A fun way to change a plain cake mix into something really delicious. Cheesecake Pudding Cake starts out with a chocolate cake mix and then has cheesecake pudding poked through to create a fun striped effect when sliced.

This is another cheesecake pudding recipe that everyone is going to love...especially when they see the fun pudding stripes.

I love taking an ordinary box of cake mix and turning it into a dessert that tastes delicious. It's another cake mix hack that uses a cake mix as an ingredient to create a fabulous recipe.

What I love most about this cheesecake pudding cake recipe is that it combines two of my favorite flavors into one easy dessert recipe. I also love the cheesecake pudding pokes when you slice the cake.

Make sure you check out the recipe variations at the bottom of the page to see how you can change up the recipe to please your family.

And if you're looking for more poke cake recipes, try this Pineapple Poke Cake Recipe, Patriotic Poke Cake or my Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe.

Table of Contents

Do poke cakes get soggy?
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Main Ingredients Needed
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Step-by-Step Directions
Quick Tip
How to Poke Holes in a Cake
Frost the Cake
LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
Storage, Freezing and Thawing Instructions
Top Recipe Tip
More Recipes to Love
📖 Recipe Card
💬 Comments

Do poke cakes get soggy?

Some people complain that when a poke cake is filled with flavored gelatin, it can be soggy. However, pudding sets up quickly, so it won't allow the cake to get soggy.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

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Main Ingredients Needed

Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Yellow Cake Mix - You could definitely use a yellow cake mix instead of chocolate.
Pudding Mix - If you do use a yellow cake mix, I would use a chocolate pudding mix so you can see the strips of the pudding throughout the cake when you slice it.
Strawberry Cake Mix/Vanilla Pudding Mix - this would another pretty cake and pudding combination. See this Strawberry Cake with Marshmallow Filling on my website!
Milk - I used 2% milk to prepare the pudding but you could use whole milk or fat free. I don't think it will make any difference.
Frosting - I used Cool Whip Whipped Topping because that is what I had on hand. You could use a traditional frosting if you prefer. The Cool Whip is not as heavy or sugary as a canned frosting.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the batter. Once the batter is ready, pour it into a 13X9-inch baking pan that has been coated with non-stick baking spray. Bake the cake as directed on the package, ensuring it reaches the recommended temperature and doneness.

Quick Tip

Try to poke the holes in the cake while it is still slightly warm. As the cake cools, the crust on the top will easily crumble when you poke the holes.

How to Poke Holes in a Cake

making chocolate poke cake with cheesecake pudding mix.

Step 2: After the cake has cooled slightly, poke holes all over the surface using the rounded handle of a wooden spoon. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the two boxes of pudding mix with the powdered sugar, then stir in the milk. While the pudding is still thin, pour about half of it evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the poked holes.

Frost the Cake

Step 3: Let the remaining pudding thicken, then spread it evenly over the cake. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour, preferably overnight, covered with plastic wrap. Once chilled, frost the cake with half a container of Cool Whip and garnish with grated chocolate and chopped pecans.

Chocolate cake with whipped topping, chocolate chips and chopped pecans.

Step 4: Chill the cake for about an hour before serving. This cake should serve 12 - 16 people.

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closeup of cheesecake pudding poke cake.

Storage, Freezing and Thawing Instructions

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.

Freezer: To freeze the poke cake, first wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. If the cake is frosted, flash freeze before adding the plastic wrap.

Thaw: Allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator.

Top Recipe Tip

When you poke the holes in the cake, do it while the cake is still warm. Also try to spread the pudding mix quickly over the top while it is thin and before the it thickens.

More Recipes to Love

Looking for more delicious recipes? Try my Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding Cups, Jello Cheesecake Pudding Recipes or my delicious Vanilla Pudding Cheesecake.

Chocolate Cake poked with cheesecake pudding mix.

📖 Recipe Card

Lois