Prepare to delight your taste buds with the easiest and most decadent Oreo Poke Cake you’ll ever make! This dessert is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring a rich, moist chocolate cake generously soaked in a creamy cookies and cream pudding, then crowned with a light and fluffy whipped topping loaded with crushed Oreos. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings together the classic comfort of chocolate cake with the irresistible crunch and flavor of everyone’s favorite cookie.
Easy Oreo Poke Cake Recipe: A Chocolate & Cookies & Cream Dream
There’s a special magic that happens when chocolate and Oreos come together, creating a flavor combination that’s universally loved. Our Easy Oreo Poke Cake recipe takes this beloved pairing to new heights, delivering a dessert that’s not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably simple to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed for success, yielding a moist, flavorful cake that looks as impressive as it tastes.
My recent obsession with all things Oreo began with an incredible sale on these iconic cookies. Stocking up on way too many packages meant one thing: it was time to get creative in the kitchen! This delicious poke cake is just one of the fantastic recipes born from that baking spree. If you’re as obsessed with Oreos as I am, you might also enjoy my delightful Oreo Fluff and these wonderfully chewy Oreo Rice Krispie Treats. Stay tuned, because there are even more Oreo-inspired delights coming your way soon!
If you’re a fan of the delightful “poke cake” concept – cakes that are literally poked with holes and filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture – then you’re in for a treat. Beyond this Oreo sensation, I highly recommend exploring our epic Banana Pudding Poke Cake and the vibrant Strawberry Poke Cake for more delicious variations of this beloved dessert style.
What Exactly is an Oreo Poke Cake?
A poke cake is a magical dessert that starts with a baked cake – often a sheet cake – into which holes are poked all over its surface. These holes are then filled with a liquid or semi-liquid mixture, such as pudding, jello, condensed milk, or caramel. The liquid seeps into the cake, making it incredibly moist, flavorful, and tender. In our Oreo Poke Cake, the classic chocolate cake is infused with a rich Oreo Cookies and Cream instant pudding, transforming every bite into a symphony of creamy chocolate goodness. The final touch is a generous layer of whipped topping studded with more crushed Oreos, sealing the deal on this ultimate cookies and cream dream.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Oreo Poke Cake
- Effortlessly Delicious: Starting with a boxed cake mix makes this recipe incredibly simple, saving you time without compromising on flavor. It’s perfect for busy schedules!
- Ultimate Cookies and Cream Flavor: If you adore Oreos, this cake is for you. Every element, from the pudding to the topping, is bursting with that iconic cookies and cream taste.
- Incredibly Moist: The pudding mixture seeps into the poked holes, ensuring a cake that’s supremely moist and tender, never dry.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, a potluck, or just a weeknight treat, this cake is always a hit and easily feeds a crowd.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake actually tastes better after chilling, making it an ideal dessert to prepare a day in advance, reducing stress on the day of your event.
- Customizable: While fantastic as is, this recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity, allowing for various flavor adjustments and extra toppings.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate Oreo Poke Cake
Crafting this incredible Oreo Poke Cake requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:
- Chocolate Cake Mix + Ingredients needed according to the box (Typically oil, eggs, and water): The foundation of our poke cake! You can use any brand or type of chocolate cake mix you prefer – classic chocolate, Devil’s Food, or even a rich dark chocolate mix will work wonderfully. Follow the package directions precisely for baking. For an extra boost of flavor and moisture, some bakers swear by adding an extra egg or substituting coffee for water in the mix.
- Oreo Cookies and Cream Instant Pudding Mix: This is the star of our poke cake’s infusion! Look for it in the baking or dessert aisle with other instant pudding mixes. Its distinct flavor is crucial. Pro Tip: If you can’t find the Cookies and Cream flavor, a vanilla instant pudding or even cheesecake instant pudding mixed with some finely crushed Oreos (about 1 cup) makes an excellent substitute.
- Milk: Used to prepare the instant pudding. Any regular dairy milk (whole, 2%, 1%) will work. I haven’t personally tested this recipe with non-dairy alternatives, so I recommend sticking to dairy milk for the best consistency of the pudding.
