Milk and Cookies Cake – A Sweet Indulgence Recipe
Get ready to experience pure joy with the Milk and Cookies Cake – A Sweet Indulgence Recipe, a delightful twist on classic flavors that combine the nostalgic charm of chocolate chip cookies with the fluffy, buttery goodness of cake. This irresistible dessert layers soft, moist cake with a crunchy cookie crumble and creamy frosting, making every bite an absolute treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something homemade and comforting, this cake is your new best friend in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Milk and Cookies Cake – A Sweet Indulgence Recipe lies in its simple, well-balanced ingredients that blend harmoniously to create that perfect taste and texture. Each component adds its unique touch, from the tender crumb of the cake to the sweet crunch of the cookie crumble and the luscious vanilla frosting.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake its tender structure and the crumble its delightful bite.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection so it’s light and airy.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, essential for both the cake and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve that soft crumb texture.
- Brown sugar: Used in the crumble for a deeper caramel flavor and slight chewiness.
- Eggs: Provide structure and binding while contributing to the cake’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Imparts a warm, inviting aroma and flavor that elevates every bite.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist, tender, and perfectly dense without heaviness.
- Mini chocolate chips: Inside the cake and crumble, they deliver chocolate bursts that cookie lovers will adore.
- Powdered sugar: Creates that dreamy frosting that’s sweet, smooth, and easy to spread.
- Optional decorations: Mini chocolate chip cookies, cookie crumbs, and chocolate drizzle add flair and extra indulgence.
How to Make Milk and Cookies Cake – A Sweet Indulgence Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper so your cakes release easily, keeping the edges nice and clean.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple mix is crucial for making sure your cake rises evenly while keeping that beautiful crumb light and tender.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your cake a soft and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which brings a heavenly aroma and depth of flavor that’s truly comforting.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
Alternately add the dry flour mixture and whole milk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until combined but avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Fold in the mini chocolate chips carefully, so they’re evenly spread without sinking.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and place them in the oven. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cookie Crumble
Combine flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Cut in softened butter until the mixture looks crumbly, then stir in mini chocolate chips. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown. Let the crumble cool completely before breaking into chunks.
Step 8: Whip Up the Frosting
Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth — ready to complement the cake without overpowering it.
Step 9: Assemble Your Cake
Start by placing one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over it, then sprinkle cookie crumble on top for that irresistible crunch. Repeat with the second layer, then add the last cake on top. Cover the entire cake with frosting and decorate with mini cookies, cookie crumbs, and a drizzle of melted chocolate if you like. Chill briefly to set before slicing into this sweet indulgence!
How to Serve Milk and Cookies Cake – A Sweet Indulgence Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference when serving Milk and Cookies Cake – A Sweet Indulgence Recipe. Mini chocolate chip cookies and cookie crumbs enhance the cookie theme, while a gentle drizzle of chocolate adds luxurious shine and extra gooey flavor. These garnishes invite everyone to dig in with delight.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside or a glass of cold milk truly elevates the nostalgic cookie experience. For a fruitier contrast, fresh berries can balance the sweetness and add a burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices on charming vintage plates or rustic wooden boards for a cozy vibe. Consider layering individual portions in clear jars or cups to show off the distinct cake, frosting, and crumble layers. For celebrations, top with a sparkler candle and watch smiles light up the room!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Milk and Cookies Cake – A Sweet Indulgence Recipe stays moist and delicious for several days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, the frosting keeps its luscious texture while the crumble remains pleasantly crunchy without getting soggy.
Freezing
You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to two weeks. When ready to use, thaw the layers in the fridge overnight, then assemble and frost as usual for a fresh and festive treat anytime you crave it.
Reheating
Though this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly warm slice, microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds. This gentle warmth enhances the softness without melting the frosting, making each bite tender and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will still provide delicious bursts of chocolate. Just keep in mind the distribution might be less even, but the flavor remains wonderful.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Milk and Cookies Cake – A Sweet Indulgence Recipe uses no animal-based gelatin or unusual additives, making it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter imparts important richness and texture, especially in the frosting and crumble. While you can substitute margarine in a pinch, oil won’t work well for the frosting’s texture or the crumble’s consistency.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, your cake will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Beyond that, it may start to dry out or lose its texture.
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for a fun variation. Just remember to keep the quantities balanced so the texture stays lovely.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into a slice of Milk and Cookies Cake – A Sweet Indulgence Recipe. This cake perfectly brings together the best of both worlds — that classic cookie crunch and the soft, luscious cake — creating a comforting and utterly delicious dessert. I cannot wait for you to make this recipe your own and share it with loved ones because once you do, I guarantee it will become a beloved favorite, too!
Print
Milk and Cookies Cake – A Sweet Indulgence Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Milk and Cookies Cake is a delightful layered dessert combining moist vanilla cake dotted with mini chocolate chips, a buttery cookie crumble, and creamy vanilla frosting. This indulgent American classic offers a perfect blend of soft cake texture with crunchy cookie accents, making it an irresistible treat for cookie lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
For the Cookie Crumble:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration (optional):
- Mini chocolate chip cookies
- Cookie crumbs
- Chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout the cake batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air, resulting in a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the batter light. Be careful not to overmix to prevent a tough cake.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips with a spatula, evenly distributing them throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Cookie Crumble: In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Spread mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool and then crumble into pieces.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over it, then sprinkle cookie crumble on top. Repeat with the second and third layers. Finally, frost the entire outside of the cake evenly.
- Decorate: Garnish the cake with mini chocolate chip cookies, cookie crumbs, and a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired for an attractive and tasty finish.
- Set Before Serving: Chill the assembled cake briefly to allow the frosting to set, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavors.
Notes
- You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 2 weeks for convenience.
- For an extra indulgent touch, add a layer of chocolate ganache or cookie dough filling between the cake layers.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Use parchment paper in pans to make cake removal smoother and prevent damage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
