If you’re a fan of cookies and cream desserts, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Oreo Poke Cake Recipe. Imagine a rich, moist chocolate cake filled with luscious vanilla pudding, generously studded with crunchy Oreo bits, and topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This cake is like a party in every bite and makes for a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether it’s a family gathering, birthday, or just a treat-yourself moment, this Oreo Poke Cake Recipe will quickly become your go-to crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a key role in delivering the delightful tastes and textures that make this cake irresistible. From the fudgy chocolate base to the creamy filling and crunchy cookie bits, every component is essential to achieving that perfect balance.
- Chocolate cake mix: Provides a moist, chocolatey foundation without any fuss, perfect for soaking up the pudding.
- Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients together for structure and tenderness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft.
- Water: Helps create the right batter consistency for a fluffy cake.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds a creamy, smooth layer that seeps into the cake through the poked holes.
- Whole milk: Necessary for preparing the pudding, lending richness and flavor.
- Cream cheese: Brings tang and silkiness to the frosting, balancing the sweetness.
- Whipped topping: Lightens the cream cheese frosting for a fluffy finish.
- Crushed Oreos: Adds signature crunch and chocolatey bits throughout, plus more for an irresistible topping.
How to Make Oreo Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a rectangular baking dish to prevent sticking. This step ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily once done.
Step 2: Mix and Bake
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth and fully blended. Pour this rich batter into your prepared dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The chocolate aroma that fills your kitchen will have you eagerly awaiting the next steps.
Step 3: Poke the Cake
Once slightly cooled, it’s time to poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon or a sturdy straw. These holes are essential—they’re what make this recipe so magical by allowing the vanilla pudding to seep in and infuse every bite with creamy goodness.
Step 4: Add the Vanilla Pudding
Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with whole milk until thick and luscious. Pour this pudding evenly all over the poked cake. The pudding will slowly soak into the cake, infusing it with moisture and flavor in the most indulgent way.
Step 5: Chill the Cake
Pop the pudding-drizzled cake into the refrigerator for at least two hours. Chilling not only lets the flavors meld but also helps the pudding set perfectly within the cake’s texture, making every slice wonderfully creamy and tender.
Step 6: Frost with Cream Cheese and Oreos
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then gently fold in the whipped topping and crushed Oreos. This frosting layer is creamy, slightly tangy, and packed with Oreo crunch. Spread it generously over your chilled cake for a stunning finish that tastes as incredible as it looks.
How to Serve Oreo Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra crushed Oreos on top for a little visual flair and added texture. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or bits of white chocolate for a fun contrast. Fresh mint leaves or a few whole Oreos on each slice deliver a charming touch that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
When serving this decadent cake, keep sides light and simple. A bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors perfectly. A cup of hot coffee or a cold glass of milk also works wonders to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your Oreo Poke Cake Recipe presentation? Try serving it in individual clear cups or small jars for a trendy dessert parfait vibe. Layer cake cubes with pudding and frosting, then top with crushed Oreos for a handy, crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s a playful twist that’s perfect for parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and moist for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of chances to savor every last crumb without loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
This cake can also be frozen, though the texture of the pudding layer may change slightly. Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain its moist and creamy charm.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served chilled, reheating isn’t usually recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave can soften the frosting, but be careful not to heat too long or the pudding may become runny. Enjoy it at room temperature for the best balance.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix in the Oreo Poke Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe, just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold up once poked and pudding is poured on. The box mix works for convenience, but homemade will add a personal touch.
What if I don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix?
If you can’t find instant pudding mix, you can make a quick homemade pudding using cornstarch, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Just make sure it’s thick enough to pour but not too runny to avoid sogginess.
Can I use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives for milk and cream cheese?
Yes, substitutions are possible, but be aware they might slightly alter taste and texture. Non-dairy cream cheese and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk work, offering a dairy-free option for those with dietary restrictions.
How long does the Oreo Poke Cake Recipe take to make?
From start to finish, it’s about an hour of active prep and baking time, plus at least two hours chilling. Planning ahead and making it the day before serving works perfectly to have all flavors well developed.
Can I add other mix-ins to the frosting?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or even a swirl of peanut butter to the cream cheese frosting. These little additions can personalize the cake and add extra fun textures and flavor bursts.
Final Thoughts
This Oreo Poke Cake Recipe is a total delight that brings together all the best parts of dessert: moist chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and crunchy Oreos topped with fluffy frosting. It’s a recipe that makes baking feel joyful and rewarding, and I promise this cake will win hearts every time you serve it. So go ahead and give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite dessert!
Print
Oreo Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This indulgent Oreo Poke Cake combines a moist chocolate cake base with creamy vanilla pudding that seeps into every bite, topped with a luscious cream cheese and whipped topping frosting studded with crushed Oreos. Perfectly chilled and easy to make, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Vanilla Pudding
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups whole milk
Frosting & Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 cup crushed Oreos (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a rectangular baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, blend together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Pour this batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cake and allow it to cool slightly.
- Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes evenly throughout the cooled cake to allow the pudding to soak in.
- Prepare Pudding: Whisk the vanilla pudding mix with the whole milk until it thickens, then pour this evenly over the poked cake, filling the holes and flavoring the cake.
- Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the pudding-covered cake for at least two hours so the flavors meld and the pudding sets.
- Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping and crushed Oreos to create a creamy, cookie-studded frosting.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake, then sprinkle additional crushed Oreos on top for extra texture and decoration.
Notes
- This cake is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter option, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Make sure the cake is cool before poking holes to avoid breaking it apart.
- Feel free to add a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top for extra decadence.
