Elevate a simple box cake into a decadent dessert: filled with marshmallow cream and finished with a whipped frosting studded with crushed Oreos. This Oreo Poke Cake is easy to make and full of flavor.
You’ll love how a basic boxed chocolate cake becomes an indulgent, moist poke cake when filled with marshmallow cream and layered with Oreo-flavored frosting. It’s an approachable dessert that travels well to parties or makes a special treat at home.
I’ve made many poke cakes over the years. They’re fun to prepare and always a crowd pleaser.
How to make Oreo Poke Cake:
Make the cake according to the boxed mix instructions. After baking, poke holes across the surface, pour in the marshmallow-Oreo filling, then spread the whipped Oreo frosting over the top. Chill, slice, and enjoy.
Ingredient Notes:
- Chocolate box cake mix (one 15.25 oz box)
- Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (eggs, oil, water)
- Marshmallow fluff
- A small amount of water to loosen the fluff
- Oreos, crushed (divided between filling and topping)
Directions:
Step one: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step two: Prepare the cake batter and bake according to the package directions. Allow it to bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step three: While the cake bakes, make the filling. Heat the marshmallow fluff with a teaspoon of water in short intervals (10–30 seconds) in the microwave until it’s smooth and pourable. Stir in 1/2 cup of finely crushed Oreos until evenly combined.
Step four: Remove the baked cake from the oven and, while it’s still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface. The holes will allow the filling to sink into the cake for moist, flavored bites.
Step five: Let the cake cool slightly, then pour the marshmallow and Oreo mixture over the cake, making sure some of the filling seeps into the holes. For best results, you can add the filling while the cake is still a bit warm; however, wait until the cake has cooled completely before spreading the whipped frosting so the frosting won’t melt.
- Tip: If you add the filling to a partly cooled cake, be patient and only frost after it has cooled fully. Otherwise the frosting may soften too much.
How to make the frosting:
This frosting is light, creamy, and easy to prepare—perfect with the marshmallow-filled cake.
Frosting Ingredients:
- Heavy cream (cold)
- Powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Crushed Oreos (divided; reserve half for folding in and half for sprinkling)
Step six: In a chilled bowl, whip 2 cups heavy cream with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt until soft peaks begin to form. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the crushed Oreos so the frosting is speckled and has a cookies-and-cream texture.
Step seven: Spread the Oreo whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos over the top for a finishing crunch. Chill until set, then slice and serve.
What is a Poke Cake:
A poke cake gets its name from the holes you make in the baked cake surface. Those holes are filled with a liquid or creamy mixture—like pudding, Jell-O, or marshmallow—so the flavors soak into the cake. Top with frosting or whipped topping for a moist, flavorful dessert that’s simple to prepare.
How to store the Poke Cake:
Poke cakes are very moist and can become soggy if left too long. Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in the baking dish or transfer to an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Can I make a Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes. Make the cake and add the marshmallow filling up to 24 hours in advance. If preparing ahead of time, wait to add the final crushed Oreo topping until just before serving—this keeps the topping crisp rather than soggy.
Other poke cake ideas:
If you enjoy poke cakes, try variations like banana pudding, orange-flavored cakes, or s’mores-inspired versions. Poke cakes are adaptable—swap fillings and toppings to create new flavor combinations.
If you make this recipe, feel free to leave a comment or share a photo. Enjoy creating this easy, crowd-pleasing Oreo Poke Cake and have fun experimenting with different fillings and toppings.