Oreo Poke Chocolate Cake

This Oreo Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for cookies and cream lovers. Layers of super moist chocolate cake stuffed with creamy Oreo pudding and finished with clouds of homemade whipped cream make it a showstopper at any get-together. If you are looking for something decadent and easy that gets rave reviews every single time it hits the table, this is the cake to make.

I first made this for a friend’s birthday and was blown away by how quickly it disappeared. It has since become my go to dessert when I want something fuss free and crowd pleasing.

Ingredients

• Chocolate cake mix: Look for a deep rich chocolate variety like Devil’s Food to keep the cake moist and flavorful
• Chocolate instant pudding mix: Adds extra moisture and a fudge like texture to the base Use a quality brand for richest results
• Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for smoothest mixing and fullest rise
• Unsalted butter: Choose real butter for a melt in your mouth texture
• Buttermilk: This adds tang and tenderness to the cake You can make your own by adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk if needed
• Vanilla extract: Provides warm undertones Optional but recommended for bakery style flavor
• Oreo instant pudding mix: The star ingredient for Oreo flavoring Reserve a high quality pudding if you can source it
• Whole milk: Full fat milk ensures creamy thick pudding Do not substitute with skim or low fat for best results
• Heavy whipping cream: Whips up into luscious clouds for the topping Fresh cream works better than tub style whipped topping
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream Use fresh for fluffiest results
• Oreo cookies: Opt for classic Oreos and crush them fresh They provide the signature crunch and cookies and cream taste

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking pan with nonstick spray or shortening This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking

Mix the Cake Batter:

Combine cake mix chocolate pudding eggs melted butter buttermilk and vanilla in a large bowl Use a hand mixer to blend for about two to three minutes until everything is well combined and no dry patches remain The batter will be extremely thick so take your time scraping the sides

Bake the Cake:

Spread the thick batter evenly in your pan Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for twenty five to thirty minutes To check doneness insert a toothpick near the center It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs Cool the cake on a rack for about thirty minutes until it is fully cooled

Poke the Holes:

Once the cake is cool use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes about three quarters of an inch apart Be sure to poke deeply enough so pudding can sink throughout the cake Focus holes where you will make serving cuts for pretty slices

Prepare the Pudding Filling:

In a medium bowl whisk together the cold milk and Oreo pudding mix until smooth and lump free Pour immediately over the cake letting the pudding fill each hole Tap the pan gently on the counter to help the pudding settle further Spread any excess evenly across the top

Chill the Cake:

Place the cake in the refrigerator uncovered for about one to two hours This sets the pudding so you get perfect creamy layers

Make the Whipped Cream:

Whip together cold heavy cream and powdered sugar Start your hand mixer on low then slowly increase to high until stiff peaks form This should take about three to four minutes Freshly whipped cream gives the cake a luxurious lift

Top with Oreos and Serve:

Layer the chilled cake with half of the finely chopped Oreos Spread the whipped cream all over Top with remaining chopped Oreos for extra crunch Refrigerate for another thirty to sixty minutes if you like This makes the cake cleaner to cut and serve

Oreo pudding mix transformed my view of poke cakes and now I cannot resist adding a little extra for more cookies and cream flavor. My kids always ask to lick the cake batter bowl and steal the Oreos meant for topping.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to four days The whipped cream stays fresh and the Oreos on top will soften but still add a lovely texture You can cover with plastic wrap or transfer pieces to an airtight container

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Oreo pudding use vanilla pudding and add extra finely crushed Oreo cookies for that signature cookie bite Buttermilk can be replaced by whole milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice stirred in and rested for five minutes before using

Serving Suggestions

This cake is rich on its own but you can drizzle extra chocolate sauce fudge or even caramel on the plates For birthdays I love adding candles and piping a little whipped cream along the sides

Cultural or Historical Context

Poke cakes became big in the United States during the seventies as a fun way to make boxed cakes more exciting. They are still a nostalgic favorite, especially with creative flavors like Oreo.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer add a handful of fresh berries alongside the Oreos For winter top with peppermint crumbles for a fun holiday twist Use colored sprinkles or festive decor for birthdays and celebrations

Success Stories

Every time I bring this cake to a gathering it vanishes in record time One friend called it life changing and insists I bring it for every family dinner now Even picky eaters who claim they do not like cake ask for seconds

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can freeze the cake after adding the pudding filling just wrap it well and thaw overnight in the fridge before topping with fresh whipped cream and Oreos Freeze in portions so you can grab a slice for a late night treat

This Oreo poke cake always impresses and is perfect for potlucks or celebrations. Enjoy every cookies and cream bite!

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do I ensure the cake stays moist?

Using buttermilk and melted butter in the batter ensures a rich, moist crumb. Poking holes and adding pudding also adds extra moisture.

→ Do I need to use Oreo pudding mix?

Oreo pudding lends signature flavor and texture, but you can substitute with other cookies-and-cream pudding if Oreo is unavailable.

→ Can I make the dessert ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and chill the cake with pudding in advance; add the whipped topping and Oreos just before serving for best texture.

→ Can I use store-bought whipped topping?

Freshly whipped cream offers superior taste, but store-bought whipped topping works well for convenience or saving time.

→ How do I prevent the pudding from setting before pouring?

Whisk the pudding and milk just until smooth and promptly pour over the cake before it thickens for best absorption.