Some desserts feel like a little hug in a dish — and this Oreo Dump Cake is exactly that for me.
The first time I made it, I wasn’t expecting anything extraordinary. It was just one of those “let’s see what happens” kind of days.
I had a box of cake mix, a pack of Oreos, some cream in the fridge — and not much patience. But the second I pulled it out of the oven, let it cool, and layered it up, something about it just clicked.
The smell was warm and chocolatey, and when I took that first bite — soft cake on the bottom, creamy whipped layer in the middle, and a generous Oreo crunch on top — I knew I’d be making it again. And again.
I’ve served this to kids who squeal the second they see the cookie topping, and to grown-ups who pretend they’re just having “a little piece,” then quietly go back for more. It’s that kind of dessert. No fancy tools.
No complicated steps. Just pure comfort in every spoonful.
If you’re like me — someone who loves making something delicious without turning the kitchen upside down — this one’s for you.
Oreo Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Base Chocolate Cake Layer:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (moist style, 425g)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter (unsalted)
- 3 large eggs
Cream Layer:
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cookie Layer:
- 24 Oreo cookies (divided)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for cookie layer)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layer
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a 9×9 inch (or similar-sized) glass baking dish with oil or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, milk, melted butter, and eggs.
- Whisk or stir with a spatula until the batter is smooth with no dry pockets — about 1 minute of mixing is enough.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let it cool completely at room temperature. This is important — warm cake will melt the cream layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Layer
- In a clean mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Use a hand whisk or electric mixer to whip it until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3–5 minutes with a mixer on high speed.
- Once whipped, spoon the cream evenly over the cooled chocolate cake. Use the back of a spoon or offset spatula to smooth the top.
Step 3: Crushed Oreo Topping
- Take 18 Oreo cookies and place them in a zip-top bag.
- Crush them using a rolling pin until you get a mix of fine crumbs and larger cookie chunks. You want that texture — don’t crush too finely.
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of melted butter, seal the bag, and shake gently to coat.
- Sprinkle this Oreo mixture generously over the whipped cream layer.
Step 4: Finishing Touch
- Break the remaining 6 Oreos by hand into halves or quarters and press a few gently into the top for that signature chunky look.
- Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving — this helps everything set perfectly.
Serving Tip:
Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out generous squares. The layers won’t be stiff like a traditional cake — they’ll be soft, creamy, and deliciously messy, just as they should be.
Do I Need To Crush The Oreos For Oreo Dump Cake?
Crushing Oreos makes the cake texture better and spreads flavor evenly.
- Even layering: Crushed Oreos mix better with cake and whipped cream layers.
- Easier to eat: Small pieces melt into the cake, making each bite smoother.
- Better topping texture: Crushed Oreos give a nice crunchy topping when baked.
- More flavor: Crushing releases more of the Oreo filling flavor into the cake.
Can I Make Oreo Dump Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it earlier without any problem.
- Make 1 day ahead: Bake the cake, let it cool, then add whipped cream and Oreos on top before chilling.
- Chill well: Keep it in the fridge covered so it stays fresh.
- Add toppings later: If you’re adding whipped cream and Oreos on top, wait until just before serving so it looks fresh.
Can I Use Different Flavors Of Oreos In This Recipe?
Yes, using different flavors of Oreos is a fun way to change the taste.
- Mint Oreos: Add a cool, fresh flavor.
- Golden Oreos: Make the cake lighter and vanilla-flavored.
- Strawberry or Birthday Cake: Add color and fruity or fun taste.
- Peanut Butter Oreos: Perfect if you love chocolate-peanut butter combos.
Can I Make Oreo Dump Cake Without Cake Mix?
Yes, you can make it without a cake mix by using a simple homemade substitute.
- Homemade cake base: Use all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Spread it like cake mix: Pour it evenly in the dish before adding Oreos and other toppings.
What’s The Best Pan Size For Oreo Dump Cake?
The best size is a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Even baking: This size allows the layers to bake properly without burning or staying raw.
- Good portion size: Makes enough servings for a family or small gathering.
- Not too deep: Keeps the whipped cream and Oreo topping close to the surface for easy scooping.
Can I Make Oreo Dump Cake With Pudding?
Yes, pudding adds creaminess and extra flavor.
- Chocolate pudding: Makes the cake richer and more gooey.
- Vanilla pudding: Keeps the cake light and smooth.
- Layer tip: Pour pudding over the crushed Oreos or between layers for best effect.
How Do I Keep The Whipped Cream Layer From Melting?
To keep whipped cream firm, follow these simple tips:
- Use chilled whipped cream: Cold cream holds better.
- Stabilize it: Add a little cornstarch or use ready-made stabilized whipped topping.
- Apply when cake is cool: Never add it on warm cake.
- Keep refrigerated: Chill the whole cake until serving time.
- Avoid heat: Don’t leave it out in a warm room or under sunlight.
Can I Make Oreo Dump Cake In a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make it in a slow cooker easily.
- Layer as usual: Add the ingredients in the same order—cake mix, crushed Oreos, etc.
- Cook on low: Set the slow cooker on low for 2 to 3 hours.
- Don’t overcook: Check once the edges start to set and center is soft but cooked.
Can I Freeze Leftover Oreo Dump Cake?
Yes, it freezes well if done the right way.
- Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap or foil to cover it completely.
- Use a freezer-safe container: Avoid just putting it in the fridge tray.
- Freeze without whipped cream: If possible, add the cream fresh after thawing.
- Thaw in fridge: Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.