This Delicious Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic mix of rich chocolate cake and crunchy, creamy sandwich cookies. Each bite is a mouthwatering blend of decadent chocolate, fluffy whipped cream frosting, and just the right amount of cookie crunch. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, bringing dessert to a gathering, or simply wanting to spoil yourself, this cake promises to be an unforgettable crowd-pleaser that’s easier to bake than you might think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes are a few pantry staples and a handful of cookies to create this show-stopping dessert. Every ingredient in this Delicious Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe contributes to the layers of flavor, the luscious texture, or that signature cookies-and-cream look that makes this dessert so fun and tempting!
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cake, giving it structure and lightness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb in every slice.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that deep, chocolatey flavor you crave in every bite.
- Baking powder: Works to make the cake rise and keeps it fluffy.
- Baking soda: Ensures your cake has the perfect lift and a light, airy texture.
- Salt: Just a little brings out all the rich flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Buttermilk (room temperature): Lends that signature tang and unbeatable moisture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake soft, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add rich texture to the cake.
- Vanilla extract: A splash adds warmth and rounds out both the cake and frosting flavors.
- Hot water: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates a silky, light batter.
- Chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed): The secret to that “cookies and cream” magic, adding crunch and classic cookie flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips up into the dreamy, cloud-like frosting we all love.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and keeps it extra smooth.
- Extra cookies for garnish: They add a playful and irresistible finishing touch.
How to Make Delicious Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans—this makes sure your cakes pop out effortlessly and look bakery-perfect right from the start.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything’s evenly distributed for a cake that bakes up light and even, with chocolate in every bite.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Now add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to your dry mix. Beat on medium speed until it all comes together smoothly—don’t overmix, just enough for a glossy, luscious batter.
Step 4: Pour in the Hot Water
Gradually add one cup of hot water and mix until combined. The batter will be thin—that’s the secret to an ultra-moist, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Don’t worry, this is exactly what you want!
Step 5: Fold in Crushed Cookies
Gently fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. This is where the Delicious Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe really shines, as those cookie bits create wonderful flecks and fabulous flavor throughout the cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely—patience here ensures a flawless finish.
Step 7: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the crushed cookies for a sweet, dreamy frosting packed with crunch and flavor.
Step 8: Assemble and Frost
Once your cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on your serving plate and generously spread with whipped cream frosting. Top with the second cake layer, then frost the top and sides. Finish with extra cookies for a classic cookies-and-cream finish!
How to Serve Delicious Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly show-stopping cake, pile extra chocolate sandwich cookies on top—whole, halved, or roughly chopped. You could also go for a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a dusting of cookie crumbs for that bakery-style flair.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cold glass of milk, or even fresh berries if you’re feeling fancy. A warm mug of coffee or a rich hot chocolate brings out the chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into individual mini cakes or serving “cake jars” layered with extra frosting and cookies. Stack it tall for a birthday or cut it into fun shapes for parties—either way, the Delicious Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe always looks impressive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or a cake dome and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days—the cookies in the frosting even get a bit softer and extra delicious!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole (unfrosted) cake in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before bringing to room temperature and frosting as usual for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
No need for a microwave! Just let your cake come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the whipped cream frosting and make sure those cookie pieces stay crunchy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While classic chocolate sandwich cookies give this Delicious Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe its signature flavor, feel free to experiment with caramel, mint, or even peanut butter sandwich cookies for your own creative twist.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds wonderful moisture and tang, but in a pinch, you can make your own by combining 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes and you’re good to go!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and be sure to use gluten-free sandwich cookies, and you’ll have a fantastic gluten-free version that’s just as delicious.
Can I use buttercream frosting instead of whipped cream?
Certainly! Buttercream will give a richer, more traditional cake-shop frosting. If you’re a fan of thick frosting layers, just cream together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until light and fluffy, then fold in your cookies as usual.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Your best bet is the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your cake is ready. Don’t overbake to keep it perfectly moist and tender!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert, I can’t recommend this Delicious Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe enough. It’s a joy to bake, irresistibly tasty, and guaranteed to make sweet memories with every single crumb. Give it a try—you’re sure to fall in love with every bite!
Print
Delicious Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of this Cookies and Cream Cake. A rich chocolate cake studded with crushed cookies and enveloped in a luscious cream frosting, this dessert is a true showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 15 chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed)
Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 10 crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (for frosting)
- extra cookies for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Gradually add hot water, mixing until well combined. Fold in crushed cookies.
- Bake: Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in crushed cookies.
- Assemble Cake: Once cakes are cool, spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with extra cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure cakes are fully cooled before frosting.
- You can use buttercream instead of whipped cream for a richer frosting.
- For added texture, mix chopped cookies into the cake batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
