Unleash your inner baker and treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence with our irresistible Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake recipe. This delectable dessert combines the classic flavors of Boston cream pie with the convenience of a poke cake, resulting in a heavenly treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a decadent dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the package
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 oz bag chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Instructions:
- Prepare Cake: Bake the yellow cake according to the instructions on the package in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly.
- Poke Holes: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
- Prepare Pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thickened.
- Fill Holes: Pour the pudding mixture over the warm cake, ensuring that it fills the holes and spreads evenly across the surface.
- Chill: Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the pudding to set.
- Prepare Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and well combined.
- Top Cake: Pour the chocolate ganache over the chilled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Chill Again: Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set.
- Serve: Once set, slice the Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the creamy, chocolaty goodness!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Cake Texture: For a denser cake texture, substitute butter for oil and milk for water in the cake mix.
- Additional Toppings: Garnish the cake with fresh berries, sliced almonds, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
- Fruit Variations: Experiment with different flavors of pudding, such as banana or coconut, for a fruity twist on this classic dessert.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this poke cake, use a low-carb yellow cake mix and sugar-free vanilla pudding mix. Substitute heavy cream for milk and use sugar-free chocolate chips for the ganache. Sweeten with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Low-Carb Version: Similarly, for a low-carb version, use almond flour or coconut flour in place of the cake mix. Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for the pudding, and opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for the ganache.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this cake in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the cake and pudding mixture in advance and assemble them just before serving. Store the cake covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: How long will this cake last in the refrigerator? A: This cake will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix? A: Yes, you can use homemade pudding if desired. Simply prepare the pudding according to your favorite recipe and use it to fill the holes in the cake.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: While this cake can be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert indulgence that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With its luscious layers of cake, creamy pudding filling, and rich chocolate ganache topping, it’s a dessert that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake today!