Okay, picture this: a super moist, vanilla-y cake absolutely riddled with Oreo goodness, soaked in a creamy, dreamy pudding mixture, and then topped with even MORE crushed Oreos. Sounds pretty amazing, right? That’s my Oreo Poke Cake in a nutshell! It’s like a chocolate lover’s dream come true, but so much easier to make than a complicated layer cake. If you love a good cookies and cream ice cream, get ready, because this cake is about to become your new obsession. I’ve been making versions of poke cakes since I was a kid, but this Oreo version? It’s the one everyone always begs for. It’s seriously the best poke cakeI think you’re going to agree, it’s a masterpiece of deliciousness!
What is an Oreo Poke Cake?
What is an Oreo Poke Cake? These holes are then filled with a liquid, usually Sweetened Condensed Milk mixture or, in this case, water. What is a creamy pudding? The result is a moist and flavorful cake where every bite is infused with that delicious flavor. What’s the best way to give a cake spa treatment? How do you add crushed Oreos to a cake? As a topping, delivering that classic cookie and cream taste. Is it really genius?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to adore this Oreo Poke Cake, but let me just highlight a few of my favorites. First off, the flavor is absolutely incredible. We’re talking rich vanilla cake combined with the irresistible crunch and chocolatey goodness of Oreos. It’s a match made in dessert heaven! What I love most about this is how unbelievably easy it is to make. Seriously, even if you’re a baking newbie, you can totally nail this recipe. It starts with a simple cake mix (yes, I said it!), which cuts down on prep time and makes it a lifesaver when you need a dessert in a pinch. My kids always ask for this when they need to bring something to school.
Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficient. The ingredients are all pretty standard and affordable, especially if you already have a few pantry staples on hand. And let’s not forget about versatility! You can easily customize this cake with different flavors of pudding, toppings, or even add a layer of whipped cream. I tested it with almond milk instead of regular milk once, and it was surprisingly even creamier! Honestly, this cake rivals any fancy bakery dessert, and it’s way more satisfying to make yourself. Trust me, this Oreo Poke Cake is a total crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
How do you make Oreo Poke Cake?
Quick Overview
Making this Oreo Poke Cake is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by baking a simple cake, then poking holes all over it. Next comes the magic – pouring a creamy pudding mixture into those holes so the cake soaks up all that delicious flavor. Finally, you’ll top it with whipped topping and even more crushed Oreos for the ultimate cookies and cream experience. The best part? It’s almost impossible to mess up. It’s all about layering those flavors and textures for a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive. This will become your go to for bringing to parties!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla Cake Mix: I like Betty Crocker, but I usually grab a little more water. * 1 1/4 cups water: 1 cup water = 1 tsp. Just good old tap water works perfectly. Canola oil is a good substitute for vegetable oil. If you’re eating crushed oreos, make sure it’s at room temperature for the best results. About 12-15 cookies, finely crushed.
For the Filling:
* 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix: Again, any brand is fine, but make sure it’s instant! * 2 cups cold milk: Whole milk will give you the richest flavor, but 2% works too.
For the Topping:
* 8 oz whipped topping, thawed: Cool Whip is the classic choice. Why can’t I make more Oreos for topping?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This step is super important to prevent the cake from sticking, and I’ve learned the hard way that it is. Is skipping it a disaster? I always make sure to get into the corners really well.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the vanilla Cake Mix and crushed Oreos. Set aside. How do you distribute the Oreos evenly throughout the mix? What is the best Oreo flavor This gives the batter the oreo taste we are looking for in the finished product.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Set aside. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. I always make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk left before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. How do you not overmix a cake? I stop mixing as soon as I don’t see any more dry streaks.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
While the cake is baking, prepare the pudding filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Set aside. Whisk for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding starts to thicken. Set aside. Sometimes I pop it in the fridge to speed things up.
Step 6: Bake
How do I spread the batter in a baking pan? Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. What is the best way to keep a close eye on your oven, as baking times can vary.
