Cookies and Cream Dump Cake – The Ultimate Oreo Dessert

Craving something rich, chocolatey, and unbelievably easy to make? This Oreo Dump Cake is the answer. With just five pantry ingredients and no mixing bowls required, this dessert practically makes itself. Layered with crushed Oreos, pudding, chocolate chips, and cake mix, it bakes into a gooey, molten, cookies-and-cream delight. It’s the perfect quick dessert for busy nights, family gatherings, or whenever your sweet tooth demands immediate satisfaction.

Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro in need of a crowd-pleasing treat, this Oreo dump cake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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What Is a Dump Cake?

A dump cake gets its name from the method—you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish without mixing. Traditional dump cakes use canned fruit and boxed cake mix, but this version swaps the fruit for layers of Oreo cookies and chocolate pudding, creating a decadent twist that’s halfway between a molten lava cake and a warm cookie pudding.

The texture is rich and soft—think warm Oreo pudding with a fudgy cake crust on top. It’s best served warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

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Ingredients Overview: Only 5 Simple Ingredients

This recipe is shockingly easy and uses everyday items you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s how each ingredient contributes to that luscious Oreo flavor:

Oreo Cookies

Crushed and whole Oreos provide both texture and signature cookies-and-cream flavor. They soften slightly while baking, creating a gooey base layer.

Chocolate Pudding (Instant or Cook-and-Serve)

Adds fudgy, molten richness to the center. It helps transform the Oreos into a pudding-like consistency.

Chocolate Cake Mix

Forms the cakey top layer. As it bakes over the pudding and Oreos, it absorbs moisture, becoming soft, rich, and slightly crisp around the edges.

Milk

Hydrates the pudding mix and helps blend the layers without any mixing. It ensures the cake stays moist and gooey.

Butter

Melted butter is drizzled over the top to help the dry cake mix bake evenly. It also gives the dish a rich, indulgent finish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Oreo Dump Cake

This is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. Here’s how to layer it for perfect results every time.

1. Preheat Oven and Grease the Dish

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Add Oreo Layer

• Roughly crush 20–24 Oreos and scatter them across the bottom of the dish.

  • You can leave some whole for texture or crush them more finely for a softer result.

3. Pour Chocolate Pudding

• Prepare one 3.9 oz box of instant chocolate pudding using 1 ½ cups cold milk (not the full amount listed on the box).

• Pour the pudding over the Oreos.

Alternative: If using cook-and-serve pudding, make it first, let it cool slightly, then pour it over the Oreo base.

4. Add Cake Mix

• Sprinkle one box (15.25 oz) of chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer. Do not mix.

5. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)

• Scatter ½ cup chocolate chips on top for extra richness and texture.

6. Drizzle Melted Butter

• Melt ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter and pour it evenly over the top of the dry cake mix.

• Try to cover as much surface as possible—any dry spots will bake crisp.

7. Bake

• Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is set and bubbling around the edges.

• Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken slightly.

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake

• Don’t stir! Each layer cooks in place to create a layered dessert.

• Use cold milk for instant pudding and warm milk for cook-and-serve.

• Let it rest before scooping—this helps it set up and intensify in flavor.

Delicious Variations

• Peanut Butter Twist: Add peanut butter chips or swirl in ½ cup peanut butter between the layers.

• Cookies and Cream Version: Use white or vanilla cake mix and white chocolate chips for a lighter flavor.

• Mint Oreo Dump Cake: Use Mint Oreos and add a few drops of peppermint extract to the pudding layer.

• Mocha Oreo Cake: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the pudding or cake mix.

Dietary Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter.

• Gluten-Free: Choose a gluten-free cake mix and certified gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This gooey Oreo dump cake is the ultimate comfort dessert and suits so many occasions:

• Birthday parties (especially for Oreo lovers)

• Game nights and potlucks (it travels well)

• After-school treats for kids (they can help make it!)

• Midnight chocolate cravings (it’s quick to prep)

• Holiday buffets—serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream

For extra indulgence, top with:

• Vanilla ice cream

• Whipped cream

• Crushed Oreos

• Hot fudge or caramel drizzle

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This dessert is unapologetically indulgent—but here are some notes:

• Portion size matters: It’s very rich, so small servings go a long way.

• Oreos + pudding = lots of sugar, so enjoy as an occasional treat.

• Add protein: Serve with a glass of milk or top with Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast.

Want to make it a little lighter?

• Use a sugar-free pudding mix

• Choose light butter or plant-based margarine

• Go easy on the chocolate chips or skip entirely

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Oreo dump cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture. If reheating, warm in the oven at 300°F until gooey again.

2. Do I need to prepare the pudding separately?

Yes—especially if using instant pudding. Use 1 ½ cups milk instead of the full 2 cups to keep it thicker. Cook-and-serve pudding must be cooked first and cooled slightly.

3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Try vanilla, red velvet, or devil’s food cake for different twists. Each brings a unique contrast to the Oreo base.

4. What size pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch baking dish works best. If halving the recipe, use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan.

5. Can I store leftovers?

Yes! Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. The texture will be gooier on day two.

6. Can I freeze Oreo dump cake?

It’s possible, but not ideal. The texture may change once thawed. If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and use within 1 month.

7. Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, peanut butter cups, or caramel bits all work well. Just sprinkle between the pudding and cake layers.

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