Cookie Dough Cake
Globs of cookie dough baked into layers of sweet vanilla cake create a show-stopping Cookie Dough Cake that is perfect for any celebration. This delightful cake is not just a treat for the eyes; it combines rich flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply indulging in a weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress with its unique layers and creamy frosting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cookie dough and vanilla cake offers a deliciously sweet flavor that appeals to everyone.
- Visual Appeal: With its layered structure and chocolate ganache drip, this cake is as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a special dessert at home.
- Fun to Decorate: Get creative with toppings and decorations, making it a fun baking project for all ages.
- Decadent Texture: The creamy buttercream and smooth ganache create a luxurious mouthfeel that elevates this cake.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Cookie Dough Cake, gather the essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth process. Having everything on hand can make your baking experience more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking for the best results.
- Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
Ingredients
Globs of cookie dough baked into layers of sweet vanilla cake create a show-stopping Cookie Dough Cake that is perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, room temp
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 2/3 cup (130g) light brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour SEE NOTES
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips
– 1 1/2 cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temp
– 2 cups (400g) sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 3 cups (400g) all-purpose flour SEE NOTES
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 1/2 cup (125g) 2% Greek yogurt (sour cream also works)
– 1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips
– 1 1/2 cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temp
– 5 cups (550g) powdered sugar
– 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour SEE NOTES
– 3/4 cup (140g) light brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips
– 4oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
– 4oz (1/2 cup) heavy cream
– 2–3 tsp vegetable oil
How to Make Cookie Dough Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by making the cookie dough filling. In a mixing bowl:
Cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, salt, and mini chocolate chips until combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Cake Batter
For the vanilla cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In another bowl, cream together unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with whole milk and Greek yogurt until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake Layers
Prepare your cake pans by greasing them well:
Pour half of the vanilla cake batter into each prepared pan.
Spoon dollops of cookie dough onto each layer before adding any remaining batter on top.
Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4: Prepare Chocolate Ganache
To make the ganache:
Heat heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Pour hot cream over chopped bittersweet chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for about five minutes before stirring until smooth. Add vegetable oil for shine.
Step 5: Frosting and Final Assembly
For the cookie dough buttercream:
Beat unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar followed by milk, vanilla extract, salt, and mini chocolate chips.
Now assemble your cake:
Once cooled, level your cakes if needed. Layer with frosting between each tier.
Cover the entire cake with frosting. Drizzle ganache over the top letting it drip down sides.
Enjoy your homemade Cookie Dough Cake, perfect for sharing or indulging solo!
How to Serve Cookie Dough Cake
Serving your Cookie Dough Cake can elevate any occasion, making it a delightful centerpiece for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy family dessert night. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cake experience.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of the cake.
- Cookie dough ice cream: For the ultimate indulgence, this adds extra cookie dough goodness.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- Warm chocolate sauce: A warm drizzle adds a decadent touch and enhances the chocolate chips in the cake.
- Caramel sauce: For a sweet contrast, consider adding a caramel drizzle over each slice.
Add Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: Sliced strawberries add freshness and a pop of color to each serving.
- Raspberries: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- Homemade whipped cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream makes for an airy side that pairs well.
- Flavored whipped toppings: Consider vanilla or chocolate-flavored options for an extra layer of flavor.
Garnish with Cookie Crumbles
- Crushed cookies: Sprinkling crushed cookies on top creates an appealing texture and visual interest.
- Mini chocolate chips: Additional mini chips can intensify the cookie flavor in every bite.
How to Perfect Cookie Dough Cake
To make sure your Cookie Dough Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups rather than scooping it directly to avoid dense cake layers.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cakes.
- Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached when done baking.
- Cool layers completely: Allow cake layers to cool completely before stacking them with frosting to prevent melting.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerating the assembled cake for an hour helps set the frosting and makes slicing easier.
Best Side Dishes for Cookie Dough Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Cookie Dough Cake can enhance its flavors and create a balanced meal. Here are some great options you can consider.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the rich cake.
- Chocolate Mousse: Light and airy mousse complements the dense texture of the cake beautifully.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the cake.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw offer a delightful balance against sweet desserts.
- Mini Pretzels: Salty snacks like pretzels create an interesting flavor dynamic when enjoyed alongside sweet treats.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love nuts, these bars add another layer of deliciousness that pairs well with cookie dough flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Cookie Dough Cake can be simple, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter instead of room temperature can prevent the cake from rising properly. Make sure your butter is softened before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense and tough. Mix until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Using too much flour can dry out your cake. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Skipping the chill time for cookie dough: If you don’t chill the cookie dough before adding it to the cake layers, it may spread too much during baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper if possible.
Freezing Cookie Dough Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
- The cake freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cookie Dough Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: In a non-stick pan over low heat, warm slices for about 5 minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Cookie Dough Cake:
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes! You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
How do I make this Cookie Dough Cake gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend can make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
What is the best way to decorate my Cookie Dough Cake?
You can top it with extra cookie dough pieces, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles for added flair!
How long does it take to bake the Cookie Dough Cake?
The total baking time is around 30 minutes; however, check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
Can I add other flavors to the cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate flavors like almond extract or cocoa powder into your batter for variety.
Final Thoughts
This Cookie Dough Cake is not only delicious but also offers endless customization options. From adding nuts to experimenting with different frosting flavors, you can make it uniquely yours. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful dessert!
Cookie Dough Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our delightful Cookie Dough Cake! This show-stopping treat features layers of moist vanilla cake interspersed with generous dollops of cookie dough, all enveloped in a creamy frosting and topped with a rich chocolate ganache. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet weekend treat, this cake combines irresistible flavors and textures that are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this Cookie Dough Cake is a must-try for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temp
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup 2% Greek yogurt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temp
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 4oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 4oz heavy cream
- 2–3 tsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough filling by creaming butter and sugars together, then mix in flour and chocolate chips. Set aside.
- For the vanilla cake batter, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then alternate mixing in dry ingredients with milk and yogurt.
- In greased cake pans, pour half of the batter, add spoonfuls of cookie dough, then top with remaining batter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Make chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream and pouring it over chopped bittersweet chocolate; stir until smooth.
- For frosting, beat butter and gradually add powdered sugar followed by milk, vanilla extract, salt, and mini chocolate chips.
- Once cooled, assemble layers with frosting in between and cover the entire cake with frosting before drizzling ganache on top.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
