Boston Cream Poke Cake
Boston Cream Poke Cake is a quick and easy dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base infused with creamy vanilla custard and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze. This classic flavor combination delivers a bakery-quality treat that’s perfect for any occasion, with simple ingredients and effortless preparation.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free cake mix is used)
Chocolate Cake Base
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake batter)
Vanilla Custard Filling
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (about 3.4 oz)
- 2 cups cold milk
Chocolate Glaze
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the box instructions or your homemade recipe. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake as directed until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
- Poke the Cake: When the cake is slightly cooled but still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke evenly spaced holes all over the surface. This allows the pudding to soak in and infuse the cake with creamy custard.
- Add the Vanilla Pudding: Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk until thickened. Pour the pudding evenly over the poke holes, pressing down gently so it seeps into the cake. Refrigerate the cake until the pudding is fully set and the cake is cool, about 2 hours.
- Prepare the Chocolate Glaze: Melt the chocolate chips and butter together using a microwave or double boiler. Stir in powdered sugar and milk until the glaze is smooth, glossy, and pourable. Spread the glaze evenly over the chilled cake.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the glaze to firm up slightly. Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Gently poke holes evenly spaced but not too large to keep the cake structure intact.
- Use cold pudding to avoid melting the cake texture when pouring over.
- Adjust glaze thickness with milk or powdered sugar for easy spreading and firm set.
- Allow sufficient chilling time for layers to meld and set properly.
- Use a warm knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for clean cake slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Boston cream poke cake, chocolate poke cake, vanilla pudding cake, easy chocolate dessert, poke cake