Name: Oreo Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix; 1 cup water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 eggs; 2 (3.9 ounce) Instant Oreo pudding mix packages; 2 cups cold milk; 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping; 12 Oreos, crushed; Optional: Chocolate syrup for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 74 reviews

If you’re searching for an irresistible treat that combines rich chocolate, creamy pudding, and crunchy cookie bits all in one delightful dessert, this Oreo Poke Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s incredibly easy to make yet feels like a show-stopper, perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or just a cozy night in. With moist chocolate cake, luscious Oreo pudding, and a cloud of whipped topping studded with crushed Oreos, every bite promises pure joy. Let me take you through all the delicious details so you can bring this crowd-pleaser to your table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular white dish filled with a thick, even layer of white whipped cream topped with many small and large pieces of dark chocolate sandwich cookies scattered all over. The cookies vary in size, with some crushed into fine crumbs and others in bigger chunks, creating a contrast with the smooth cream beneath. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is fresh and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Oreo Poke Cake Recipe uses simple pantry staples and a few special ingredients that transform an ordinary cake into a sensational layered dessert. Each component plays a key role in balancing flavors and textures, from the moist cake base to the creamy pudding and crunchy Oreo topping.

Chocolate cake mix: The perfect foundation for moist, rich chocolate flavor and tenderness.
Water: Essential to activate the cake mix and keep the batter smooth.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and ensures a soft cake crumb.
Eggs: Bind all the ingredients and help the cake rise beautifully.
Instant Oreo pudding mix: Intensifies the Oreo flavor and creates a creamy layer that soaks into the cake.
Cold milk: Needed to whisk the pudding to the perfect silky consistency.
Whipped topping: Brings lightness and a smooth finish for the ideal contrast to the pudding.
Oreos (crushed): Add texture crunch and that unmistakable cookies-and-cream appeal.
Optional chocolate syrup: For an extra drizzle of luscious chocolate goodness when serving.

How to Make Oreo Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and lightly spraying a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray to ensure your cake won’t stick. In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and completely blended. This simple batter sets the stage for an irresistibly moist cake.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The fragrant aroma filling your kitchen will definitely have you excited for the next steps.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake about one inch apart. This step is crucial because it allows the pudding to seep deep into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful experience in every bite.

Step 4: Prepare and Pour the Pudding

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant Oreo pudding mix and cold milk until it’s silky smooth. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the poked cake, making sure it seeps into every hole. Pop the cake into the refrigerator for at least one hour to let everything set beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Whipped Topping and Finish

After chilling, spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the pudding layer to add a light, fluffy sweetness. Finally, sprinkle the crushed Oreos on top for that iconic cookies-and-cream crunch that completes this showstopping cake.

How to Serve Oreo Poke Cake Recipe

This image shows a square piece of cake on a white plate with a decorative edge. The cake has three visible layers: a dark brown chocolate base, a white creamy middle layer with pieces of cookies, and a thick white whipped cream top layer. The top is covered with crumbled and broken dark chocolate cookies with white cream filling. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a glass of milk to the upper right, a light blue plate with a ring of whole dark chocolate cookies in the background on the upper left, and a small fork with a bite-sized piece of cake holding a mix of all layers near the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Feel free to get creative with your garnishes. A drizzle of chocolate syrup over the finished cake adds an elegant touch and intensifies chocolate flavor. For an extra indulgence, you can garnish with whole mini Oreos or even some fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This Oreo Poke Cake pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness, or a cup of hot coffee or milk to mellow out the sweetness. Light fruit salads or a refreshing mint tea also complement the flavors beautifully without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake in individual clear cups for a fun layered parfait effect. Alternatively, cut it into neat squares and place them on a decorative platter sprinkled with extra crushed Oreos and chocolate curls. Your guests will love the presentation as much as the taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Oreo Poke Cake Recipe leftovers should be tightly covered and kept in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert if you want to plan ahead for any occasion.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the cake before adding the whipped topping to avoid texture changes. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add whipped topping and crushed Oreos fresh before serving.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If you want a softer texture, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. The cool creaminess is part of what makes this dessert so special.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up when poked and soaked with pudding.

Is there a non-dairy option for the pudding and whipped topping?

Yes! You can find dairy-free pudding mixes and whipped toppings made from coconut or almond milk that work just as well for this recipe.

How long should the cake chill after adding the pudding?

At least one hour is needed for the pudding to set properly inside the cake holes, but chilling it longer, even overnight, can make the cake even more flavorful and moist.

Can I use different flavored pudding?

While Oreo pudding is classic for this recipe, vanilla or chocolate puddings can also work beautifully if you want to experiment with flavors.

What’s the best way to crush Oreos for the topping?

Place Oreos in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or use a food processor for finer crumbs. Leaving some larger pieces adds delightful texture.

Final Thoughts

This Oreo Poke Cake Recipe is truly a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings so much joy with every slice. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for celebrations, giving you that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes a favorite in your dessert rotation. Happy baking and even happier eating!