If you love a Boston Cream Pie, you've got to try this easy Boston Cream Poke Cake! A rich cake filled with vanilla pudding and topped with an easy chocolate ganache.

piece of boston cream poke cake on a plate.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Your favorite Boston Cream Pie, in cake form - Think of this recipe as a cousin of my Chocolate Eclair Dessert. It's got all of those same elements - cream vanilla filling and rich chocolate ganache in a buttery yellow cake.
Easy to make - This is so much easier than a Bostom Cream Pie! Simply bake a boxed cake mix, pour pudding over the top, and top with basic ganache.
Perfect to make ahead - If you need a recipe for a potluck or party, poke cake recipes are a go-to. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance.

Ingredients & Variations

(See recipe card at the bottom of the post for ingredient measurements.)

For Cake

yellow cake mix - Yes, we're going boxed cake mix with this one! I'm going to show you how to jazz it up. I prefer yellow cake, but vanilla or white cake mix also works well.
butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract - My secret to an amazing boxed cake mix is a few simple ingredient changes. Use butter instead of oil, milk instead of water, vanilla extract, and an extra egg. Works every time!

For Vanilla Filling

vanilla instant pudding mix - It's very important that you use the instant kind!
milk - I prefer whole milk to keep the pudding extra creamy.
half and half - this is going to make that pudding filling extra decadent! Make it lighter by using all whole milk instead.

For Chocolate Ganache

semi-sweet chocolate chips - Using semi-sweet chocolate gives the ganache a bite without being too sugary.
cocoa powder - This makes that ganache extra chocolatey and rich.
powdered sugar - Make sure to use powdered instead of granulated white sugar. Powdered sugar gives the ganache a light, smooth finish.
vanilla extract - Want to dial up the taste in any dessert? Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract - it brings out the flavors!
salt - Strangely enough, salt is another great way to bring out the flavor in sweet treats. Just a pinch is all you need.

Optional Additions & Substitutions

Use a different pudding flavor to add another flavor element. This would be great with chocolate, butterscotch, or even banana pudding mix.
Use a different cake flavor - this works with any boxed cake mix!
Add fresh fruit to the top of the ganache before serving.
If you want to make the cake even easier, you can use two jars of chocolate frosting instead of the chocolate ganache. Just microwave it for 30ish seconds and pour over the finished cake!

Check out my other poke cake recipes - Banana Pudding Poke Cake and Strawberry Banana Poke Cake are both knockout desserts! 🍰

How to Make Boston Cream Poke Cake

baked yellow sheet cake in a glass dish.

poking holes in a sheet cake with the back of a wooden spoon.

pouring pudding mixture over cake with holes.

Make the Cake - In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until the batter is smooth and well combined. Pour the batter into a 9x13" glass baking dish that's been greased with cooking spray.
Bake the cake according to the package instructions. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes.
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes across the cake, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart.
Make the Vanilla Filling - In a separate bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, 2 cups of half & half, and 2 cups of whole milk until smooth. Immediately pour this mixture evenly over the warm cake, letting it soak into the holes. A thin layer of pudding will remain on top of the cake.
Refrigerate the cake for about an hour to let the pudding set.

spreading chocolate ganache over pudding layer.

Make the Ganache - Meanwhile, prepare the ganache topping by placing chocolate chips, ½ cup of half & half, and ¼ cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Quickly pour the ganache over the chilled cake, spreading it evenly. Return the cake to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the ganache has set.

Useful Tips & Tricks

Leftovers - You should store your cake with a lid in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 3-4 days of baking.
Make sure to pour the pudding mix immediately after whisking it (before it sets). Similarly, make sure to pour the ganache immediately after whisking it.
I prefer to make this cake the night before eating it - that lets all of those yummy flavors blend together.

looking at the side of a piece of boston creme poke cake.

More Easy Cakes

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Boston Cream Poke Cake

Why You'll Love This Recipe