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If you’re craving a rich, chocolatey dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, this Oreo Dump Cake is exactly what you need. Made with layers of crushed Oreo cookies, creamy chocolate pudding, moist chocolate cake, and fluffy whipped topping, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. True to its name, everything is layered right into the baking dish with no complicated mixing or special techniques required.
Dump cakes have become increasingly popular thanks to their simplicity and versatility, making them ideal for busy home cooks, beginner bakers, and anyone looking for a stress-free dessert. This Oreo version takes things to the next level by combining multiple chocolate textures in one indulgent dish. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, potluck, holiday party, or casual weekend treat, this recipe delivers bakery-style results with pantry-friendly ingredients.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extremely easy to make: No advanced baking skills required
- Minimal prep time: Simple layering with no complicated steps
- Rich chocolate flavor: Multiple chocolate layers create deep, indulgent taste
- Perfect for sharing: Ideal for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with different toppings or mix-ins
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Ingredients Breakdown
• Oreo Cookies – Form the foundation of the dessert, adding crunch, chocolate flavor, and classic cream-filled sweetness. Roughly chopping them creates texture and allows the pudding to seep into the layers.
• Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix – Creates a creamy, fudgy center that keeps the cake moist while baking. Instant pudding is essential, as cook-and-serve varieties won’t set properly.
• Milk – Cold milk activates the pudding mix, forming a thick chocolate layer that binds the dessert together.
• Chocolate Cake Mix – A convenient shortcut that ensures consistent results, baking into a soft interior with a lightly crisp top when paired with butter.
• Unsalted Butter – Helps the dry cake mix bake evenly while adding rich, buttery flavor. Pouring it slowly improves coverage.
• Whipped Topping – Added after baking to bring lightness and contrast to the rich chocolate layers, while enhancing visual appeal.
• Mini Chocolate Chips (Optional) – Add extra bursts of chocolate and melt slightly over the warm cake for an indulgent finish.
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Tips and Tricks
- Do not mix the layers: Dump cakes rely on layering to achieve the proper texture
- Cover the surface evenly with butter: This prevents dry patches in the cake mix
- Let the cake rest before topping: Cooling slightly helps the layers set
- Serve warm or room temperature: Both options work well depending on preference
- Use a glass or metal pan: Avoid disposable pans for more even baking
Variations and Customizations
- Double Oreo version: Add crushed Oreos on top after baking for extra crunch
- Mint chocolate twist: Use mint Oreos and add a few drops of peppermint extract to the pudding
- Peanut butter lovers: Drizzle melted peanut butter over the whipped topping
- Cookies and cream cake mix: Swap chocolate cake mix for cookies-and-cream flavor
- Ice cream topping: Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream instead of whipped topping
Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with hot coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness
- Pair with cold milk for a classic dessert combination
- Add a scoop of vanilla or cookies-and-cream ice cream for an elevated dessert
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds
- Freezing: Not recommended, as pudding and whipped topping may separate
- Make-ahead tip: Bake the cake ahead and add toppings just before serving
Popular Questions
Can I use cook-and-serve pudding instead of instant?
No. Instant pudding is required to properly thicken and bake.
Why is my cake mix still powdery?
Butter coverage may have been uneven. Try drizzling butter more slowly next time.
Can this dessert be made ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it earlier in the day and add toppings before serving.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most popular desserts with children due to its chocolate flavor and soft texture.
Oreo Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread chopped Oreo cookies evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour evenly over Oreos.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer. Do not stir.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the top is set and the edges are bubbling.
- Cool slightly, then spread whipped topping over the top. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips if desired. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- This dessert thickens further as it cools
- For cleaner slices, allow to cool longer before serving
- Store whipped topping separately if preparing ahead
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