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Cookies and Cream Cake: A Deliciously Decadent Dessert Recipe

When it comes to desserts that evoke feelings of joy and nostalgia, few can compete with the sheer decadence of a cookies and cream cake. This luscious treat marries the rich, chocolatey goodness of moist cake with creamy whipped filling infused with crunchy bits of Oreo cookies. It’s a beautifully satisfying dessert that promises to delight the hearts and palates of anyone lucky enough to indulge in a slice. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this cookies and cream cake is bound to impress.

Why Make This Recipe

It’s an irresistible combination of chocolate cake and cookies, perfect for any chocoholic.
The recipe strikes a balance between richness and lightness, making it ideal for dessert after any meal.
This cake is not only visually stunning but is also easy to prepare, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Making Cookies and Cream Cake at Home

Creating this cookies and cream cake at home may sound intimidating, but it’s actually a simple and rewarding process! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dessert worthy of any celebration. Below are the detailed steps that will guide you through creating this delightful cake.

Ingredients

Before diving into the baking process, it’s crucial to gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup crushed Oreo cookies (about 8-10 cookies)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup crushed Oreo cookies for decoration

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cookies and Cream Cake

Preheat Your Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Properly preparing your oven ensures an even bake for the cakes. While the oven is warming up, take the time to grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients until they are well combined, ensuring there are no lumps in the mixture.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients To the bowl of dry ingredients, add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until everything is well combined. This step infuses the batter with moisture and flavor.
Add Boiling Water Carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water into the batter. Don’t worry if it seems thin; this is precisely what you want for an exceptionally moist cake.
Bake the Cakes Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for approximately 10 minutes. After that, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cookies and Cream Filling While the cakes cool, you can prepare the cookies and cream filling. In a medium bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream and beat it on medium-high speed until it starts to thicken. Next, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Finally, gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies using a spatula. Be cautious here to avoid deflating the whipped cream too much.
Make the Chocolate Frosting In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until it becomes creamy, which will take about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder while mixing on low speed until well combined. Once combined, increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy. To achieve the right frosting consistency, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat on high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and airy.
Assemble the Cake Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand. Generously spread the cookies and cream filling over this layer. Then, carefully place the second cake layer on top of the filling, pressing down gently to secure it.
Frost the Cake Using your chocolate frosting, frost the top and sides of the entire cake. It’s often helpful to start with a thin layer of frosting to create a crumb coat before applying a thicker layer for a smoother finish.
Decorate For an added touch of texture and decoration, sprinkle some crushed Oreo cookies on top of the cake, allowing the visual appeal to match the decadent taste.
Serve and Enjoy Your cookies and cream cake is now complete! Slice it up and watch your guests’ faces light up with delight.

Best Way to Store Cookies and Cream Cake

When it comes to preserving this delicious cake, follow these storage guidelines:

Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days at 40°F.
Freezing: If you want to keep the cake for a longer duration, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap the cake well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Thaw: To enjoy frozen cake, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw for several hours or overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Cookies and Cream Cake

Serving suggestions can elevate the experience of this exceptional dessert. Here are some enjoyable ways to serve your cookies and cream cake:

With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream alongside a slice of cake creates a delightful contrast in texture and temperature.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over a slice of cake adds an extra layer of richness that’s hard to resist.
Garnish with Fresh Berries: Fresh raspberries or strawberries can cut through the cake’s sweetness and add a fresh flavor profile.
Coffee or Tea Pairings: Enjoy your cake with a cup of coffee or a warm cup of tea to enhance the flavors of both.

Tips to Make Cookies and Cream Cake

To ensure your cookies and cream cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps to create a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
Use Quality Oreo Cookies: Opt for original Oreo cookies to capture their rich flavor in both the filling and decoration.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re feeling creative, there are ways to put your own spin on this cookies and cream cake. Here are some ideas:

Add Nut Butters: For a nutty flavor, consider adding a tablespoon or two of peanut butter or almond butter to the batter for an unexpected twist.
Chocolate Oreos: Swap out original Oreos for double-stuffed or chocolate-flavored Oreos to enhance that cookies-and-cream experience even further.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cake layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

Q: What can I do if my cake isn’t rising?

A: If your cake doesn’t rise as expected, check if your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leavening agents can lead to insufficient rising.

Q: How do I keep the layers from sticking?

A: Make sure to thoroughly grease and flour your cake pans before pouring in the batter. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for extra assurance.

In conclusion, the cookies and cream cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that combines nostalgia, indulgence, and a touch of whimsy. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or merely an afternoon treat, this delightful cake is sure to be met with smiles and satisfied cravings. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and embark on a baking adventure that will leave you and your loved ones coming back for more!