Boston Cream Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together simple ingredients and a comforting flavor. This cake is soft and moist, with layers of creamy goodness and sweet chocolate drizzled on top. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night at home.

Why You Will Love This Boston Cream Poke Cake
This poke cake is a joy to make and eat! It’s easy to prepare, with just a few basic ingredients. The combination of vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and chocolate frosting creates a wonderful treat. Everyone loves the creamy filling and chocolate topping, making it a hit with family and friends. This cake is also a fun dessert to prepare with kids!
How to Make Boston Cream Poke Cake
Creating this poke cake is straightforward. You’ll start by baking the cake and then poking holes in it. This allows the creamy pudding to soak in, making the cake extra moist and delicious. With just a bit of whipping and drizzling, your cake will be ready to chill and serve.
What You Need
To make Boston Cream Poke Cake, gather these ingredients:
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 package vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
Step-by-Step
Here’s how to prepare your Boston Cream Poke Cake:
- Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions and bake in a 9×13 inch pan.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes in the top with a fork.
- In a bowl, mix the vanilla pudding with milk and pour it over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks form, then spread over the cooled cake.
- Heat the chocolate frosting in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until pourable, then drizzle over the cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

How to Serve Boston Cream Poke Cake
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with some fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for added freshness. It’s perfect for birthday parties, picnics, or even a cozy family dinner. Serve it chilled for the best taste!
How to Store Boston Cream Poke Cake
To keep your poke cake fresh, store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before serving again.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to let the cake cool completely before adding the pudding.
- Use a fork to poke holes deep enough so the pudding can soak in.
- You can swap the chocolate frosting for caramel sauce for a different flavor.
- If you prefer, use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream.
Variations & Swaps
- For a chocolate version, use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
- Make it a vanilla dream by using a vanilla frosting instead of chocolate.
- If you need a gluten-free option, there are gluten-free cake mixes available.
- Add crushed nuts on top for some crunch and texture.
- You can mix in some chocolate chips into the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this cake a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze Boston Cream Poke Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake before adding the whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before you finish preparing it.
How do I reheat leftovers?
You can enjoy this cake cold, which is how it’s best served. If you prefer it warm, heat a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whipped topping or a mixture of milk and butter in a pinch.
What should I do if my cake is too dry?
Ensure you poke enough holes in the cake for the pudding to seep in. If it’s still dry, consider drizzling some milk over it before adding the whipped cream.

Boston Cream Poke Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix Follow package instructions for baking.
- 1 cup milk For mixing with pudding.
Pudding and Topping Ingredients
- 1 package vanilla pudding mix Combine with milk to soak into the cake.
- 1 cup powdered sugar For whipping cream.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream To be whipped for topping.
- 1 cup chocolate frosting Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions and bake in a 9×13 inch pan.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes in the top with a fork.
Filling
- In a bowl, mix the vanilla pudding with milk and pour it over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
Topping
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks form, then spread over the cooled cake.
- Heat the chocolate frosting in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until pourable, then drizzle over the cake.
Chilling
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
