Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe
If you’re craving something super easy, decadent, and downright addicting, you’ve got to try my Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe. Seriously, this dessert feels like a magic trick – you just “dump” a few household favorites into a pan and out comes this irresistible fudgy, crunchy, creamy masterpiece. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy night in or a last-minute gathering, this recipe will quickly become your go-to sweet fix.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like cake mix and pudding mix keeps it foolproof and quick.
- Layered Textures: Crunchy Oreos at the bottom, smooth chocolate pudding in the middle, and a buttery crisp cake topping come together perfectly.
- No Fuss Prep: You literally dump and drizzle, making it ideal when you want something delicious but don’t want a long recipe.
- Flexible & Crowd-Pleasing: This dump cake satisfies chocolate lovers of all kinds and works for friendly gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of this Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe is how all the ingredients bring unique magic to the table. You’ve got crunchy Oreos that create a sturdy base, silky chocolate pudding for richness, and that dry cake mix topping with melted butter that crisps up beautifully. Quick shopping tip: opt for a good-quality instant pudding mix and double-check your butter’s unsalted for balance.
- Oreo cookies: Roughly chopped to make sure every bite has bits of that signature chocolate and creamy filling for texture.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: This adds moist, creamy layers – no baking required in this step!
- Cold milk: Needed to whisk the pudding mix into that luscious mousse-like filling.
- Chocolate cake mix: Sprinkled dry on top, it bakes into a crisp, golden crust that’s pure heaven.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled over the cake mix – it’s the secret to that rich, golden crunch.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Light, fluffy finish that cuts through the decadence and adds a creamy layer.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): Sprinkle these on top if you want to amp up the chocolate explosion with little melty bites.
- Extra Oreos (optional): For garnish, because presentation counts and they add a nice crunch at serving time.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak it to match your cravings or dietary needs without losing that show-stopping chocolate goodness!
- Variation: Sometimes, I swap the chocolate cake mix for a yellow or white cake mix for a fun twist that still blends deliciously with the chocolate pudding.
- Dietary Mod: If you prefer gluten-free, there are plenty of gluten-free chocolate cake mixes and Oreos available these days, so you can enjoy this dessert worry-free.
- Seasonal Changes: Around the holidays, I love adding a sprinkle of peppermint chips in place of chocolate chips for a festive kick.
- Extra Fancy: For a grown-up twist, drizzle some salted caramel or a shot of espresso over the top before baking – it’s a total flavor upgrade and one I personally adore.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prep & Layer Your Base
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish so the cake won’t stick. Then, spread the roughly chopped Oreos evenly across the bottom. I like to get a nice even layer because these crunch up and form the base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pudding.
Step 2: Whisk & Pour the Chocolate Pudding
In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk together briskly for about 2 minutes or until thickened. You’ll see it almost set—like mousse. Pour this glorious chocolate goodness evenly over the Oreos, taking care to cover all the cookie bits. This layer adds that silky, fudgy richness you won’t be able to resist.
Step 3: Cake Mix & Butter Magic
Next, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer. Don’t worry about it looking uneven – the magic happens in the oven! Then, drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top, making sure to cover as much surface as possible. This step ensures the cake mix crisps up into that perfect golden crust.
Step 4: Baking & Cooling
Bake your dump cake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes. You’re aiming for a set, slightly crisp top that’s golden and inviting. After baking, let it cool for 10 minutes—this rest time really helps everything settle and makes serving easier. Trust me, it’s worth the little wait!
Step 5: Final Touches & Serving
Once your cake is cooled down, spread a generous layer of whipped topping over it. For extra chocolate indulgence, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and garnish with extra Oreo cookies if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm or room temperature – both ways are dreamy!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Cookie Chopping: I chop Oreos by hand instead of blitzing in a food processor to keep those perfectly chunky breaks.
- Even Butter Drizzling: Use a spoon to drizzle melted butter rather than pouring all at once to avoid dry spots in the cake topping.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: Letting it cool for about 10 minutes helps the pudding set so slices hold together nicely.
- Whipped Topping Timing: Add whipped topping just before serving to keep it fluffy and fresh.
How to Serve Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with a cloud of whipped topping and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, which add that extra pop of melty texture. Sometimes, I throw on extra chopped Oreos or a drizzle of caramel sauce if I’m feeling indulgent – makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen when you actually didn’t!
Side Dishes
This cake stands out beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or milk. For something lighter alongside, fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a nice tart contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Try serving it in individual clear glass jars layered with extra whipped cream and cookie crumbs on top. Or make mini versions in muffin tins for a fun party platter that lets everyone grab a single serving with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Oreo Dump Cake covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh—after a day, the crust softens a bit but the pudding and cookie base still shine.
Freezing
Freezing this cake works pretty well! Just wrap individual portions in foil or airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge to keep the pudding layer intact.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, I pop individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This revives the buttery crust and softens the pudding for that fresh-baked feel. Just add whipped topping again after warming if you like!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cookie instead of Oreos?
Absolutely! While Oreos give that classic chocolate and cream combo, you could experiment with sandwich cookies or chocolate chip cookies for a new twist. Just keep the cookie size roughly chopped to maintain good texture balance.
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What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?
You can’t really replicate the instant pudding layer’s ease or texture without the mix. If you don’t have it, consider making a homemade chocolate pudding and letting it cool and thicken before pouring it over the Oreos.
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Is this recipe kid-friendly?
For sure! Kids love the sweet, chocolatey layers and the crunchy bits. Just be mindful with mini chocolate chips if younger kids are eating, as they can be sticky or hard, but generally it’s a huge hit with the little ones.
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Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?
You can adapt it by choosing dairy-free pudding mixes, plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free whipped topping brands. Just be sure your cake mix is also vegan-friendly. It might take a little ingredient hunting but totally doable.
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What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
I love serving it slightly warm with a dollop of whipped topping and maybe a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast between warm cake and cold creaminess is irresistible and impresses every single time.
Final Thoughts
This Oreo Dump Cake with Chocolate Pudding Recipe is one of those “secret weapon” desserts I lean on whenever I want to wow my family or friends without breaking a sweat. It’s comforting, indulgent, and approachable — like a warm chocolate hug from your kitchen. You’ll enjoy how quickly it comes together and how reliably delicious it turns out every time. Give it a try soon; I promise it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection just like it is in mine!
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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 and indulgent Oreo Dump Cake combines chocolate pudding, a chocolate cake mix, and Oreo cookies into a moist, decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. With just five main ingredients and simple steps, you can make a crowd-pleasing treat topped with whipped cream and optional mini chocolate chips for extra delight.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 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°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Oreos: Evenly spread the roughly chopped Oreo cookies across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
- Prepare Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes, then pour the pudding evenly over the Oreo layer.
- Add Cake Mix and Butter: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer. Drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface to moisten the cake mix for baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crisp. Then remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Spread the whipped topping over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips and extra Oreo cookies on top, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, but pudding mix may need to be compatible.
- Using cold milk is important to properly thicken the instant pudding.
- For extra crunch, reserve some Oreos to crush and sprinkle on top as garnish.
- Letting the cake cool slightly before topping with whipped topping ensures it doesn’t melt too much.
- The butter can be lightly browned for a nuttier flavor before drizzling over the cake mix.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator, and it tastes great slightly warmed the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
