The Ultimate Cookies and Cream Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the classic flavor of cookies and cream into a rich, layered cake. This cake features layers of chocolate cake, cookies and cream frosting, and crushed Oreo cookies. Here’s a recipe to make it truly unforgettable:
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Cookies and Cream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12-15 Oreo cookies, crushed (plus extra for garnish)
For the Oreo Cookie Crumbs:
- 12-15 Oreo cookies, crushed
For the Ganache (Optional):
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
1. Make the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Cookies and Cream Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully combined.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies until evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Oreo Cookie Crumbs:
- Place the Oreo cookies in a plastic bag or food processor and crush them into fine crumbs.
4. Make the Ganache (Optional):
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the heavy cream and chocolate chips.
- Heat in the microwave or over a double boiler until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Let the ganache cool slightly before using.
5. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, level them by trimming off any domed tops.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cookies and cream frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cookies and cream frosting.
- Press the Oreo cookie crumbs into the sides of the cake to coat.
6. Add the Ganache (Optional):
- If using ganache, drizzle it over the top of the cake, letting it flow down the sides.
- Decorate with additional Oreo cookie crumbs or whole cookies if desired.
7. Serve:
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and ganache.
- Slice and enjoy the ultimate cookies and cream experience!
This Ultimate Cookies and Cream Cake is a rich, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any celebration or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth. Let me know if you have any questions or need further customization!