Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Silky Cookies and Cream Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the ingredients specified on the package (typically eggs, water, and oil). Mix everything together until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake the cake according to the package directions, which should take about 30-35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
5. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using a fork, poke holes all over the cake. The more holes you make, the better the filling will soak in.

Step 2: Make the Cookies and Cream Filling

1. In a medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the softened cream cheese and beat it until smooth and combined with the whipped cream.
3. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
4. Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will create that iconic cookies and cream flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. After the cake has cooled and you’ve poked the holes, spread the creamy cookies and cream filling evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring the filling seeps into the holes.
2. Smooth the top with a spatula to create a flat surface.
3. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. Once the cake has chilled, garnish it with crushed Oreo cookies and, if desired, sprinkle with chocolate chips for an extra touch of decadence.
2. Serve the cake chilled, either in squares or slices.