- Oreo Cookies: These provide the iconic crunch and flavor for our delicious topping. While original or Double Stuff Oreos are my go-to, feel free to experiment with different Oreo flavors like Mint, Golden, or Peanut Butter for a unique twist.
- Cool Whip Frozen Whipped Topping: The creamy, light topping that pulls it all together. Remember to plan ahead and allow your Cool Whip to defrost thoroughly in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before you plan to assemble the cake. This ensures it’s smooth and easy to spread. For more dessert ideas, explore all our Cool Whip Recipes.
Essential Equipment for Baking Success
Having the right tools makes baking this Oreo Poke Cake even more enjoyable and ensures a smooth process:
- 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: This is the standard size for a sheet cake and perfect for feeding a crowd. Its rectangular shape makes slicing and serving easy.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for preparing your cake batter. We’re particularly fond of a glass batter bowl with a handle, as it makes mixing ingredients much easier and keeps the bowl stable on the counter.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: You’ll need this for preparing both the pudding mixture and, later, for combining the remaining pudding with the whipped topping. Ensure it’s large enough to comfortably hold all ingredients to prevent spills and messes during mixing.
- Whisk or Spatula: Choose your preferred tool for mixing the cake batter, blending the pudding, and spreading the whipped topping evenly.
- Wooden Spoon: The rounded end of a wooden spoon is truly the perfect kitchen tool for creating evenly spaced and appropriately sized holes in your cake, allowing the pudding to penetrate beautifully.
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray: A quick spray before adding your cake batter ensures easy release of the cake from the pan, preventing it from sticking.
- Aluminum Foil or Cake Cover: Necessary for covering the cake while it chills in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and preventing it from absorbing other fridge odors.
- Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety first! Always use reliable, heat-resistant potholders when handling hot baking dishes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Oreo Poke Cake
Follow these simple instructions to create your show-stopping Oreo Poke Cake:
Oreo Poke Cake Recipe
Delicious easy Oreo Pudding Poke Cake is the perfect moist chocolate cake covered in Oreo pudding and cool whip. Great for potlucks, birthday parties, and family dinners.
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Refrigeration: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 164 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 1 Chocolate Cake Mix plus ingredients needed to make the cake (e.g., eggs, oil, water).
- 4.2 Ounce Oreo Cookies and Cream instant Pudding
- 2 cups Milk
- 18 Oreo Cookies Crushed
- 8 Ounce Cool Whip (thawed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Prepare your 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it or spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the directions on the box. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for the recommended time, usually 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven. While it’s still warm, use the round handle end of a wooden spoon (or a fork, for smaller holes) to poke holes all over the cake, making sure to go at least halfway down into the cake. Aim for an even distribution of holes to allow the pudding to soak in thoroughly.
- While the cake cools slightly, prepare the Oreo pudding mixture. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Oreo Cookies and Cream Instant Pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture just begins to thicken. It should still be pourable but not watery.
- Carefully pour about half of the prepared Oreo pudding mix over the warm, poked cake. Use a spatula to gently spread the pudding evenly across the top, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. The warmth of the cake helps the pudding soak in beautifully.
- Cover the cake with aluminum foil or a snug-fitting cake cover and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This crucial step allows the pudding to fully set and infuse moisture into the cake, creating that signature poke cake texture.
- After the chilling period, retrieve the cake. In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the remaining half of the Oreo pudding mixture with the thawed Cool Whip. Gently fold them together until well combined and light.
- When you are ready to serve, evenly spread the Oreo pudding and Cool Whip mixture over the top of the chilled cake.
- Just before serving, generously sprinkle the crushed Oreo cookies over the entire whipped topping. This ensures the Oreos remain crunchy and visually appealing.
- Slice and serve your delicious Oreo Poke Cake! Leftovers should be stored covered in the refrigerator.
Kitchen Tools
- 9×13 Pan
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Whisk/Spatula
- Wooden Spoon
- Non-stick spray
- Aluminum Foil
- Heat-resistant potholders
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 45
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Expert Tips for a Flawless Oreo Poke Cake
Achieving the perfect Oreo Poke Cake is simple with these expert tips:
- Preheat is Key: Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) before putting your cake in. This ensures even baking and proper rising.