Step 7: Poke Holes
Once the cake is cooled, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon or fork to poke holes in the cake. Then, using the handle, poke them about 1 inch apart. Don’t be shy – the more holes, the better pudding goodness!
Step 8: Add Filling
Do not over-poke the cake, making sure to fill all the holes. Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the hole. The pudding will seep into the cake, making it super moist and delicious. I like to spread it around with a spatula to make sure it gets into every nook and cranny.
Step 9: Top & Chill
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the pudding-soaked cake. Sprinkle remaining crushed Oreos over whipped topping. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop. How do we meld together? This chilling time is crucial for the cake to fully absorb the pudding and develop that signature signature. What is poke cake texture?
Step 10: Slice & Serve
Before serving, slice the Oreo Poke Cake into squares. I like to use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Serve cold and enjoy every bite! What are some ideas for adding whipped cream or chocolate syrup?
What is the best way to serve it?
What is the best Oreo Poke Cake recipe? What are some serving suggestions? For an elegant brunch, serve slices of cake alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. What is the best way to pair a mimosa with iced tea? If you’re enjoying it as an after-dinner dessert, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. How do I make a chocolate sauce? What is the best combination of ice cream and cake?
For a cozy snack, serve the cake with cold milk or coffee. What are some of the best ways to enjoy a chilly evening? At my house, this cake often makes an appearance at potlucks and parties. I always have leftovers to bring home. It’s always a hit! I also like to make it for special occasions, like birthdays or holidays. What are some of the best Christmas desserts? My family also likes to change it up to match holidays, like using peppermint oreos for the party.
How do I make an Oreo Poke Cake?
How do I make an Oreo Poke Cake? Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for the best texture. Room temperature eggs emulsify better, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake. Don’t overmix cake! What are some of the best toppings for a salad? If you like crushed Oreos, you can add chocolate shavings or even sprinkles. What is caramel sauce?
If you want a richer flavor, use whole milk for the pudding mixture. Whole milk will make the pudding creamier and more decadent. Be sure to chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to fully absorb the pudding. If you’re short on time, you can speed up the chilling process by placing the cake in the freezer for about 30 minutes. I’ve found that you can even vary the flavors. Golden Oreos instead of regular are a really fun take on it!
If you want to make this cake ahead of time, you can bake the cake and prepare the pudding mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then assemble the cake just before serving. This is a great way to save time when you’re entertaining. When poking the holes, use a utensil that’s not too large. You want to create holes that are big enough for the pudding to seep into, but not so big that the cake falls apart. The handle of a wooden spoon or a fork works perfectly. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors of pudding! Chocolate pudding, cookies and cream pudding, or even cheesecake pudding would all be delicious in this cake.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do I make Oreo Poke Cake in the refrigerator? To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. What are some good ways to store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? The longer it sits, the more flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious!
I’ve never tried freezing it but I don’t recommend it since the whipped topping may change texture. Since this cake is meant to be served cold, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply take it out of the refrigerator and slice it into squares. If you want to make the cake ahead of time, you can bake the cake and prepare the pudding mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then assemble the cake just before serving. This is a great way to save time when you’re entertaining.
If you’re using a homemade glaze for the topping instead of whipped cream (which I sometimes do! ), try it! ), add the glaze just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy during storage. How do I keep a cake from drying out? What are some good ways to store Oreo Poke Cakes?
What are the Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Oreo Poke Cake recipe a try! It’s seriously one of the easiest and most delicious desserts you’ll ever make. The combination of moist cake, creamy pudding, and crunchy Oreos is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a party or just enjoying it at home with your family. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of this recipe. Happy baking!
Oreo Poke Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix Prepare as per package instructions
- 2 cups cookies and cream pudding Instant pudding mix
- 3 cups milk For pudding mix
- 1 container whipped topping Thawed
- 15 Oreos crushed Oreo cookies For topping
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Bake the chocolate cake according to package instructions in a 9x13 inch pan.
- Once the cake is baked, poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until smooth. Pour over the cake, aiming to fill the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for 2-3 hours, or until the pudding is set.
- Spread the whipped topping over the cake evenly.
- Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies on top of the cake before serving.
