Boston Cream Poke Cake

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Boston Cream Poke Cake: A Decadent Delight!

Get ready to indulge in a slice of pure heaven with this incredible Boston Cream Poke Cake! This dessert takes the beloved flavors of classic Boston Cream Pie and transforms them into a decadent, easy-to-make cake. Imagine rich, moist cake generously infused with creamy vanilla pudding, all crowned with a glossy, luscious chocolate glaze. It’s a truly satisfying and elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

This poke cake is a fantastic dessert because it offers layers of delightful textures and flavors: the tender cake, the cool, velvety pudding soaking into every crevice, and the smooth, rich chocolate ganache tying it all together. It’s surprisingly simple to assemble but looks incredibly impressive, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, celebrations, or just a special weeknight treat. Prepare for delighted faces and empty plates!

Ingredients:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, typically eggs, oil, water)
  • 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups cold milk (for the pudding)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp corn syrup (optional, for extra shine in the ganache)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment:

  • 9×13 inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for ganache)
  • Wooden spoon or skewer (for poking holes)
  • Wire cooling rack

Instructions:

  1. Bake the Cake:

    • Preheat your oven and prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions for a 9×13 inch pan.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and bake as directed on the box.
    • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes.

  2. Poke the Cake:

    • While the cake is still warm (but not hot), use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes evenly over the entire surface of the cake. Make sure the holes go almost to the bottom but don’t pierce through the crust. Aim for about 1 inch apart.

  3. Prepare the Pudding:

    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix and 4 cups cold milk for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.
    • Immediately pour the thickened pudding evenly over the poked cake, making sure to fill all the holes. Use a spatula to gently spread it if needed.
    • Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or longer) to allow the pudding to set completely and soak into the cake.

  4. Make the Chocolate Glaze:

    • In a small saucepan, combine the 1 cup heavy cream, 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, and optional 2 tbsp corn syrup.
    • Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Alternatively, you can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the 1 tsp vanilla extract. Let the glaze cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes, so it thickens a bit but is still pourable.

  5. Glaze and Chill:

    • Once the pudding has set and the cake is chilled, pour the slightly cooled chocolate glaze evenly over the top of the cake, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
    • Return the Boston Cream Poke Cake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cake to fully absorb the pudding and the glaze to set.

  6. Serve and Enjoy!

    • Slice and serve this decadent and creamy dessert cold. Enjoy the delightful layers of cake, pudding, and glossy chocolate glaze!

Tips & Variations:

  • Cake Mix Flavor: While yellow cake mix is traditional, you could experiment with vanilla or even chocolate cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Pudding Varieties: Feel free to swap vanilla pudding for chocolate, butterscotch, or even a cream cheese-flavored instant pudding for a unique twist.
  • Extra Shine: The corn syrup in the glaze is optional, but it helps give the ganache a beautiful, professional-looking shine.
  • Garnish: For an extra touch, you could garnish individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a few chocolate shavings before serving.
  • Make Ahead: This is an excellent make-ahead dessert! In fact, it tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have melded and the pudding has fully soaked in.
  • Storage: Store any leftover Boston Cream Poke Cake, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

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