Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe

Indulgent, creamy, and loaded with everyone’s favorite cookie, the Cookies and Cream Cake is a show-stopping dessert perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because. With layers of rich chocolate cake, cookies-and-cream frosting, and a crunchy Oreo topping, this cake is the ultimate treat for cookie lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cookie Heaven: Packed with crushed cookies in every bite.
2. Moist and Fluffy Cake Layers: Perfectly balanced with the creamy frosting.
3. Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for any occasion, from parties to casual get-togethers.
4. Customizable: Add more cookies, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of ganache for extra flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Incorporate Boiling Water: Gradually pour in the boiling water while stirring. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookies and Cream Frosting

1. Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent mess.
3. Incorporate Cream and Vanilla: Add heavy cream and vanilla extract. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until fluffy.
4. Fold in Crushed Cookies: Gently fold in the finely crushed Oreo cookies, ensuring even distribution.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the Cakes: If needed, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cake layers.
2. Layer the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, followed by a sprinkle of crushed Oreos. Repeat with the second layer.
3. Top Layer: Place the final cake layer upside down for a flat surface. Spread a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake and chill for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Decorate the Cake

1. Frost the Cake: Apply a thicker layer of frosting, smoothing it with an offset spatula.
2. Add Toppings: Press crushed Oreos onto the sides of the cake. Decorate the top with whole Oreos, or pipe dollops of frosting to hold them in place.
3. Optional Drizzle: Drizzle with chocolate ganache for added elegance.

Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
2. Chill Between Steps: Chilling the cake between frosting applications helps achieve a clean finish.
3. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
4. Fresh Cookies: Use fresh Oreo cookies for the best texture and flavor.

Variations

Double the Cookies

Add more crushed cookies between the layers for an extra crunch.

Cookie Dough Frosting

Mix in edible cookie dough chunks with the frosting for a fun twist.

Mint Cookies and Cream

Use mint-flavored Oreos and add a drop of peppermint extract to the frosting.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend and use gluten-free sandwich cookies.

Serving Suggestions

1. With a Glass of Milk: The perfect pairing for this cookie-centric cake.
2. Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cookies-and-cream ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
3. Coffee Pairing: The rich flavors complement a cup of hot coffee or espresso.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Boxed Cake Mix?

Yes! For convenience, use a chocolate cake mix and focus on the homemade frosting and cookie additions.

What’s the Best Way to Crush the Cookies?

Place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor for finer crumbs.

Can I Use a Different Frosting?

Absolutely. Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream can also pair beautifully with this cake.

How Do I Prevent My Cake Layers from Sticking?

Use parchment paper to line the bottoms of the pans, and grease the sides well.

The Magic of Cookies and Cream

Cookies and cream is a universally loved flavor that combines the crunch of chocolate cookies with the smooth sweetness of cream. This cake captures that nostalgic combination in every layer, making it a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive.

Conclusion

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging a sweet craving, this Cookies and Cream Cake is a guaranteed hit. With its moist chocolate layers, rich frosting, and plenty of cookies, it’s a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ready to bake? Dive into this decadent treat and enjoy the delicious harmony of chocolate and cream!

Yield: 12

Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe

Print

Indulgent, creamy, and loaded with everyone’s favorite cookie, the Cookies and Cream Cake is a show-stopping dessert perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because. With layers of rich chocolate cake, cookies-and-cream frosting, and a crunchy Oreo topping, this cake is the ultimate treat for cookie lovers.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
• For the Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
• For Garnish:
• Whole chocolate sandwich cookies
• Crushed cookies

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the sour cream until combined.
6. Gently fold in the crushed cookies. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

2. Bake the Cake

1. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed.
3. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Increase to high speed and beat for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Fold in the crushed cookies until evenly distributed.

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top.
2. Repeat with the second and third layers, frosting the sides and top of the cake.
3. Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting.

5. Garnish

1. Decorate with whole cookies around the edge of the cake and sprinkle crushed cookies on top for extra flair.
2. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

Notes

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.