Recipe

Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

Updated on 4 min read

Quick Description

A moist yellow cake filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with a rich chocolate ganache. This version keeps the indulgent flavor of the classic dessert but can be adapted into a lighter or high-protein option so you can enjoy it guilt-free.

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 12 slices
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: About 3 hours
  • WW Points (optional): 6–7 per slice (classic version) | 4–5 with protein swaps

Ingredients List

For the Cake

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: usually eggs, oil, water)
  • OR homemade: 1 cup oat flour, ½ cup almond flour, 2 scoops vanilla protein powder, 2 eggs, ½ cup Greek yogurt, ½ cup almond milk, 1 tsp vanilla, ½ tsp baking powder

For the Filling

  • 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups cold skim milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • Optional: 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (for higher protein)

For the Ganache Topping

  • 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (or sugar-free chocolate chips)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

Instructions

  1. Bake Cake – Prepare cake mix according to box instructions (or use protein cake base). Bake in 9×13” pan until golden.
  2. Cool & Poke Holes – Let cake cool slightly. Using a wooden spoon handle, poke holes all over the surface.
  3. Prepare Pudding – In a bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk (and optional protein powder) until smooth. Let thicken 5 minutes.
  4. Fill Cake – Pour pudding over cake, spreading so it fills all the holes. Chill 1–2 hours.
  5. Make Ganache – Heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  6. Top Cake – Spread ganache evenly over chilled cake. Return to fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Additional Notes

  • Poke the cake while still warm so pudding seeps in better.
  • Chill overnight for the best texture.
  • Use sugar-free pudding and chocolate to lower calories.

Dietary Info

  • Classic: indulgent dessert, higher in carbs
  • High-Protein Option: swap base for protein cake mix + add whey to pudding
  • Keto-Friendly Option: almond flour cake, sugar-free pudding mix, sugar-free chocolate ganache
  • Vegetarian-Friendly

Brief Introduction

Boston Cream Pie is a beloved classic, but turning it into a poke cake makes it simple, quick, and perfect for gatherings. The layers of moist cake, creamy custard, and rich chocolate create a trifecta of textures and flavors that satisfy any sweet craving. (Here I can expand into storytelling about nostalgia, bakery cakes, and making guilt-free swaps—about 1,000+ words if you want lanthy length.)

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide (Expanded)

Each step can be broken into mini-tutorials—how to mix protein cake batter, tips for lump-free pudding, how to make silky ganache without splitting, etc. (~1,500 words possible expansion).

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Cake: why oat flour adds fiber vs almond flour for keto.
  • Pudding: how protein powder thickens custard.
  • Ganache: heavy cream vs coconut cream for dairy-free.
  • Sweeteners: erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia blends. (~1,500 words expansion).

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Strawberry Boston Cream Cake (layer sliced strawberries under pudding)
  • Mocha Cream Cake (add espresso to ganache)
  • Peanut Butter Boston Cream (swirl peanut butter into pudding layer)
  • Serve chilled, with berries, or portion into jars for meal prep. (~1,000 words expansion).

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Store covered in fridge up to 4 days.
  • Can be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.
  • Pudding layer should always stay refrigerated. (~500 words expansion).

FAQs

  1. Can I use sugar-free pudding mix? Yes—just check consistency, as it sets faster.
  2. How do I prevent ganache from cracking? Chill gently, don’t freeze quickly.
  3. Can I make it gluten-free? Use almond/oat flour mix or a gluten-free cake mix.
  4. What protein powder works best? Whey blends or casein for creaminess. (~800–1,000 words expansion).

Optional Personal Story

“This was the first dessert I ever brought to a family dinner after switching to high-protein eating—it shocked everyone when I told them it had protein powder in it!” (~800 words).

Call-to-Action

“Save this Boston Cream Poke Cake recipe for your next family dinner or weekend treat! Share with a friend who loves chocolate and cream, and join my High-Protein Lifestyle group for more recipes.”

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