Cookies and Cream Cake: A Dreamy Dessert for Oreo Lovers
Picture this: a velvety, cloud-like cake layered with crushed Oreo cookies, swirled with creamy frosting, and finished with a crown of chocolate cookie crumbs. Each slice is a symphony of textures—soft crumb, crunchy cookie bits, and silky-sweet filling—all wrapped in the nostalgic aroma of vanilla and cocoa. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to bite into a dessert that tastes like a cookies-and-cream milkshake in cake form, this recipe is your golden ticket.
The Cake That Stole My Heart (and My Sister’s Birthday)
Growing up, my sister and I had a ritual: every year, we’d split a pack of Oreos on her birthday and debate the “right” way to eat them (twist, lick, dunk—you know the drill). When she turned 16, I wanted to surprise her with something bigger than a sleeve of cookies. After a few messy kitchen experiments (and one near-disaster with a collapsed cake layer), this Cookies and Cream Cake became our new tradition. Now, it’s the dessert my nieces beg for at sleepovers, and the one friends request for potlucks. It’s not just a cake—it’s a love letter to childhood joy.
What You’ll Need
**For the Cake:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (*substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed*)
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (*or vegan butter for dairy-free*)
– 1 cup whole milk (*oat milk works beautifully*)
– 4 large eggs (*or flax eggs: 4 tbsp ground flaxseed + 10 tbsp water*)
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp salt
– 15 Oreo cookies, crushed (filling included!)
**For the Frosting:**
– 2 cups heavy cream (*or coconut cream for dairy-free*)
– 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened (*vegan cream cheese substitutes well*)
– 10 Oreos, finely crushed
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
**Optional Garnish:**
– 6 whole Oreos
– Extra cookie crumbs
– Chocolate shavings
Let’s Bake This Beauty
**Step 1: Prep Like a Pro**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper (trust me, this prevents crumbly tragedies).
**Step 2: Cream the Good Stuff**
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy and pale—about 3 minutes. Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla.
*Tip: Room-temperature ingredients blend better. Cold butter = lumpy batter. No one wants that.*
**Step 3: Dry Meets Wet**
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Alternate adding the dry mix and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Fold in the crushed Oreos gently—they’re delicate!
**Step 4: Bake to Perfection**
Divide the batter evenly among the pans. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely. (*Impatience leads to melty frosting. Resist!*)
**Step 5: Whip Up the Magic**
Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream and crushed Oreos into the cream cheese mixture.
**Step 6: Layer, Frost, Repeat**
Place the first cake layer on a plate. Spread a thick blanket of frosting, then repeat with remaining layers. Cover the entire cake with frosting, using a spatula to create swoops or swirls. Press cookie crumbs onto the sides and top. Add whole Oreos for drama!
FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
**Can I make this ahead of time?**
Absolutely! Bake the layers up to 2 days in advance (wrap tightly in plastic). Frosting can chill overnight. Assemble the day you serve it.
**How do I store leftovers?**
Cover loosely and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Let slices sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving for optimal creaminess.
**Can I freeze this cake?**
Yes! Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.
**What if I don’t have three cake pans?**
No problem—bake one layer at a time, keeping the remaining batter chilled.
**Any serving suggestions?**
Drizzle with chocolate ganache, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or pair with cold milk for maximum nostalgia.
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There you have it—a showstopping Cookies and Cream Cake that’s equal parts playful and decadent. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just craving a slice of comfort, this dessert promises to deliver smiles (and maybe a few crumbs on the floor). Ready to make your kitchen smell like a bakery? Let’s get mixing! 🍪✨