If you’re a fan of the classic cookies and cream flavor combo, then this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine soft, moist cake layers packed with bits of chocolate sandwich cookies, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and richness. It’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fancy, perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on its delightful texture and that irresistible cookies and cream charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe requires just a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating its signature flavor and texture. From the tender crumb of the cake to the creamy frosting, every element matters and makes this dessert truly special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and lightness to the cake layers.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a tender crumb.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for a soft bite.
- 3 large eggs (room temperature): Help bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s rise and texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Ensures moisture and enhances the cake’s tender texture.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the cake wonderfully fluffy.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Gives a warm, inviting aroma that complements the cookies perfectly.
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos): The star ingredient, adding crunch and that iconic cookies and cream flavor.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Creates a dreamy, tangy frosting that balances the cake’s sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a warm 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This step is key to ensuring your cake layers come out clean and intact after baking. Properly prepping your pans means easier removal and more beautiful layers to build your cake.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed, helping your cake rise consistently and achieve the perfect fluffy texture you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, which contributes to a soft, tender crumb. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that irresistible aroma into your cake.
Step 4: Alternate Mixing Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture by alternating with the milk. This technique helps maintain a smooth batter without overmixing, which can make the cake dense. Once everything is combined, gently fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. These bits will give your cake a lovely crunch and that beloved cookies and cream twist throughout each slice.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The anticipation is real here because the smell alone will have you eager for a slice.
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Once baked, let the cakes cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, whip together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy. Spread this luscious frosting generously over one cake layer, stack the second layer on top, and cover the entire cake. This frosting will give you that perfect balance between tangy and sweet, tying the whole cookies and cream experience together beautifully.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe presentation, scatter a few whole or halved chocolate sandwich cookies on top. You can also sprinkle some finely crushed cookie crumbs for a pretty textured crown. If you want to get extra fancy, add some chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted chocolate to make it look like it’s straight from a café.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, especially if you serve it slightly chilled. For a fresh contrast, a small cup of mixed berries or a tangy fruit compote can brighten the palate and balance out the cake’s richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices on delicate dessert plates with a sprig of mint or edible flowers for a touch of elegance. For casual gatherings, cut the cake into squares and display them on a festive platter with little labels describing this irresistible Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe. You could even layer mini versions in clear cups for a fun, crowd-pleasing dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is frosted and ready, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the cake fresh and maintain the creamy texture for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover the cake well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cake later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in the freezer. The unfrosted layers can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then add the cream cheese frosting fresh to keep that creamy texture intact.
Reheating
While this cake is best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, if you prefer it slightly warm, you can microwave a single slice for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the cream cheese frosting just a bit, enhancing the cookies and cream layers without melting the frosting completely.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cookies for this cake?
Absolutely! While traditional chocolate sandwich cookies are classic, you can experiment with cookies like chocolate chip, peanut butter, or even mint-flavored cookies to switch things up in your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe.
Is cream cheese necessary for the frosting?
The cream cheese gives the frosting its signature tang and creamy texture, making it a vital component for this cake. However, you could substitute it with mascarpone or a stable whipped cream frosting if you prefer a lighter option.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, you can adapt this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe for gluten sensitivities. Just ensure your cookies are also gluten-free to keep the flavors consistent.
What if I don’t have whole milk on hand?
You can use 2% milk or even a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk. The moisture level will be similar, though whole milk does provide a slightly richer crumb.
How do I crush the cookies without making a mess?
Place the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or heavy pan. This keeps crumbs contained and lets you control the size of the cookie bits for the cake’s texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a homemade Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe to bring a smile to everyone’s face. It’s a delightful blend of comfort and celebration, combining familiar flavors in a truly decadent way. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake will quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation. So go ahead, grab those chocolate sandwich cookies, and treat yourself to a slice of pure deliciousness—you deserve it!
Print
Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Cookies and Cream Cake combines a moist vanilla-flavored cake studded with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and topped with a creamy whipped cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or an indulgent dessert, it offers a delightful contrast of rich cookie bits and smooth frosting in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos)
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar, to taste (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder, ensuring they are well mixed to distribute the leavening agent evenly.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Fold in crushed cookies: Carefully fold the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing to maintain texture.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and frost: Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool fully on wire racks. For the frosting, whip the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar to your desired sweetness and spread it evenly over the cooled cakes before assembling or serving.
Notes
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- You can adjust the amount of crushed cookies based on preference to get more or fewer cookie bits in the cake.
- Chilling the frosting briefly before spreading helps achieve a smoother finish.
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a richer taste, substitute whole milk with buttermilk.
