Red Velvet Poke Cake

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Delicious and Decadent Dessert

You don’t know what you are missing if you have never had a poke cake. Poke cakes have a secret ingredient: PUDDING. This Red Velvet Poke Cake recipe has you poking holes in the baked cake and then pouring pudding over the cake, resulting in an amazingly moist cake. I love cake, but typically after a day or more, the cake dries out, and it just isn’t as appealing. Poke cakes do not dry out. They are deliciously moist from start to finish and, most importantly, easy to make.

I discovered poke cakes many years ago at The Country Cook. Now poke cakes are the family favorites for birthdays and holiday gatherings.

For my poke cakes, I like to keep them simple and use pre-packaged ingredients. To make this cake, you will need your favorite brand of red velvet cake mix, cheesecake or vanilla-flavored instant pudding, and Oreos. Although the combination may sound a little unusual, the end result is a rich and decadent dessert.

Step by Step Instructions

Begin by preparing the cake mix according to the directions on the cake mix box. The directions may vary depending on the brand, including the measurements of added ingredients and baking times. Pour the cake mix into a 9×13 baking dish and bake according to the directions on the package.

After removing the baked cake from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Once it has cooled for a few minutes poke holes into the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon, chopstick, or something similar. I tried using a straw once and learned quickly that would not work. The opening of the straw captured the cake and removed it. The goal is to push the cake down to the bottom to make an opening for the pudding, not to remove any of the cake.

Next, combine the two boxes of pudding mix with 4 cups of milk. Mix well until the mixture is free of lumps. Slowly pour the pudding over the cake, mindfully filling the holes. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for 2 hours, allowing the pudding to set. Or you can let the cake sit in the refrigerator overnight. After the pudding is set, spread the whipped topping over the pudding.

Lastly, in a food processor, crush the Oreo cookies. Place about 5-7 cookies in the processor at a time. Crush enough cookies to cover the top of the cake, about 10-15 total. Add a few whole cookies to the top as well.

The cake is ready to serve. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, cookouts, potlucks, or anytime you just want a delicious piece of cake.

Enjoy!

The great thing about poke cakes is you can alter the ingredients to match your favorites. Check out this Lemon Poke Cake recipe. If you have a favorite Poke Cake recipe, please share; I love trying new flavors.