This easy Cheesecake Birthday Poke Cake recipe proves that you can party like it’s your birthday any time of year. It begins with a cake mix hack that’s filled with cheesecake flavored pudding and topped with a delicious cheesecake frosting. It’s super simple to prepare with ingredients that are easy to find. It’s designed to be fun to make and eat.

Easy Cheesecake Birthday Poke Cake Recipe

A poke cake is a soft, moist sheet cake, often made with a boxed cake mix, that’s baked and then poked all over with a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon while still warm. These holes allow a sweet filling, such as pudding, sweetened condensed milk, gelatin, or fruit sauce, to seep into the cake, creating extra flavor and moisture in every bite.

One of the best things about poke cakes is their simplicity and convenience. Because they’re typically made as sheet cakes, they’re easier to transport and store than layered cakes, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. In fact, poke cakes are a classic crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll often spot at office celebrations and church potlucks.

This cheesecake pudding poke cake is filled with rich cheesecake instant pudding that seeps into every bite, then topped with a light and fluffy cream cheese frosting loaded with crushed Golden Oreo Birthday Cake cookies. Finish it off with a shower of colorful sprinkles, and you’ve got a fun, festive dessert that’s ready to party.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Cheesecake Birthday Poke Cake: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

Cake Batter – One box of butter cake mix plus oil, eggs and water to prepare.
Cheesecake Pudding Mix – Two boxes cheesecake instant pudding mix for the easy filling.
Liquid – Cold whole milk to make the cheesecake pudding filling.
Cream Cheese – One block plain cream cheese stabilizes the whipped topping and adds flavor.
Sugar – Powdered sugar to sweeten the cream cheese.
Flavoring – Vanilla extract balances the flavor.
Whipped Cream – Cool Whip for the easy fluffy or 4 cups sweetened fresh whipped cream.
Birthday Cookies – One package of Golden Birthday Cake Oreo cookies add crunch and texture.
Garnish – Funfetti sprinkles for color.

How to Make the Best Cheesecake Birthday Poke Cake Recipe

Bake Cake – Prepare the cake mix per the package instructions using the amounts of oil water an eggs called for. Bake accordingly for a 13×9 inch sheet cake.
Poke Holes – Immediately after removing from the oven poke holes over the top using the handle of a wooden spoon or similar.
Make the Cheesecake Pudding Filling – Use a hand mixer to whip together instant pudding with cold milk until thickened, but still pourable. Pour pudding over the cake and spread pushing into the holes. Cool completely.
Make the Topping – Whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until combined. Fold in the whipped topping and Oreo cookies. Spread over the top of the cake.
Garnish – Garnish top of cake with the remaining chopped cookies and sprinkles.
Refrigerate – Chill for 4 hours then slice and enjoy!

Kitchen Equipment to Make Poke Cake with Cheesecake Pudding Filling

13×9-inch pan.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Large bowl.
Rubber spatula and offset icing spatula.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Cookies – If you’re unable to find birthday cake Oreos you can use any private label brand or a different brand of funfetti or sprinkle sandwich cookies.
Instant Pudding – You could use vanilla or white chocolate flavor instant pudding in place of cheesecake pudding if you’re unable to find it.
Cake – You can make a homemade butter cake or use a white cake mix, yellow cake mix or even adapt it to make a chocolate version.
Do the Cookies Soften? Yes, they will soften just a bit much like vanilla wafers do in banana pudding. It doesn’t take away from the texture or flavor this cake is luscious and so simple to make. Consider it just a normal part of incorporating cookies in a filling.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers – You should store leftover Birthday Poke Cake in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer – You could freeze this birthday cake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy.

More Poke Cake Recipes to Make

Poke cake flavors are only limited by your imagination. they’re not to be taken too seriously as they’re meant to be fun and playful. Other cake flavors you may like to try:

Banana Pudding Poke Cake combining two Southern desserts into one.
Caramel Apple Poke Cake is fall ready using that loveable combination of apples and caramel.
Rocky Road Fudge Poke Cake is topped with mini marshmallows and almonds topped with melted chocolate.
Lemon Burst Poke Cake is dressed to impress the lemon fans at the dessert table.
This Candy Cane Cheesecake Poke Cake. is infused with the flavors of the holiday season.
Peanut butter lovers Reese’s Poke Cake from Cupcakes and Kale Chips.

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