Oreo Drip Cake Tutorial

This cake is sure to impress your friends and family. It's not only delicious but looks stunning too. This Oreo drip cake tutorial will show you how to make it from start to finish, with step-by-step instructions and pictures along the way.

If you are a huge fan of Oreo like I am, then make sure you also check out our huge list of Oreo dessert recipes. So many great ideas on the list!

top of oreo drip cake with cookie crumbs

Ingredients

2 boxes vanilla cake mix (860g)
1 (4.2oz) box Oreo pudding mix (119g)
6 large eggs
2 cups water
1 cup vegetable oil
1 (15oz) package Oreo cookies (435g)
Non-stick cooking spray or cake release

For buttercream

½ pound unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
½ cup vegetable shortening (120g)
4 cups powdered sugar (960g)
¼ cup heavy cream (60ml)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (15ml)

For decorating

Almond bark or white candy melts

ingredients for baking a cake in large glass bowls on white table

Handy Kitchen Tools

top of oreo cake with icing flowers and whole cookies

How to Make an Oreo Drip Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C and then spray 4 (8") round baking pans with non-stick spray or coat with a layer of cake release.

Now, you will make the cake mixes. In a large bowl, add the two dry cake mixes, oreo pudding mix (dry), eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Beat together on high for 3 minutes, or until incorporated and no lumps remain.

Next, chop 8 of the Oreo cookies into small chunks, and fold them into the prepared cake batter.

oreo cookie pieces being added to bowl of cake batter

Divide the batter between the cake pans so that they are each ¾ full.

Reduce the oven temperature to 340°F and then bake the cakes for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool completely in the pans for one hour.

How to torte the cakes

If using just 2 pans, you will need to slice each of these cakes in half to create the 4 layers. This is when you "torte" the cake.

To do so, you will trim the top of the cake while it is still in the cake pan, so you have a flat and even surface.

Then, remove the cake from the pan, and use a knife or wire cake leveler to cut the individual cakes into 2 equal pieces.

Now, you will leave the cakes to continue cooling, or wrap each layer in plastic wrap and store in the freezer until you are ready to frost.

How to Make Vanilla Buttercream

In a large bowl, cream the butter until fluffy. To the butter, beat in the shortening.

Now, add the powdered sugar and beat until it is combined.

Then, add the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy.

cream cheese frosting on beater in large glass bowl

How to Assemble an Oreo Drip Cake

Fill a piping bag with the buttercream you prepared, and fit with a 1M or 2D tip.

Now, you will add a "dam" of buttercream on top of each layer. This is when you pipe a layer of icing around the outer edge of the cake. Then, inside the dam, you will spread a layer of buttercream.

Top this layer of buttercream with a layer of Oreo cookies, cutting them to fit and fill in the space.

Repeat this process, until the four layers are stacked neatly on top of each other.

Now you will spread a crumb coat (thin layer) of buttercream all around the outside and on top of the cake. Smooth off any excess, then sit the layered cake inside the freezer to set for 5 minutes.

layered cake with icing between layers before crumb coat

Once it has been set, apply the final exterior coat of buttercream and smooth it to coat all of the cake. Then, on the bottom outside of the cake, add a single layer of Oreo cookies in a row all around the cake. Place it back in the freezer.

Next, melt the almond bark or white chocolate in 30-second increments in the microwave, until it is just melted. Stir well.

Remove the cake from the freezer and begin spooning or piping this chocolate around the very top edge of the cake, so that it drips down the sides.

piping bag adding chocolate drip on top layer of white cake

Now add a few buttercream florettes around the top of the cake and sprinkle with additional cookie crumbs or whole cookies on top.

For additional decoration, you may also melt milk chocolate and pipe or drizzle it over the top of the cake if desired.

white icing with cookies on top of oreo drip cake

Chef's Tips

If possible, using 4 pans makes this easier since you do not have to cut the cakes before assembling them.
Make sure you have at least 3 to 4 hours to make this cake. You will need time to allow each step to sit and stay cold so the icing goes on neatly.
Replace the layer of whole Oreo cookies on the bottom with cookie crumbs if you prefer. Just pulse them in a food processor until they are at the desired crumble stage.
Use almond bark or candy melts to hold the drip and look for the best results. White chocolate can be used but has a tendency to melt easily, so may not hold up as well depending on the weather.

oreo drip cake sitting on white cake board on gray marble table

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dip Made of On a Dip Cake?

The drip on this cake is made from melted candy melts or almond bark. Another option you can use would be a white chocolate ganache, or even a chocolate ganache if you prefer.

What Size Cake is Best for a Drip Cake?

For this Oreo drip cake, we recommend using an 8" round cake. This size is great for being sturdy when layered, and the pans are deep enough that you can use only 2 and create all 4 layers by cutting each in half. This will give you four layers with plenty of room for the Oreo crumbles and other decorations.

How Do I Get the Drip Look on a Cake?

Once you have your cake ready and fully iced and then chilled, you will melt the almond bark for the drip. This is easiest when using a squeeze bottle or piping bag, but can be done by hand with a spoon.

Start on the edge and drizzle a small amount around the outer edge of the top cake layer so it drips down the side.decorations of your choice.

Can I Use Buttercream to Drip?

While it is not ideal for a drip, you can create a similar look by thinning the buttercream so it pours easier. The drip look may not stay intact as it would with chocolate, but it is a simple substitute if needed.

Does Drip Cake Have to Be Refrigerated?

This depends more on what kind of cake it is. For this version, using the recipe listed here, you do not need to refrigerate unless you prefer to do so to keep everything solid and set.

If you have used the drip technique on a cake with buttercream frosting, it does not need to be refrigerated. If you are using a cream cheese frosting or something else that is typically stored in the refrigerator like strawberries, you will want to keep it in the refrigerator.

oreo cake on white plate with gray background

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