Hi, I’m Ella. I’m 32 years old and living in the United States, and my love for cooking grew from simple curiosity into something that feels like a lifelong passion. Salma finally made that Oreo Dump Cake Recipe she’d pinned months ago, the one she thought looked way too perfect to pull off. But it turned into a cozy, chocolatey surprise hit at home. If you’ve saved this one too, make it today and tell me if it becomes a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Oreo Dump Cake Recipe – Just 5 Ingredients
This is the dessert you make when you want maximum payoff with minimal effort. You don’t need to frost, whip, or layer anything — just dump, bake, and dig in. It’s forgiving, family-friendly, and perfect for those nights when you want something indulgent without the mess. Plus, it tastes like nostalgia in a pan — gooey, chocolatey, and topped with just enough crunch from the Oreos.
Ingredients
- 1 package Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies) – crunchy, chocolatey base and topping
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – adds that caramel-like richness
- 1 box chocolate cake mix – gives the cake its soft, fudgy texture
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted – keeps everything moist and flavorful
- 2 cups milk – adds creaminess and helps everything meld together
(Optional: a handful of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flair.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. It doesn’t need to be perfect — just enough so cleanup’s easy later.
- Crush your Oreos. Put them in a zip-top bag and gently smash them with a rolling pin. You want chunks, not dust! Spread about two-thirds of the crumbs evenly over the bottom of your pan.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the Oreos. It might not look like enough, but it spreads beautifully as it bakes.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over everything. Don’t mix! Just let it sit naturally — the uneven layers bake into delicious pockets of gooey cake.
- Drizzle the melted butter all across the surface. Try to cover as much as possible; uneven spots will bake into chewy, golden edges.
- Pour the milk evenly over the top. It might seem odd, but this is what gives the cake its pudding-like texture.
- Top with the remaining Oreos and any extras like chocolate chips or sea salt.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top looks set and slightly crisp around the edges. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes — if you can wait!
Cultural or Technique Note
Dump cakes are a true American comfort food — born from the love of convenience and flavor. Instead of precise layering or creaming, you literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan and let the oven do the magic. It’s casual, cozy, and exactly the kind of dessert you bring to family gatherings or potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
There’s no wrong way to enjoy this Oreo Dump Cake — but here are a few of my favorite ways to make it extra special:
- Warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream melts into the warm, fudgy layers, creating the ultimate hot-and-cold dessert combo.
- Topped with whipped cream and crushed Oreos: Add a little crunch and a light, creamy finish that balances all that chocolate richness.
- Chilled and cut into bars: Perfect for parties or lunchbox treats — once cooled, it holds together beautifully and slices cleanly.
- As a birthday dessert with candles on top: Skip the fancy layer cake and stick a few candles right in the middle. Everyone will still cheer.
- With a drizzle of chocolate or caramel syrup: Because more chocolate is never a bad idea.
Pro Tips for Success
- Melt the butter fully: Cold butter won’t soak into the dry cake mix, and you’ll end up with dry patches. Warm and melted is the way to go.
- Don’t overmix the layers: The magic of a dump cake is in the contrast — soft pudding pockets, crunchy Oreo bits, and fluffy cake sections.
- Use whole milk for extra richness: The fat content gives the cake a luscious, creamy finish, but any milk will still do the trick.
- Add a pinch of sea salt: It balances out the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop.
- Let it rest before serving: Fresh from the oven, it’s molten and messy — give it a few minutes to settle and thicken before scooping.
- Drizzle with warm chocolate syrup before serving: It adds shine and a professional touch, especially if you’re serving it at a gathering.
- Try serving in individual ramekins: Perfect for portion control and makes dessert feel extra special.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking: Check at 35 minutes. You want a gooey center, not a dry cake. The edges should be crisp, but the middle soft and bubbly.
Mixing the layers: The beauty of a dump cake is the “dump” — layering without stirring. Mixing ruins the texture and the surprise pockets of flavor.
Cutting too soon: Give it at least 10 minutes to cool. It thickens and becomes easier to serve.
Using too little butter: Butter helps moisten the cake mix and create that golden crust. Skimping can make it powdery.
Over-crushing Oreos: You want texture! Leave some large cookie chunks for those satisfying bites of crunch amid the gooey chocolate.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It tastes even better on day two as the flavors meld together.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk if it looks dry — it brings back that soft, pudding-like texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use gluten-free cake mix?
: Definitely! A gluten-free chocolate cake mix works beautifully. The texture will be slightly denser, but the flavor stays rich and indulgent.
Q2: Do I have to use Oreos?
: Not at all! Any sandwich cookie will do. Try mint, peanut butter, or even golden Oreos for a fun twist.
Q3: Can I double the recipe?
: You can absolutely double it — just bake in two 9×13 pans so everything cooks evenly and doesn’t end up soggy in the center.
Q4: Is it super sweet?
: Oh yes, it’s definitely on the indulgent side — but that’s why it pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Closing Paragraph
This Oreo Dump Cake is the ultimate lazy-day dessert — rich, creamy, and loaded with crushed cookie goodness. It’s one of those “everyone asks for the recipe” kind of dishes, and the best part? You can throw it together in minutes. Whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or quick birthday treat, it always brings smiles (and empty plates).
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most comforting — the ones that don’t ask much but give so much back. This Oreo Dump Cake reminds me that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. It’s nostalgic, cozy, and a little messy just the way I like it.

Oreo Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Oreo cookies about 36 cookies, crushed (not too fine)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 box chocolate cake mix dry, unprepared
- 0.5 cup butter melted
- 2 cups milk preferably whole milk
- chocolate chips optional, for extra richness
- sea salt optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Crush Oreos in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin. You want chunks, not dust. Spread two-thirds of the crumbs evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the Oreo layer. Do not stir.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the top. Again, do not mix.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.
- Pour the milk over the top, spreading as evenly as possible. Top with the remaining Oreos and optional chocolate chips or sea salt.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is set and crisp around the edges. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.