Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for that perfect blend of crunchy cookies with creamy frosting, then get ready to fall head over heels with this Cookies and Cream Cake. This beauty combines moist, tender cake layers speckled with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and a dreamy, luscious frosting packed with that iconic cookies-and-cream flavor. It’s like your favorite cookie got a glamorous upgrade to a show-stopping dessert that everyone will rave about at your next celebration or cozy night in. Trust me, once you dive into this cake, it’s going to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple ingredients is the key to making this Cookies and Cream Cake truly shine. Each ingredient plays a special role: the flour forms the perfect soft structure, while the chocolate cookies add delightful texture and bursts of flavor, and the cream cheese frosting ties everything together with silky sweetness.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for cake layers that hold the cookie mix beautifully.
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly, keeping it light and fluffy rather than dense.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness with a subtle depth.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Offers rich flavor and moisture to keep the cake tender.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and creates a lovely crumb texture when creamed with butter.
• 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture and structure for a perfect crumb.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with warm aromatic notes that complement the cookies.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds richness and keeps the cake layers soft and moist.
• 1 ¼ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies: The star ingredient for those irresistible cookie bits throughout the cake.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Gives the frosting its tangy creaminess, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to a silky smooth finish ideal for spreading or piping.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the frosting flavor to complement the cookies perfectly.
• ¾ cup finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies: Added to the frosting to bring that classic cookies and cream crunch and flavor.
• Optional Decorations: Whole or halved cookies and cookie crumbs are perfect for topping and adding extra visual appeal.

How to Make Cookies and Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution of leavening. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until it becomes light and airy, which creates that tender crumb you want in each slice. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for that warm flavor boost. Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, and fold it gently just until combined. Finally, carefully fold in the crushed cookies using a rubber spatula, making sure to keep them evenly distributed without overmixing, so you get pockets of crunchy cookie bits in every bite. Divide the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely before moving to frosting.

Step 2: Make the Cookies and Cream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy; this creates the creamy base needed for a luscious frosting. Gradually mix in powdered sugar to sweeten and thicken the frosting, then add vanilla extract to enhance depth of flavor. Finally, fold in the finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. For an extra smooth frosting perfect for piping, make sure the cookie pieces are crushed very finely. This Cookies and Cream Cake frosting is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, studded with just enough crunch to keep your taste buds entertained.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous, even layer of cookies and cream frosting over it. Repeat with the second and third cake layers, then cover the top and sides completely in frosting using a spatula or cake scraper for a clean finish. This layered treat showcases the beautiful contrast between tender cake and crunchy cookie bits, tied together by the smooth cream cheese frosting.

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Cake

Garnishes

To amp up the presentation and cookie cravings, decorate your Cookies and Cream Cake with extra chocolate sandwich cookies—either whole, halved, or crumbled over the top for a playful, textured look. Dusting with cookie crumbs adds an elegant yet casual touch that immediately signals deliciousness to anyone nearby.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its richness. Fresh berries or a light berry compote add a tart contrast, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it an indulgent dessert experience. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a bold, creamy latte also elevates every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond the traditional layer cake, you can serve the Cookies and Cream Cake as cupcakes with swirls of the same frosting topped with cookie pieces—perfect for parties or smaller portions. Alternatively, slice into thin layers and stack as mini cake towers for a stunning centerpiece, or even turn it into a trifle by layering cake bits, frosting, and cookie crumbs in clear glasses for individual serving options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store your Cookies and Cream Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its moistness and flavor for up to 4 days. Just make sure the frosting is well covered to prevent drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully if you want to prepare ahead for a special occasion. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this is a delicate, creamy cake, it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. To bring it to room temperature after refrigeration or thawing, simply leave it out for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting and alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cookie instead of chocolate sandwich cookies?

Absolutely! While chocolate sandwich cookies create that classic cookies and cream flavor and texture, you can experiment with other crunchy cookies like chocolate chip or even peanut butter cookies for a fun twist. Just make sure to crush them finely to blend well in the batter and frosting.

Do I have to use cream cheese in the frosting?

Cream cheese adds a delicious tang and richness that balances the sweetness, but if you prefer, you can make a pure buttercream frosting instead. However, the tang from the cream cheese is a signature element in this Cookies and Cream Cake that you might not want to miss.

How do I ensure the cookie pieces stay crunchy inside the cake?

Gently fold the crushed cookies into the batter at the end to avoid breaking them down too much. Baking with the cookies incorporated preserves some of their crunch, giving you delightful texture bites throughout.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Cookies and Cream Cake, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, and use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies. Keep an eye on texture and bake times, as gluten-free flours can behave a bit differently.

Is this cake suitable for children’s parties?

Definitely! The sweet, familiar flavors of cookies and cream make this cake a huge hit with kids. Decorate it with fun cookie pieces or colorful sprinkles to make it even more festive and exciting for little ones.

Final Thoughts

This Cookies and Cream Cake is a delightful celebration of two favorite desserts in one. The harmony of fluffy cake, sweet and tangy frosting, and crunchy cookie bits creates a dessert experience that is truly unforgettable. Whether for a special occasion or just because, I encourage you to bake this cake and share it — your friends and family will thank you for this divine treat!

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