So even though the word "pie" is in the name, Boston cream pie is really a cake. It was created in the 19th century when cakes and pie were made in the same pan. A Boston Cream pie is 2 layers of cake with a vanilla custard filling in the middle. Then it's topped with a delicious chocolate icing. This Boston Cream Poke Cake is a quick and easy recipe to make. You will get all the flavors of a traditional Boston Cream pie but it's a lot easier to make.