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Boston Cream Poke Cake

5 from 5 votes
This scrumptious dessert offers a harmonious blend of creamy vanilla pudding and rich chocolate ganache. With its simple steps and rewarding flavor, it's no wonder why Boston Cream Poke Cake is a favorite for many!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 495

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 box butter yellow cake mix along with ingredients mentioned on the package: vegetable oil, eggs, water
  • 6.8 ounces 2 x 3.4-ounce boxes instant vanilla pudding (note: you won't use the entire second box of pudding)
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Ganache
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Start by preparing the yellow butter cake mix according to the package's directions. Pour the batter into a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake according to the temperature and time guidelines on the cake box.
  2. Once baked, take out the cake and let it cool. When cooled, use a wooden spoon's handle to poke holes throughout the cake, spacing them roughly an inch and a half apart.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding, milk, and vanilla extract.
  4. Remember to set aside ½ cup of the pudding mixture. Then, promptly pour the remaining pudding over the cake.
  5. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for an hour.
  6. For the ganache, mix the butter, both types of chocolate chips, heavy cream, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and combined.
  7. Gently spread the ganache over the cake. For best results, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight.

Nutrition

Calories: 495kcal

Notes

  • It's easier to poke the cake while it's still a bit warm; if it cools down entirely, the crust may crumble.
  • Ensure you pour the pudding onto the cake swiftly to prevent it from setting prematurely.
  • Tapping the pan on a counter can help release air bubbles when adding the cream, ensuring it fills the holes entirely.
  • That ½ cup of pudding you set aside? It's for a reason. The cake's texture is at its prime when you do so, plus you get a treat for later!

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