Oreo Dump Cake Recipe

If you love effortless desserts that pack a punch of flavor and nostalgia, you’re going to adore this Oreo Dump Cake Recipe. It’s basically all your favorite chocolatey, creamy Oreo goodness layered together in one pan—and it turns out ridiculously delicious every single time. You don’t need to be a baking whiz to nail this recipe, and honestly, I find it’s the perfect sweet fix when I want something indulgent but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Let me walk you through why this dump cake works so well and how to make it your own.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Oreo Dump Cake Recipe plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture that feel indulgent but start with basic things everyone loves. Plus, it’s super easy to shop for.

• Oreo cookies: Their chocolate wafer and creamy filling melt into part of the cake’s crunchy base—roughly chopping them keeps just the right amount of texture.
• Instant chocolate pudding mix: This thickens quickly and adds creamy richness without you having to cook anything on the stovetop.
• Cold milk: Needed to whisk the pudding mix smoothly, ensuring no lumps and perfect thickness.
• Chocolate cake mix: Using a dry boxed mix as the topping means you don’t have to make batter from scratch, and it bakes into a soft, buttery crust.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled over the cake mix, it helps the top crisp up nicely and adds that luscious richness.
• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Adds an airy, sweet finishing touch that balances the dense cake layer below.
• Mini chocolate chips (optional): For extra chocolate bursts and a bit of texture contrast on top.
• Extra Oreo cookies for garnish (optional): Because, why not make it look as good as it tastes?

Tweak to Your Taste

While the classic Oreo Dump Cake Recipe is a proven crowd-pleaser, I love making little tweaks to fit the occasion or satisfy a specific craving. You should definitely experiment—you might discover a new favorite version.

• Add peanut butter swirls: I once drizzled peanut butter on top before baking, and it gave a lovely salty-sweet spin.
• Swap cake mix flavors: Vanilla or even red velvet cake mix works if you want to change up the chocolate overload.
• Dairy-free options: Use coconut or almond milk and a dairy-free whipped topping to accommodate allergies, and it’s still fantastic.
• Extra crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top with the mini chocolate chips for a fun texture play.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oreo Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer the Oreos

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. I like using a little butter or non-stick spray to make sure it doesn’t stick. Roughly chop 24 Oreo cookies—you want a mix of small chunks and tiny crumbs so it bakes into a nice crunchy base rather than turning into mush. Spread those chopped Oreos evenly across the bottom of the dish. This layer is the star—it gives the cake its signature Oreo crunch beneath all the creamy goodness.

Step 2: Whisk the Pudding and Pour

In a medium bowl, whisk together one box of instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk. I use a wire whisk and whip it briskly for about two minutes until it thickens nicely—don’t skip this step or you might get lumpy pudding later! Pour this rich, creamy layer evenly over your Oreo base. The pudding acts kind of like the glue here, soaking into the Oreos and adding that luscious smoothness that keeps each bite from being too dry.

Step 3: Cake Mix and Butter Magic

Sprinkle one box of dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer—don’t try to stir it in. This keeps the dump cake texture perfect: dry on top but baking into a soft, cakey crust. Now, pour half a cup of melted unsalted butter—and drizzling it is the fun part! I use a spoon to get coverage across the surface so the butter saturates the cake mix thoroughly. This step is crucial for that delicious golden crispiness you want as the cake bakes.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pop the cake into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be mostly set and just a little crisp around the edges. I usually peek around 30 minutes to make sure it’s not browning too fast, and if it is, I cover loosely with foil. Once baked, let it cool for 10 minutes; this resting time helps the layers set so it’s easy to slice and serve but still warm enough to melt your whipped topping on.

Step 5: Top It Off

Spread a generous cup of whipped topping over the cooled cake. I confess—I sometimes get a little crazy and add extra mini chocolate chips and even whole Oreos on top to make it extra festive and fun. Serve warm or at room temperature. Trust me, it’s just as heavenly either way.

How to Serve Oreo Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of crushed Oreos on top and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for texture. Sometimes, I add a few whole Oreo halves for that classic cookie look—it just makes it feel like a special treat, especially if people are taking photos. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce is divine here.

Side Dishes

This dump cake is rich and chocolatey, so I like serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The fruity brightness or cold creaminess balances the dessert perfectly. If it’s a casual gathering, coffee or a glass of cold milk pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, I’ve made individual servings in small ramekins topped with whipped cream and Oreo crumbs—super cute and mess-free. Another fun idea is turning this into parfait-style cups with layers of cake and extra whipped topping, especially great for kids. Presentation always elevates this simple dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture stays pretty good, though the Oreos soften a bit as the pudding absorbs moisture. I recommend adding fresh whipped topping just before serving again to keep it looking and tasting fresh.

Freezing

Freezing Oreo Dump Cake is totally doable! I freeze it un-topped, wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap, for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add your whipped topping fresh. I found that freezing changes the texture slightly but it still tastes great and is a lifesaver for make-ahead plans.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without making the whipped topping melt into a puddle. This restores some of the that “fresh from the oven” vibe I love. Re-adding a dollop of whipped topping makes it feel like you just baked it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Oreo Dump Cake Recipe is close to my heart because it’s the kind of dessert I keep coming back to—so quick, so easy, but always so delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight indulgence or a special occasion dessert, it delivers that perfect chocolate fix with minimal effort. Give it a try and have fun making it your own. I promise, once you taste that gooey, crunchy, creamy combo, it’ll be your new go-to “dump” dessert too!

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