This Monster Cookie Poke Cake is a fun and indulgent dessert that combines the best of cookies and cake. Imagine a moist chocolate cake infused with crushed Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, and M&Ms, filled with creamy chocolate pudding, and topped with Cool Whip and more cookie crumbles. This recipe is perfect for parties, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, decadent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cookie Lover’s Dream: Combines the flavors of Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, and M&Ms in a delicious cake.
- Easy and Fun: Uses a cake mix and instant pudding for quick and easy preparation.
- Decadent and Indulgent: The combination of chocolate cake, pudding, and Cool Whip creates a rich, satisfying dessert.
- Customizable: You can adjust the types and amounts of cookies and candies to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Cake
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides a convenient base for the cake.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the cake.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder and adds structure to the cake.
- Water: Adds moisture to the cake.
- Oreos (crushed): Adds a crunchy, chocolatey element.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies (crushed): Adds a sweet, chewy element.
- M&Ms: Adds a colorful, candy-coated chocolate element.
Cake Filling
- Chocolate Pudding (large box): Provides a creamy, chocolatey filling.
- Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to the pudding.
Cake Topping
- Cool Whip (16-ounce tub): Provides a light, airy topping.
- Oreos (crumbled): Adds a crunchy, chocolatey garnish.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies (crumbled): Adds a sweet, chewy garnish.
- M&Ms: Adds a colorful, candy-coated garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Add the crushed Oreos, crushed chocolate chip cookies, and M&Ms. Stir to blend.
- Grease a 9×11 inch dish and pour the cake batter into the dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- While the cake bakes and cools, set the Cool Whip on the counter to thaw.
- When the cake is cool to the touch, prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package directions.
- Poke holes all over the cake with the handle of a round wooden spoon.
- Pour the chocolate pudding over the top of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
Step 3: Add the Topping
- Open the Cool Whip and stir to ensure it is completely thawed and smooth.
- Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top of the cake, smoothing it with the back of a spoon.
- Crush the remaining Oreos and chocolate chip cookies and sprinkle them over the Cool Whip.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of M&Ms over the Cool Whip.
Step 4: Serve
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the pudding and Cool Whip to set.
- Cut into slices and enjoy!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Cooling the Cake: Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the pudding to prevent it from melting.
- Poke Holes Evenly: Distribute the holes evenly across the cake to ensure the pudding fills the cake thoroughly.
- Cool Whip Consistency: Stir the Cool Whip gently to ensure it is smooth and thawed before spreading it on the cake.
- Cookie and Candy Amounts: Adjust the amounts of cookies and candies to your preference.
How to Serve
- Dessert: Serve as a delightful dessert for parties, potlucks, and gatherings.
- Celebrations: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
- Family Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing dessert for family dinners and celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make Ahead
- The cake can be baked and cooled ahead of time.
- The pudding can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the cake just before serving or a few hours in advance.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
- Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer.
Can I use a different flavor of pudding?
- Yes, you can use any flavor of instant pudding, such as vanilla or cookies and cream.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
- Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream, but it may not hold its shape as well as Cool Whip.
Can I add other toppings?
- Yes, you can add other toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate syrup.
Monster Cookie Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking, No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Monster Cookie Poke Cake is a fun and indulgent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate cake with the playful flavors and textures of monster cookies. A moist chocolate cake is loaded with crushed cookies and candies, then poked and filled with chocolate pudding, topped with Cool Whip, and more crushed cookies and candies. It’s a perfect party pleaser!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 Chocolate Cake Mix
- 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 Eggs
- 1/4 cup Water
- 6 Oreos, crushed
- 6 Chocolate Chip Cookies, crushed
- 1/4 cup M&M’s
Cake Filling:
- 1 large Chocolate Pudding (instant or cook-and-serve)
- 2 cups Milk
Cake Topping:
- 1 tub Cool Whip (16 ounce), thawed
- 6 Oreos, crumbled
- 6 Chocolate Chip Cookies, crumbled
- M&M’s, a couple of handfuls, sprinkled on top
Instructions
Cake:
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the Cake Mix, Oil, Eggs, and Water, and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Add Cookies and Candies: Add the crushed Oreos, crushed Chocolate Chip Cookies, and M&M’s, and stir to blend.
- Bake Cake: Grease a 9 X 13 inch dish, and pour Cake Batter into dish. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Remove the Cake from the oven, and cool completely.
- Thaw Cool Whip: Sit the Cool Whip on the counter to thaw while the cake bakes and cools.
Cake Filling:
- Make Pudding: When the Cake is cool to the touch, make the Pudding according to package directions.
- Poke Holes: Poke holes all over the cake with a round wooden spoon handle.
- Fill with Pudding: Pour Pudding over the top of the cake and down into the holes.
Cake Topping:
- Prepare Topping: Open the Cool Whip and stir to make sure it’s completely thawed and smooth.
- Add Cool Whip: Spread the Cool Whip over the top of the Cake, evenly, and smooth with the back of a spoon.
- Add Cookie and Candy Topping: Crush the Oreos and the Chocolate Chip Cookies, and sprinkle over the Cool Whip. Grab a couple of handfuls of M&M’s, and sprinkle over the Cool Whip – you can use as many as you like.
Notes
- You can use any type of chocolate cake mix you prefer.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use chocolate pudding mix in the filling.
- Get creative with the toppings! Add other candies like peanut butter cups or sprinkles.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the pudding to set.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg