Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe
If you’ve been craving an easy, no-fuss dessert that’s got all the wonderful chocolate and Oreo magic baked right in, you’re in for a treat. My Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe is exactly that—a fan-freaking-tastic dish that comes together in just a few simple steps with minimal cleanup. Trust me, once you dive into this gooey, crunchy, chocolaty delight, you’ll be making it again and again. Ready to impress your friends (or just spoil yourself)? Let’s get into how this recipe works—and why it’s absolutely worth your time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simplicity Meets Flavor: Only a handful of ingredients come together to create layers of textures and rich chocolate goodness.
- No-Fuss Assembly: This is a true dump cake—no mixing bowls filled with batter, just layering, which means less mess and more fun.
- Chocolate & Oreo Magic: The instant pudding adds that velvety, creamy touch that takes this dessert from good to unforgettable.
- Customizable Crunch: Sprinkle with more Oreos or mini chocolate chips on top for extra texture and a pretty finish.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe relies on pantry-friendly ingredients that when combined, deliver a beautiful balance of crunch, creaminess, and cakey warmth. Picking quality Oreos and a chocolate cake mix really makes the flavors pop.
- Oreo Cookies: Roughly chopped Oreos give the base a crunchy cookie layer that softens slightly during baking, offering a perfect texture contrast.
- Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: This thickens quickly with cold milk and creates a luscious middle layer that holds everything together deliciously.
- Cold Milk: Always cold—helps the instant pudding set exactly right without any fuss.
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Using the dry mix on top forms a cakey crust as it bakes, pulling moisture from the pudding and Oreos underneath.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and drizzled on top, butter melts into the cake mix creating that golden-brown richness and a crispy edge.
- Whipped Topping: Adds a cool, airy finish that balances the warm, dense cake when you serve it.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (optional): A little extra chocolate goodness to sprinkle on top for fun bursts of flavor and texture.
- Extra Oreos (optional): For garnish—because it’s hard to resist a few more cookie pieces piled on top!
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe my own by swapping a few things here and there. Don’t be afraid to play around—you’ll find it’s a very forgiving recipe that welcomes personalization.
- Add a Crunch: Sometimes I toss in chopped walnuts or pecans on top for extra texture; your guests will think you spent hours on this dessert.
- Make It Minty: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the pudding for a refreshing twist that’s perfect around the holidays.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or almond milk with a dairy-free chocolate pudding mix for a similar luscious feel without the dairy.
- Boozy Boost: A splash of coffee liqueur or Baileys stirred into the pudding mix gives a grown-up flair that’s always a hit.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oreos
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure nothing sticks—trust me, you want those cookie pieces to come out cleanly. Chop your Oreos roughly; keeping some large chunks is great for texture, but you don’t want them so big they clump. Spread them evenly across the bottom of your baking dish, creating that first chocolatey layer.
Step 2: Whisk Your Chocolate Pudding
In a medium bowl, whisk together your instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk. It takes about 2 minutes of vigorous whisking to get that pudding nice and thick—not watery. Pour this thick pudding layer evenly over the Oreos; this step is what gives the cake its luscious center, so try to spread it well but don’t fuss—it’ll bake beautifully.
Step 3: Add Cake Mix and Butter
Sprinkle your dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer. Don’t stir! The magic of a dump cake is in these distinct layers. Then, drizzle the melted unsalted butter all over the cake mix—cover as much surface as you can because this butter is what creates that crispy, buttery crust that everyone loves.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake your dump cake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be set and slightly crisp—if it’s jigglier, give it a few more minutes. Once done, let it cool for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the layers settle and makes serving so much easier.
Step 5: Whipped Topping and Final Touches
After the cake cools, top with whipped topping—like Cool Whip—and sprinkle mini chocolate chips and extra Oreo cookies if you’re feeling fancy. I love that cool creaminess as a perfect counterpoint to the warm cake beneath. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, both ways are amazing.
Pro Tips for Making Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe
- Choose Oreos Wisely: I’ve found that twisting and gently removing the filling before chopping isn’t necessary here—keeping the filling on the cookies adds richness and moisture.
- Don’t Stir the Layers: A common trap is mixing the cake mix into the pudding—it kills the layered texture and won’t bake properly.
- Butter Coverage Matters: Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix. If you miss spots, your topping can bake dry instead of golden and crisp.
- Watch the Bake Time: Ovens vary—start checking around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the edges.
How to Serve Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to garnishes are always extra Oreo crumbs and a generous handful of mini chocolate chips over the whipped topping. On special occasions, I like to add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for that extra showstopper effect. It’s simple but makes the dessert feel special and so inviting.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out your dessert spread, I recommend serving this with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cake, and berries add a refreshing note that balances the deep chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or celebrations, I like to serve individual portions in small glass jars layered with whipped cream and Oreo crumbs. It looks adorable and feels extra personal. Serving it with colorful napkins or festive plates always gets compliments and smiles at the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers? Yes, please! I keep mine covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pudding layer stays moist, and the cake doesn’t get soggy too fast. Just let it come to room temp before serving for the best experience.
Freezing
This dessert freezes well if you want to make it ahead. I freeze it uncovered until firm, then wrap with foil and place it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to revive that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
I like reheating single servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm the cake while keeping the pudding smooth. For whole cakes, 10-15 minutes at 325°F in the oven works beautifully to bring it back to life without drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use other cookie types instead of Oreos in the dump cake?
Absolutely! While Oreos provide that classic chocolate-and-cream flavor, you can experiment with other chocolate sandwich cookies or even crushed graham crackers for a different texture and taste. Just keep in mind how the flavors pair with the chocolate pudding and cake mix.
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Do I have to use instant chocolate pudding mix?
Instant pudding mix works best here because it thickens quickly when mixed with cold milk, helping create the lovely filling layer you want. Regular pudding or cook-and-serve varieties won’t set up the same way and could make the cake too runny.
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Can I make this dump cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free alternative and choose gluten-free Oreos (they make those now!). Just double-check the pudding mix ingredients as well—many are gluten-free, but it’s good to confirm.
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What if I want this to be less sweet?
Consider using a chocolate cake mix with reduced sugar or a dark chocolate variety. You can also cut down a bit on the cake mix quantity or skip the extra chocolate chips on top to balance sweetness to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe is one of those comforting desserts that’s as much about creating joyful memories as it is about the flavors. I love how it’s simple enough for weeknights but classy enough to bring to dinner parties. When you make it, you’ll quickly realize how satisfying it is to pull something this spectacular out of the oven with minimal effort. So go ahead—grab your Oreos, your favorite chocolate cake mix, and milk, and get ready to delight everyone at your table. You’re going to love how easy and delicious this becomes your go-to chocolate dessert!
Print
Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy Oreo Dump Cake recipe combines Oreo cookies, instant chocolate pudding, and chocolate cake mix to create a deliciously rich and moist dessert with just five main ingredients. Perfect for quick preparation and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 24 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
Pudding Layer
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Cake Layer
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Toppings
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Extra Oreo cookies for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Oreos: Evenly spread the roughly chopped Oreo cookies across the bottom of the prepared baking dish as the base layer.
- Prepare Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk for about two minutes until it thickens, then pour this evenly over the Oreo layer.
- Add Cake Mix and Butter: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer, then drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top to cover as much surface area as possible.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until the top is set and slightly crisp; then remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Spread the whipped topping on the cooled cake and sprinkle mini chocolate chips and extra Oreo cookies on top if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute vanilla instant pudding for a different flavor twist.
- For a richer dessert, use full-fat milk instead of low-fat milk.
- The mini chocolate chips are optional but add extra texture and chocolate flavor.
- Make sure the butter is fully melted and drizzled evenly to help the cake mix bake properly.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly to avoid the whipped topping melting too quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
