Oh my gosh, you have to try this Oreo poke cake—it’s the easiest, most decadent dessert that always disappears at parties! I first made it for my nephew’s birthday when I was in a pinch, and now it’s my go-to when I need something impressive without the fuss. The magic happens when that sweetened condensed milk seeps into the warm chocolate cake, creating pockets of creamy goodness. And let’s be real—who can resist that Oreo crunch on top? Trust me, this isn’t just another cake. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream that takes minutes to assemble but tastes like you spent hours baking.
Why You’ll Love This Oreo Poke Cake
Listen, I know you’re going to flip for this cake—everyone does! Here’s why:
- Effortless magic: Box mix base means no stress, just delicious results
- Creamy surprise: Every bite has hidden pockets of sweetened condensed milk
- No-bake win: The pudding topping means zero oven time after the cake bakes
- Crowd pleaser: Kids and adults alike go crazy for that Oreo crunch
- Make-ahead dream: Gets even better as it chills (if it lasts that long!)
Seriously, this is the dessert that’ll make people think you’re a baking genius—our little secret!
Ingredients for Oreo Poke Cake
Okay, let’s gather the goodies! The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are—you might already have most in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus whatever it calls for—usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz) – that magical sticky-sweet liquid gold
- 1 package Oreos (14.3 oz) – I use regular, but mint or golden would be fun twists!
- 1 tub whipped topping (8 oz) – thawed, please! Cold fluff mixes better
- 1 cup cold milk – the colder, the faster your pudding sets
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz) – trust me, instant is key here
Pro tip: Grab an extra pack of Oreos if you’re like me and “accidentally” snack while baking!
How to Make Oreo Poke Cake
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making this irresistible Oreo poke cake! I promise it’s so simple you’ll be tempted to make it weekly. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a showstopper dessert that looks like you slaved over it (our little secret!).
Step 1: Bake the Cake
First things first – preheat your oven to whatever temperature your cake mix box says (usually 350°F). Grease a 9×13 inch pan really well – I like using butter because it adds extra flavor. Mix up your cake batter according to the package directions, then pour it into your prepared pan. Bake it until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes. Now here’s the important part: let it cool completely! I know it’s tempting to rush, but warm cake + condensed milk = soggy mess. Learned that the hard way!
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Once your cake is cool, grab the end of a wooden spoon (or a chopstick works great too!). Poke holes all over the cake – I do about 1 inch apart. Don’t be shy – the more holes, the more creamy goodness! Now slowly pour that heavenly sweetened condensed milk over the top, letting it seep into all those holes. Take your time with this – I like to do it in sections to make sure every inch gets loved. Then sprinkle half of your crushed Oreos evenly across the top. The crumbs will fall into the holes too, creating little cookie surprises!
Step 3: Add Pudding Layer
In a medium bowl, whisk together your instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Let it sit for 5 minutes – perfect time to lick the spoon! Then gently fold in the whipped topping until it’s all combined and fluffy. Spread this dreamy mixture over your cake as evenly as you can. I like using an offset spatula for this, but a butter knife works too if you’re careful.

Step 4: Chill and Serve
Now the hardest part – patience! Pop your creation in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better if you can wait). Right before serving, sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos over the top for that signature crunch. When you cut into it, you’ll see all those beautiful layers – chocolate cake, creamy filling, fluffy topping, and that Oreo crunch. Absolute heaven!
Tips for the Best Oreo Poke Cake
After making this cake more times than I can count (seriously, my family won’t stop requesting it), I’ve picked up some tricks to make it absolutely perfect every time:
- Crush those Oreos right: I put them in a ziplock bag and roll with a rolling pin until half are fine crumbs (for mixing in) and half are small chunks (for topping texture)
- Chill time matters: That 2-hour minimum isn’t just a suggestion – the flavors need time to get cozy! I make mine the night before for ultimate creaminess
- Storage smarts: Cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed right on the surface to prevent drying out (lasts 3-4 days in the fridge – if it lasts that long!)
- Temperature trick: Let the cake sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving – the flavors pop more when it’s not ice-cold
Bonus tip: Always save a few whole Oreos for garnish – makes it look extra fancy with zero effort!
Oreo Poke Cake Variations
Want to mix things up? This recipe is crazy versatile! Try vanilla pudding instead of chocolate for a cookies-and-cream vibe. Swap regular Oreos for golden ones or mint for a cool twist. Feeling fancy? Drizzle with caramel or top with mini chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless—just follow your sweet tooth!
Serving Suggestions for Oreo Poke Cake
Oh, let me tell you how to take this already-amazing cake to the next level! A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns it into the ultimate sundae. For chocolate lovers (like me!), warm some chocolate sauce to drizzle over each slice—it makes the Oreo topping extra gooey and irresistible. If you’re feeling fancy, add a dollop of whipped cream and a few extra Oreo crumbs on top. Trust me, your guests will think they’re at a five-star bakery!
Oreo Poke Cake Storage
Here’s the good news – this cake actually gets better as it sits! Just make sure to store it right. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap (press it right against the surface to prevent drying) and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days – if your family doesn’t devour it all first! Pro tip: The whipped topping can get weepy after day 3, so I like to add fresh Oreo crumbs when serving leftovers to revive that perfect crunch.
Oreo Poke Cake Nutrition
Now, let’s be real—this is a treat, not health food! A typical slice has about 350 calories, with that dreamy combo of chocolate and cream we all love. But remember, nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. My advice? Enjoy every bite guilt-free—life’s too short to skip the good stuff!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! My grandma’s from-scratch chocolate cake works beautifully here. Just bake it in a 9×13 pan until a toothpick comes out clean. The key is making sure it’s completely cooled before poking holes – homemade cakes can be more delicate when warm.
Q2. How long does Oreo poke cake last in the fridge?
This beauty stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly. I always cover mine tightly with plastic wrap pressed right on the surface. The flavors actually improve after the first day – if you can resist eating it all at once!
Q3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
You bet! It’s actually better when made ahead. I often prepare it the night before serving – the extra chilling time lets all those amazing flavors meld together perfectly. Just add the final Oreo topping right before serving for maximum crunch.
Q4. What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
While condensed milk gives that signature gooey texture, you could substitute a thick vanilla pudding in a pinch. It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious! Just mix 1 cup milk with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 cup sugar, and simmer until thickened.

“5-Ingredient Oreo Poke Cake Will Steal the Show”
A delicious and easy-to-make Oreo poke cake that combines moist chocolate cake with creamy Oreo filling.
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 package Oreo cookies (14.3 oz), crushed
- 1 tub whipped topping (8 oz)
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz)
Instructions
- Bake the chocolate cake as per the box instructions and let it cool.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
- Sprinkle half of the crushed Oreos over the cake.
- Mix the pudding with cold milk and let it set for 5 minutes.
- Fold in the whipped topping and spread over the cake.
- Top with the remaining crushed Oreos.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use a fork to crush Oreos for a finer texture.
- Chill the cake longer for a firmer texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg