Chocolate Strawberry Boston Cream Delight
Indulge in a delicious fusion of flavors with this Chocolate Strawberry Boston Cream Delight! This easy-to-make dessert combines the classic elements of Boston Cream Pie with a fun twist of fresh strawberries. Perfect for family gatherings or impressing guests, this recipe features a moist yellow cake, a luscious vanilla pudding filling, and a rich chocolate glaze. The addition of in-season strawberries adds a refreshing burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. This delightful dessert is sure to become a favorite in your home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jiffy yellow cake mix
1 (9 ounce) package (Prepare according to package directions.)
Vanilla instant pudding mix
1 (3.5 ounce) package (Prepare with milk and half-and-half, as directed.)
Milk
1 cup (Used for pudding mix preparation.)
Half-and-half cream
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (Used for pudding and glaze.)
Ghirardelli dark chocolate
1.5 ounces (Melt for glaze.)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (Melt for glaze.)
Powdered sugar
1/4 cup (Mix into the glaze.)
Vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon (Add to the glaze.)
Sliced strawberries (optional)
In-season, as desired (Layer over the pudding filling, if using.)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chocolate Strawberry Boston Cream Delight?
It is a fusion dessert that combines the classic elements of a Boston Cream Pie—yellow cake, vanilla pudding, and chocolate glaze—with the addition of fresh, seasonal strawberries.
What kind of cake is used for the base?
The recipe uses a moist yellow cake, specifically suggesting a 9-ounce package of Jiffy yellow cake mix.
How are the strawberries incorporated into the recipe?
Fresh sliced strawberries are layered directly over the vanilla pudding filling before the chocolate glaze is added.
What type of pudding is used in the filling?
The filling is made using a 3.5 ounce package of vanilla instant pudding mix.
What ingredients are needed for the chocolate glaze?
The glaze consists of Ghirardelli dark chocolate, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and half-and-half cream.
Can I use a different brand of cake mix?
Yes, while the recipe suggests Jiffy, any standard yellow cake mix can be used as long as it is prepared according to its package directions.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as an easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for family gatherings or impressing guests.
What kind of chocolate is recommended for the topping?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1.5 ounces of Ghirardelli dark chocolate for a rich flavor.
How should I prepare the pudding?
Prepare the vanilla instant pudding mix using 1 cup of milk and 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of half-and-half as directed.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, but you can use salted butter if that is what you have on hand; it may slightly alter the flavor of the glaze.
Are the strawberries mandatory?
The strawberries are listed as optional, but they provide a refreshing burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream.
What is the role of half-and-half in this recipe?
Half-and-half is used in both the preparation of the vanilla pudding and to create a smooth, creamy chocolate glaze.
How much powdered sugar is in the glaze?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of powdered sugar to be mixed into the chocolate glaze.
Do I need to melt the chocolate?
Yes, the dark chocolate and butter should be melted together to form the base of the glaze.
Is this dessert suitable for a large group?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and ideal for gatherings or sweet treats for several people.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh, in-season strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but thawed and drained frozen strawberries can be used.
What flavor extract is added to the glaze?
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the glaze to enhance the chocolate flavor.
How do I assemble the dessert?
Bake the cake, top it with the prepared pudding, add a layer of sliced strawberries, and finish with the chocolate glaze.
Is this recipe considered a cake or a pie?
While it is inspired by Boston Cream Pie, it is functionally a layered cake dessert.
Should the cake be cooled before adding the pudding?
Yes, for the best results, ensure the yellow cake is cooled before layering the pudding to prevent it from melting or becoming too runny.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter topping, though the dark chocolate provides a nice contrast to the sweet pudding.
Is there a specific way to prepare the cake mix?
The cake mix should be prepared exactly according to the instructions on the package.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, which helps the layers set properly.
How should leftovers be stored?
Because it contains pudding, dairy, and fresh fruit, it should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Is the pudding cooked or instant?
The recipe specifically calls for instant vanilla pudding mix for quick and easy preparation.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
While the exact count depends on slice size, a standard 9-ounce cake mix typically serves 6 to 8 people.
What makes the filling 'luscious'?
The combination of instant pudding mix with both milk and half-and-half creates a richer, creamier texture than milk alone.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, heavy cream will make the pudding and glaze even richer, though the consistency may be slightly thicker.
Is this a good dessert for summer?
Yes, especially when strawberries are in-season, as it provides a refreshing fruit element to a classic treat.
Can I add other berries?
While the recipe focuses on strawberries, you could certainly add raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry version.