If you are on the hunt for a dreamy dessert that combines the timeless charm of classic chocolate sandwich cookies with the moist, fluffy delight of a homemade cake, this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is exactly what you need to try. Each bite is a celebration of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors working in perfect harmony, making it an absolute showstopper for birthdays, special occasions, or just a joyful everyday treat. It’s wonderfully easy to make and incredibly satisfying—once you’ve tasted it, you’ll be hooked for life!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake this gorgeous Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is simple and straightforward. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether bringing moistness, sweetness, or that irresistible cookie crunch, so having them prepped will set you up for success.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that creates the soft, tender crumb of the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to balance the rich flavors.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Contributes to moistness and a subtle buttery flavor.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients and help the cake rise beautifully.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake tender and adds a lovely richness.
- Baking powder: The essential leavening agent that lifts the cake to fluffy perfection.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with warm, aromatic notes.
- Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies: The surprise bursts of cookies that define the cookies and cream experience.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy, tangy base for the luscious frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth finish.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and make sure to grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This will ensure your cake layers come out perfectly without sticking, setting a great foundation to bake your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe evenly.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This mixture brings the exact right amount of leavening to your cake, for that soft, airy texture we all love in a perfect cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for a tender crumb. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor boost.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly alternate adding the dry flour mixture and whole milk into your wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly to achieve a smooth batter. Carefully fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies last – this is where your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe really starts to shine with those irresistible cookie bits throughout.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake Layers
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, signaling the cakes are perfectly baked and ready for the next delicious step.
Step 6: Frost and Finish
Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread this luscious frosting generously over one layer, then stack the second layer on top, finishing with a thick, even coat all over for a stunning finish to your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe with some extra flair by garnishing it with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or even full cookie halves around the sides. For a touch of color, fresh berries or edible flowers complement the cookies’ monochrome tones beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve a slice alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to amp up the indulgence. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or cold milk pairs perfectly, balancing the sweetness and making the experience feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this cake into individual mini desserts by layering the cake and frosting into clear cups topped with cookie crumbs for a visually stunning dessert. You could also create cake pops from leftover crumbs and frosting for a fun, bite-sized twist on your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, keep your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and moistness. Store it in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days, and each slice will taste just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save your cake for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the frosted cake tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to keep the texture perfect.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served chilled, there’s no need to reheat. However, if you prefer it slightly less cold, let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to let the frostings soften a bit and flavors open up.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat milk, but the cake may be slightly less rich and moist. Whole milk adds that extra creaminess that complements the cookies and cream flavor perfectly.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s suitable for baking will work well. Just ensure your crushed cookies are also gluten-free for the best results.
How should I crush the cookies for the batter?
The best method is to place the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin until you have mostly small chunks and crumbs. This gives nice texture without over-powdering the cake.
Can I make this cake without cream cheese frosting?
You certainly can! A simple whipped cream frosting or buttercream also pairs beautifully with the cookie-filled cake layers for a different but equally delicious twist.
Is it necessary to have eggs at room temperature?
Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate better with the butter and sugar, leading to a fluffier and more evenly baked cake. If your eggs are cold, you can warm them by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is an absolute delight to bake and enjoy, packing nostalgic flavors with the ease of simple, familiar ingredients. Whether you’re impressing friends or making a sweet memory for yourself, this cake invites joy in every bite. Don’t hesitate to dive right in and make this delicious crowd-pleaser your new go-to dessert – I promise it will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
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 cake base with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for a delightful crunch and flavor. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting sweetened with powdered sugar, this cake is perfect for celebrations or anytime dessert cravings strike.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 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)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- Powdered sugar (to taste for frosting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Stir these dry ingredients together evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter with the granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air giving the cake a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until the batter is smooth and fully combined but do not overmix to maintain a light texture.
- Fold in Crushed Cookies: Gently fold the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into the batter to evenly distribute without crushing them too much.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar to taste while mixing until you achieve a creamy frosting consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake. Optionally, decorate with extra crushed cookies or crumbs.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature to achieve the best batter consistency.
- Use fresh baking powder to ensure proper rise.
- Crush the cookies by placing them in a sealed bag and gently pounding with a rolling pin to avoid powdery crumbs.
- The frosting sweetness can be adjusted by adding more or less powdered sugar according to your preference.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh, and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