- Choose Your Chocolate Cake Wisely: While any chocolate cake mix works, consider trying a German Chocolate cake mix for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor, or a Devil’s Food cake mix for an extra dark and moist result. For something truly unique, you could even use a red velvet cake mix for a stunning visual and flavor contrast.
- Bake According to Box Directions: Regardless of your chosen cake mix, stick to the package instructions for baking time and temperature. Cake mixes are formulated to be easy, so trust the process!
- Poking for Perfection: The end of a wooden spoon is ideal for creating the holes. Aim to push it at least 50% down into the cake. This depth ensures the pudding soaks all the way through, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful chocolate poke cake. Don’t be shy; more holes mean more pudding infusion!
- Warm Cake, Easy Holes: It’s easiest to poke holes in a warm, freshly baked cake. The cake is softer and less likely to crumble, allowing for clean, defined holes.
- Even Pudding Spread: When pouring the pudding, use a spatula to gently and evenly spread it over the entire surface of the cake, paying attention to the corners. This guarantees every piece gets a fair share of that delicious, creamy infusion.
- Crushing Oreos: You have options! For larger, more textural chunks that really stand out in the topping, place Oreos in a sturdy ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin or by hand. If you prefer a finer crumb, a food processor works quickly and efficiently.
- Pudding Substitutions: If the Oreo pudding mix is elusive, don’t fret! Vanilla or cheesecake flavored instant pudding mixes are excellent alternatives. Simply prepare them as directed and then stir in a generous amount of finely crushed Oreos (about 1 cup) to recreate that cookies and cream magic. Alternatively, you can omit the Oreos from the pudding and just sprinkle them generously on top of the finished cake.
- Patience is a Virtue (and Essential for Chill Time): Allow at least 2 hours for the cake to cool and set in the refrigerator. This isn’t just about chilling; it’s vital for the pudding mixture to fully soak into the cake, creating its moist, integrated texture. Rushing this step will impact the final result.
- Fresh & Crunchy Topping: For the best texture, sprinkle the crushed Oreos over the whipped cream topping just before serving. This prevents them from getting soggy and ensures that satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Make It Ahead: This cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert! Preparing it a day in advance allows the pudding to deeply penetrate the cake, intensifying the flavors and moisture. This also saves you stress, making it perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or any event where you need a delicious dessert ready to go.
- Storage: Any leftover cake should be stored covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Creative Variations & Customizations
While fantastic on its own, this Oreo Poke Cake is also a wonderful canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors:
- Extra Decadence: For a truly indulgent treat, fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the whipped topping or drizzle the finished cake with chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or even a white chocolate ganache.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a hint of almond extract to your cake batter for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Alternative Toppings: Instead of just crushed Oreos, consider adding chocolate shavings, mini M&M’s, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
- Different Cake Flavors: While chocolate is classic, imagine a Yellow Cake with Oreo pudding, or a Peanut Butter Cake for a chocolate-peanut butter-Oreo explosion!
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer topping, you could use a homemade cream cheese frosting instead of Cool Whip, then mix in crushed Oreos.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This Oreo Poke Cake is best served chilled. Its rich flavors and moist texture are truly highlighted when cold. When storing the cake in the refrigerator, especially during its crucial resting period, ensure there’s ample space for the pan. Protect the whipped topping by covering the dish with aluminum foil or a cake dome, making sure nothing can fall on it or press down on the topping. While the topping is resilient and can often be smoothed out if bumped, a little careful placement ensures it stays pristine.
More Great Easy Dessert Recipes
If you loved this easy poke cake, be sure to explore more of our fantastic and simple dessert recipes:
- No Bake Oreo Cheesecake
- Kool Aid Pie Recipe
- Pineapple Angel Food Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
- Lemon Jello Cake
- Nutella Mug Cake
- Dunkaroo Dip
And for more inspiration, check out all of our Chocolate Cake Mix Recipes!
Do you love exploring new recipes? Dive into our delicious copy cat recipes, discover more mouth-watering dessert recipes, and find comforting meals among our Crock Pot Recipes.
This Easy Oreo Poke Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and irresistible flavors. With its moist chocolate cake, creamy Oreo pudding, and crunchy cookies and cream topping, it promises to be a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Bake one today and experience the joy!