Boston Cream Poke Cake Mix Recipe

Boston Cream Poke Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that brings together the classic flavors of Boston cream pie in a simple cake format. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, this cake combines a moist yellow or butter cake with creamy vanilla pudding and rich chocolate ganache. Follow this recipe to create a delicious dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow or butter cake mix
• Two 3-ounce packages of instant vanilla pudding
• 4 cups milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:
   • Mix the cake mix according to the directions on the package.
   • Cook according to the directions in a 9 x 13 baking dish.
2. Poke Holes in the Cake:
   • While the cake is still warm, poke holes in the cake one inch apart with the back of a wooden spoon all over the cake.
3. Prepare the Pudding:
   • Whisk together two boxes of instant vanilla pudding with 4 cups of milk.
   • Pour the pudding on top of the cake and into the holes. Gently tap the baking dish on the counter to help the pudding get down into the holes. If the pudding becomes thick, add 1 to 4 tablespoons of milk and stir to thin it out.
4. Refrigerate:
   • Place the cake with the pudding on it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
5. Prepare the Ganache:
   • Ingredients:
     • 1/4 cup heavy cream
     • 3 tablespoons butter
     • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (Baker’s)
     • 1 cup powdered sugar
     • 1 teaspoon vanilla
     • 1 to 3 tablespoons hot water if needed to thin icing
   • Instructions:
     • Scald the heavy cream and butter in the microwave, but do not let it boil (about 2 minutes).
     • Add 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate to the scalded milk. Stir until the chocolate is very smooth.
     • Whisk in 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
     • The icing or ganache should easily run off your spoon. If not, add 1 tablespoon of hot water at a time and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
6. Pour the Ganache:
   • After the pudding sets, pour the ganache evenly over the cake. Spread it evenly.
   • Refrigerate the cake with the pudding and icing until the ganache firms up.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Chilled Perfection: Serve the Boston Cream Poke Cake chilled for the best flavor and texture. The cold pudding and ganache create a refreshing contrast to the moist cake.
• Portion Size: Cut the cake into squares or rectangles for easy serving. This cake is rich, so smaller portions might be ideal for guests.
• Accompaniments: Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A fresh cup of coffee or tea also complements the dessert nicely.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store the Boston Cream Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator. Use plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Shelf Life: The cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together beautifully over time, making it even more delicious on the second or third day.
• Freezing: If you need to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Cut the cake into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

These serving and storage tips will help you enjoy your Boston Cream Poke Cake at its best, whether you’re serving it fresh or saving some for later.

Variations:

1. Strawberry Twist:

• Ingredients: Substitute the instant vanilla pudding with strawberry pudding mix.
• Details: Prepare the cake as instructed, but use strawberry pudding instead of vanilla. This adds a fruity twist and a lovely pink hue. For added flavor, top the ganache with fresh strawberry slices.

2. Peanut Butter Delight:

• Ingredients: Add a layer of creamy peanut butter between the cake and pudding layers.
• Details: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the cake after poking holes and before adding the pudding. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate ganache is a classic flavor pairing that adds richness and depth.

3. Coconut Dream:

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the pudding mixture and use coconut milk instead of regular milk.
• Details: Mix shredded coconut into the pudding before pouring it over the cake. Replace the milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the ganache for extra texture and flavor.

4. Lemon Zest:

• Ingredients: Use lemon pudding mix and add fresh lemon zest to the ganache.
• Details: Prepare the cake with lemon pudding instead of vanilla. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the ganache for a zesty, citrusy flavor that brightens up the dessert.

5. Caramel Drizzle:

• Ingredients: Drizzle caramel sauce over the ganache.
• Details: After the ganache has set, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top of the cake. This adds a sweet and buttery layer that complements the chocolate and vanilla flavors beautifully.

6. Mocha Madness:

• Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the chocolate ganache.
• Details: Dissolve instant coffee granules in the scalded cream and butter mixture before adding the chocolate. This gives the ganache a rich mocha flavor, perfect for coffee lovers.

7. Mint Chocolate:

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the ganache and top with crushed peppermint candies.
• Details: Mix peppermint extract into the ganache for a refreshing mint flavor. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of the ganache for a festive and crunchy touch.

8. Banana Cream:

• Ingredients: Use banana pudding mix and add sliced bananas between the cake and pudding layers.
• Details: Prepare the cake with banana pudding instead of vanilla. Layer thinly sliced bananas over the cake before adding the pudding. This creates a delicious banana cream pie-inspired dessert.

9. Toffee Crunch:

• Ingredients: Top the ganache with crushed toffee bits or Heath bars.
• Details: After the ganache has set, sprinkle crushed toffee bits or chopped Heath bars over the top. The toffee adds a delightful crunch and caramel flavor.

10. Almond Joy:

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of chopped almonds and shredded coconut to the pudding mixture.
• Details: Mix chopped almonds and shredded coconut into the pudding before pouring it over the cake. This variation is reminiscent of the classic Almond Joy candy bar, combining chocolate, coconut, and almond flavors.

These variations offer creative ways to enhance your Boston Cream Poke Cake and delight your taste buds with new flavors and textures.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer. While the traditional Boston Cream Poke Cake uses yellow or butter cake mix, chocolate, white, or even a funfetti cake mix can add a unique twist.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Boston Cream Poke Cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, allowing the cake to sit overnight in the refrigerator enhances the flavors as the pudding fully integrates into the cake.

3. How do I prevent the pudding from becoming too thick before pouring it on the cake?

Mix and pour the pudding immediately after preparing it. If it starts to thicken, you can thin it out by adding 1-4 tablespoons of milk and stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Yes, homemade pudding can be used. Just ensure it is smooth and slightly thinned out so it can seep into the holes of the cake.

5. Is there an alternative to using heavy cream in the ganache?

You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the ganache may be slightly less rich and creamy. Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the desired consistency.

6. Can I freeze Boston Cream Poke Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Cut it into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

7. Can I use chocolate frosting instead of making ganache?

Yes, you can use store-bought chocolate frosting. Microwave it until it becomes pourable and spread it over the pudding layer.

8. What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?

The handle of a wooden spoon works well for poking holes. Ensure the holes are evenly spaced about 1 inch apart to allow the pudding to soak into the cake evenly.

9. How long should the cake chill before serving?

For best results, chill the cake for at least 2 hours after adding the pudding. This allows the pudding to set and fully integrate into the cake.