Decadent Boston Cream Poke Cake with Chocolate Ganache and Vanilla Pudding

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Boston Cream Poke Cake, a delightful twist on the classic treat

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Decadent Boston Cream Poke Cake with Chocolate Ganache and Vanilla Pudding
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Storing Leftovers:
If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the moisture and flavor of the cake for up to 3 days, ensuring that it remains enjoyable for later.
Cutting the Cake:
Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into squares for serving. Clean the knife between cuts to keep the slices neat and maintain the ganache's smooth appearance.
Garnishing the Cake:
Before serving, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top. This not only adds presentation value but also enhances the eating experience with added textures and flavors.
Refrigerating the Cake:
Chilling the cake is vital for the pudding and ganache to set properly. Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld and enhances the cake's overall taste.
Making the Ganache:
To achieve the perfect ganache, heat the cream until it simmers, then pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit. This method allows the chips to melt slowly, creating a smooth and glossy sauce that beautifully coats the cake.
Preparing the Pudding:
Whisking the instant pudding mix with cold milk must be done vigorously to prevent lumps. Once the pudding thickens, spread it evenly over the poked cake to fill the holes, ensuring every slice is bursting with creamy goodness.
Poking the Cake:
Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes in the cake after it cools. This technique allows the pudding to seep into the cake, enhancing its flavor and moisture level. Take care to make the holes evenly spaced for best results.
Mixing the Batter:
Combining the dry and wet ingredients is crucial for a successful cake. Start by blending the dry cake mix with water, oil, and eggs at medium speed. This aerates the batter, giving it volume which results in a light and airy cake.
Decadent Boston Cream Poke Cake with Chocolate Ganache and Vanilla Pudding

The Complete Guide to Mastering Decadent Boston Cream Poke Cake

Storing Leftovers:
If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the moisture and flavor of the cake for up to 3 days, ensuring that it remains enjoyable for later.
Cutting the Cake:
Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into squares for serving. Clean the knife between cuts to keep the slices neat and maintain the ganache's smooth appearance.
Garnishing the Cake:
Before serving, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top. This not only adds presentation value but also enhances the eating experience with added textures and flavors.
Refrigerating the Cake:
Chilling the cake is vital for the pudding and ganache to set properly. Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld and enhances the cake's overall taste.
Making the Ganache:
To achieve the perfect ganache, heat the cream until it simmers, then pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit. This method allows the chips to melt slowly, creating a smooth and glossy sauce that beautifully coats the cake.
Preparing the Pudding:
Whisking the instant pudding mix with cold milk must be done vigorously to prevent lumps. Once the pudding thickens, spread it evenly over the poked cake to fill the holes, ensuring every slice is bursting with creamy goodness.
Poking the Cake:
Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes in the cake after it cools. This technique allows the pudding to seep into the cake, enhancing its flavor and moisture level. Take care to make the holes evenly spaced for best results.
Mixing the Batter:
Combining the dry and wet ingredients is crucial for a successful cake. Start by blending the dry cake mix with water, oil, and eggs at medium speed. This aerates the batter, giving it volume which results in a light and airy cake.
Pro Chef Secrets
This cake pairs beautifully with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
You can prepare the pudding and ganache ahead of time, allowing for quicker assembly on the day you serve.
Consider adding a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries between the cake and pudding for extra flavor.
For an elegant look, use a cake stand and garnish with fresh mint leaves alongside the whipped cream.
Decadent Boston Cream Poke Cake with Chocolate Ganache and Vanilla Pudding

Decadent Boston Cream Poke Cake with Chocolate Ganache and Vanilla Pudding

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Boston Cream Poke Cake, a delightful twist on the classic treat. This cake is made with moist vanilla cake, rich chocolate ganache, and luscious vanilla pudding, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that are both sweet and creamy. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures—soft cake combined with velvety pudding and shiny ganache. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or family gatherings, this cake will surely impress your guests and bring smiles to faces. Imagine the joy of inviting loved ones to share in the delight of a homemade dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its nostalgic appeal, this cake evokes cherished memories of happy celebrations and sweet moments. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or a cozy holiday dinner, this Boston Cream Poke Cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.

Decadent Boston Cream Poke Cake with Chocolate Ganache and Vanilla Pudding
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Ingredients

For the Cake:
01
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) - for a moist and fluffy base.
02
1 cup water - helps to create the perfect batter consistency.
03
1/3 cup vegetable oil - adds moisture and richness.
04
3 large eggs - binds the ingredients and adds structure.
For the Pudding Filling:
05
1 box vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 oz) - provides the creamy filling.
06
2 cups cold milk - necessary for preparing the pudding.
For the Chocolate Ganache:
07
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - rich flavor for the ganache.
08
1/2 cup heavy cream - ensures a smooth and glossy finish.
For Topping:
09
Whipped cream (optional) - to garnish and add lightness.
10
Chocolate shavings (optional) - for added visual appeal.

Instructions

01
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
02
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well blended and smooth.
03
Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
04
Step 4: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
05
Step 5: Once cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
06
Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Pour the pudding evenly over the poked cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
07
Step 7: For the ganache, place chocolate chips in a bowl. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes.
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Step 8: Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring it over the pudding layer.
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Step 9: Spread the ganache evenly over the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
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Step 10: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the ganache to set.
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Step 11: If desired, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving.
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Step 12: Slice into squares and enjoy this delectable treat with family and friends!