoon or Skewer: Use this to poke holes in the cake evenly.
Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate ganache.
Rubber Spatula: Handy for spreading the ganache smoothly over the cake.

If you don’t have a mixer, a whisk and some elbow grease will do! And if you’re missing a baking dish, disposable aluminum pans work as a quick substitute.

Preparation Method

Ready to get started? Follow these step-by-step instructions for the perfect Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake.

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix with eggs, oil, and water according to package instructions. Use a hand mixer for a smooth consistency.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
Poke the cake: Use a wooden spoon handle or skewer to poke holes evenly across the cake. Make sure the holes go all the way to the bottom.
Prepare the pudding: Whisk the vanilla pudding mix with milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour the pudding over the cake, filling the holes thoroughly. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Make the ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted and glossy.
Top the cake: Spread the ganache evenly over the chilled cake. Return the cake to the fridge to set the ganache for at least 30 minutes.
Serve: Slice and enjoy your decadent dessert!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some pro tips to ensure your Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake turns out perfectly:

Don’t skip the cooling: Let the cake cool completely before adding pudding to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly and the cake bake more uniformly.
Be generous with poking: The more holes, the better the pudding will seep into the cake, creating that signature texture.
Chill before serving: Chilling helps the flavors meld together beautifully and gives the ganache time to set.

Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way that rushing through the cooling process leads to a less-than-perfect cake. Take your time—it’s worth it!

Variations & Adaptations

Feeling adventurous? Try these variations:

Chocolate Lovers: Swap yellow cake for chocolate cake and vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding.
Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk for the pudding and coconut cream for the ganache.
Seasonal Twist: Add a layer of fresh strawberries or raspberries between the pudding and ganache for a fruity touch.

One time, I added crushed toffee bits on top of the ganache, and it was a total hit! Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this cake chilled for the best flavor. Slice it into squares and plate with a drizzle of extra ganache or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 320
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g

While this dessert isn’t exactly low-calorie, it’s a great treat for special occasions. The pudding adds calcium, and dark chocolate provides antioxidants. If you’re looking to lighten it up, use sugar-free pudding or a reduced-fat cake mix.

Conclusion

This Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and offers a delightful twist on a beloved classic. I love making this for family gatherings because it’s always a hit—and I get to enjoy the leftovers!

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment below or share a photo on social media with your personal tweaks. Happy baking, friends!

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake is actually best made a day ahead so the flavors have time to meld together.

What can I use instead of yellow cake mix?

You can make a homemade yellow cake or substitute with white cake mix for a slightly lighter flavor.

How do I prevent the ganache from being too thick?

If it’s too thick, add a splash of warm cream and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

Absolutely! Homemade pudding works beautifully but may take a little extra time.

What toppings go well with this cake?

Try whipped cream, crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even caramel drizzle for a fun twist!