1. Bake the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box, typically 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake according to the instructions on the box, mixing the cake mix with the required ingredients, which usually include eggs, water, and oil. Once the batter is ready, pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should have a golden brown color and feel slightly firm to the touch. Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.

2. Prepare the Pudding

While the cake is baking, you can prepare the pudding. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the instant pudding mix with the amount of milk specified on the pudding box. Whisk the ingredients together until the pudding thickens, which should only take a couple of minutes. Once the pudding has thickened, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cake.

3. Make the “Poke” Holes

Once the cake has cooled for about 5 minutes, take the end of a wooden spoon or any similar utensil and use it to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. The holes should be spaced about an inch apart. Poking these holes is the key to making a “poke cake,” as it allows the pudding to seep into the cake, infusing it with flavor and making it extra moist. Don’t be afraid to poke the holes deep enough so that the pudding can really soak in.

4. Add the Pudding

Now it’s time to spread the pudding. If you like a lot of pudding, use both boxes; if you prefer a more subtle pudding filling, just use one box. Spread half of the pudding over the cake, making sure to press it into the holes you created. Use the back of a spoon to gently push the pudding into the holes so that it fills them up completely. Afterward, spread the remaining pudding over the top of the cake, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. Make sure there’s enough space at the top of the cake to allow room for the frosting. You don’t want the pudding to spill over when you add the chocolate topping.

5. Chill the Cake

After adding the pudding, place the cake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. This will allow the pudding to set properly and ensure that the cake firms up. The chilling time also allows the flavors to meld together, so it’s important to let the cake cool in the fridge before adding the frosting. This step is crucial to ensuring that your Boston Cream Poke Cake has the perfect texture and consistency.

6. Frost the Cake

Once the pudding has set, it’s time to add the frosting. You can choose between two options here: pre-made chocolate frosting or homemade chocolate ganache.

• Option 1: Pre-Made Chocolate Frosting
  If you prefer the quickest and easiest option, remove the lid from the tub of chocolate frosting and microwave it in 10-15 second intervals, stirring in between each interval. You want to heat it just enough so that it becomes pourable, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the frosting to separate. Once it’s ready, pour the frosting over the cake, spreading it evenly over the top and letting it drip over the edges.
• Option 2: Homemade Chocolate Ganache
  For a richer, more decadent option, you can make chocolate ganache. To do this, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture for 2 minutes, stirring every minute, until the chocolate is fully melted. Afterward, whisk the ganache until smooth and velvety. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to cool and thicken slightly before pouring it over the cake. The ganache will set as it cools, forming a fudgy, glossy layer on top of the pudding.

7. Chill and Serve

Once the frosting is added, return the cake to the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The chilling time allows the pudding and frosting to set properly and ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, slice the cake into generous pieces and enjoy the layers of buttery cake, creamy pudding, and rich chocolate topping. Each bite will be a delightful combination of textures, from the soft cake to the smooth pudding and the fudgy chocolate topping.