Cookie Dough Cake

Globs of cookie dough baked into layers of sweet vanilla cake make this Cookie Dough Cake a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or simply a sweet craving, this cake stands out with its rich flavors and indulgent textures. The combination of soft cake and creamy cookie dough frosting will wow your guests and leave them asking for more!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The rich combination of cookie dough and vanilla cake creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone loves.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a special dessert at home; it fits any event seamlessly.
• Eye-Catching Design: The silky chocolate ganache and layered structure make this cake visually stunning, sure to impress your guests.
• Fun to Make: Baking this cake is a delightful experience. Watch as cookie dough transforms into delicious layers!
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, making it a fun family activity.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and prepare your space. Having everything ready makes the recipe simpler and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your buttercream is whipped to perfection, light and fluffy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; they help maintain the right balance of ingredients.

Ingredients

Globs of cookie dough baked into layers of sweet vanilla cake, all smothered in cookie dough buttercream and coated in silky chocolate ganache.

For the Cake:

• 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

For the Cookie Dough Buttercream:

• 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

For the Ganache:

• 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 Your Pans

Grease your 8-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Filling

In a mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter with both sugars until smooth.
2. Add milk and vanilla extract; mix well.
3. Gradually add all-purpose flour and salt until fully combined.
4. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

In another bowl:
1. Cream together 1 ½ cups unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time, adding vanilla after each addition.
3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl; gradually add to wet ingredients alternating with milk.
4. Fold in Greek yogurt followed by mini chocolate chips.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough filling on top of each layer before baking.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

Step 6: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
3. Add milk, vanilla extract, salt, and mix until smooth; fold in mini chocolate chips.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled:
– Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cookie dough frosting on top.
– Repeat with second layer; top with third layer.
– Frost the entire outside with remaining cookie dough frosting.

Step 8: Make Ganache Topping

Heat heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Pour over chopped bittersweet chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes before stirring until smooth.

Step 9: Finish Off Your Cake

Drizzle ganache over the top of your frosted cake, allowing it to drip down the sides beautifully.

Your delicious Cookie Dough Cake is now ready to serve! Enjoy every decadent slice!

How to Serve Cookie Dough Cake

Serving Cookie Dough Cake is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few simple ideas. This cake not only looks amazing but also tastes incredible, making it perfect for various occasions.

For a Birthday Party

• Slice and Share: Cut the cake into generous slices and serve on colorful plates to add a festive touch.
• Add Ice Cream: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for added decadence.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berry Topping: Top each slice with fresh strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Banana Slices: Add banana slices for extra flavor; they pair beautifully with chocolate and cookie dough.

As a Dessert Bar

• DIY Dessert Station: Set up a dessert bar where guests can add their own toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, or extra chocolate chips.
• Mini Portions: Consider serving mini versions of the cake in cupcake form for easy handling.

With Beverages

• Coffee Pairing: Serve with freshly brewed coffee; the bitterness complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Milkshakes: Offer milkshakes made with cookie dough flavors for an indulgent drink option.

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How to Perfect Cookie Dough Cake

To achieve the ultimate Cookie Dough Cake, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.

• bold Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• bold Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• bold Measure Flour Properly: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid dense cake.
• bold Allow Cooling Time: Let layers cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and sliding of the buttercream.
• bold Chill Buttercream: Refrigerate your buttercream for a few minutes if it’s too soft to work with easily.
• bold Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for good quality chocolate in your ganache for richer flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cookie Dough Cake

Pairing side dishes with Cookie Dough Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options that complement its sweetness.

1. bold Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. bold Fresh Berries Salad: A mix of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries brings freshness and acidity to counterbalance the richness.
3. bold Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that enhances each bite of cake.
4. bold Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce can make each slice even more indulgent.
5. bold Milkshake Float: Blend up a milkshake using vanilla ice cream and top it off with a piece of cookie dough cake for an over-the-top treat.
6. bold Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These treats provide an elegant touch while echoing the flavors in the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Cookie Dough Cake, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Boldly Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can lead to an uneven batter. Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best mix.
• Boldly Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Boldly Ignoring Measurements: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially with flour and sugar.
• Boldly Using Unsuitable Chocolate Chips: Not all chocolate chips melt well. Choose mini chocolate chips for a better distribution in your cake.
• Boldly Underbaking the Layers: Ensure each layer is baked through before stacking. A toothpick should come out clean from the center.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cookie Dough Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cookie Dough Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in freezer bags.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cookie Dough Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Cookie Dough Cake.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in my Cookie Dough Cake?

Yes! You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer flavor.

How do I make my Cookie Dough Cake more decadent?

Consider adding layers of caramel or extra chocolate ganache between the layers for an indulgent treat.

Can I customize my Cookie Dough Cake?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or different flavored extracts to personalize your cake.

What should I serve with my Cookie Dough Cake?

This cake pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

The Cookie Dough Cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Its layers of vanilla cake combined with cookie dough buttercream make it a delightful treat. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings for an even more personalized dessert experience!

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Cookie Dough Cake

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• Author: Amanda
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of making a Cookie Dough Cake, where layers of moist vanilla cake are generously filled with creamy cookie dough and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings. With its irresistible flavor and eye-catching design, it’s bound to impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is fun to make and brings the family together for a joyful baking session. Get ready to wow everyone with this decadent treat!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temp (for frosting)
• 2 cups (400g) sugar (for frosting)
• 3 large eggs (for frosting)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 3 cups (400g) all-purpose flour (for frosting)
• 2 tsp baking powder (for frosting)
• 1 tsp salt (for frosting)
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup (125g) 2% Greek yogurt (for frosting)
• 1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips (for frosting)
• 1 1/2 cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temp (for ganache)
• 5 cups (550g) powdered sugar (for ganache)
• 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour (for ganache)
• 3/4 cup (140g) light brown sugar, packed (for ganache)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (for ganache)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for ganache)
• 1/2 tsp salt (for ganache)
• 1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips (for ganache)
• 4oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped (for ganache)
• 4oz (1/2 cup) heavy cream (for ganache)
• 2–3 tsp vegetable oil (for ganache)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Make the cookie dough filling by creaming butter and sugars, then mixing in milk, vanilla, flour, salt, and chocolate chips.
3. Prepare the cake batter by creaming butter and sugars until fluffy, adding eggs one at a time, followed by alternating dry ingredients and milk.
4. Divide the batter among the pans, dollop cookie dough filling on top, then bake for 25-30 minutes.
5. Allow cakes to cool before frosting with cookie dough buttercream and drizzling with ganache.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 60mg