Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and a love for classic flavors, this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Combining the nostalgic crunch of chocolate sandwich cookies with a moist, tender cake base and a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect dessert to wow friends or indulge yourself. Every bite feels like a celebration of those beloved cookies, transformed into an elegant and irresistible cake that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays an important role in creating the texture, flavor, and overall magic of the Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe. From the fluffy eggs to the creamy frosting, every element ensures your cake turns out just right.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cake, creating that perfect crumb.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it brown beautifully.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- 3 large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Enhances moisture and helps balance the texture.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for leavening, making your cake rise perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos): The star of the show, adding delightful crunch and chocolate flavor.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): For an irresistibly smooth and tangy frosting base.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans so your cakes release effortlessly after baking. Preparing the pans first allows you to move smoothly through the recipe without any rush.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. This mix of dry ingredients is the base that provides the cake its structure and the lift needed for a tender texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this step is key to a light cake texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air. Finish by mixing in the vanilla extract, which will fill your kitchen with such an inviting scent.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. This alternating process helps keep the batter smooth and prevents lumps while maintaining moisture. Finally, gently fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, distributing those iconic cookie bits evenly without deflating your batter.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two pans, smoothing the tops for an even rise. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on it—your kitchen will soon be filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cake with cookies.
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread this luscious frosting generously over one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and then frost the entire cake for a beautiful, indulgent finish.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle extra crushed chocolate sandwich cookies on top or add mini cookie halves for a decorative touch. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can also complement the creamy sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a flavor contrast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a cup of rich coffee or hot chocolate to round out your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider presenting the cake on a decorative cake stand to make it the centerpiece of your table. You might also slice it into elegant layers and plate with a few cookie crumbs and fresh mint leaves for a restaurant-quality touch. Individual portions in clear dessert cups layered with extra cookie crumbs could make for a stunning party presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Cookies and Cream Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh and maintains the cake’s moistness, so it tastes just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Because this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary and may affect the cream cheese frosting’s texture. Simply let frozen or refrigerated cake pieces sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While low-fat milk can work in a pinch, whole milk is preferred because it adds richness and moisture, making your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe extra tender and flavorful.
What kind of chocolate sandwich cookies are best?
Classic chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos are ideal thanks to their crunchy texture and distinct chocolate flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cookie brands for a unique twist.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but ensure the baking powder is gluten-free as well. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly.
Can I make this cake vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs, butter, milk, and cream cheese, so it’s not vegan as written. However, with suitable plant-based substitutes for each ingredient, you could create a vegan version, though texture and taste will differ.
How long does the cake take to bake?
Bake times typically range from 35 to 40 minutes, depending on your oven. Always test with a toothpick inserted into the cake center; it should come out clean when done.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love how simple and delightful this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is to make and share. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate classic cookie flavors in cake form, perfect for birthdays, special gatherings, or just because you deserve a sweet treat. Give it a try—you might just find yourself baking it again and again!
Print
Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Delicious Cookies and Cream Cake is a delightful dessert combining the classic flavors of chocolate sandwich cookies and creamy frosting. Moist and fluffy, this cake is perfect for celebrations or any sweet craving, featuring a tender crumb infused with crushed cookies and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar, for frosting (about ¾ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round baking pans to ensure the cake layers release easily after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, ensuring they are evenly combined for a uniform bake.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving the cake a tender texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until all ingredients are combined and the batter is smooth to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in crushed cookies: Gently fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without breaking them down too much.
- Divide and bake: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are done.
- Cool and frost: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cake layers.
Notes
- Be sure to bring eggs and butter to room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to maintain a tender crumb.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for creamy, rich frosting; soften it beforehand to avoid lumps.
- You can chill the cake after frosting for firmer slices and enhanced flavor melding.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
