Name: Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos); 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened; 6 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies; Whole chocolate sandwich cookies; Crushed cookies

Jump to Recipe

If you love all things cookies and cream, this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is basically your dream dessert come true. Imagine three layers of fluffy vanilla cake studded with chocolate sandwich cookies, stacked high and swirled with rich, creamy buttercream frosting flecked with even more cookie goodness. Every slice offers a perfect harmony of soft cake, velvety frosting, and crunchy cookie bits. Whether it’s for a birthday, a celebration, or just because you absolutely deserve it, this stunning treat will quickly become a new favorite.

Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe lies in its familiar yet essential ingredients, each one adding something special to the final result. The mixture of rich dairy, classic pantry staples, and plenty of cookies brings everything together for a truly decadent cake that never disappoints.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and light crumb you want in a soft cake.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners help the layers rise tall and fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet, creamy flavors.
Unsalted butter (cake): Adds rich flavor and creates a tender bake.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and gives it a lovely golden hue.
Eggs: Essential for structure and moisture; each one helps the batter bind beautifully.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth that pairs perfectly with cookies.
Buttermilk: A touch of tang keeps the crumb tender and moist.
Sour cream: Another boost of moisture and subtle tang for an extra plush cake.
Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (cake): Offers classic cookies and cream texture in every bite.
Unsalted butter (frosting): Whips up to a silky base for the luxurious buttercream.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect spreading and piping.
Heavy cream: Gives the buttercream that irresistibly creamy texture.
Vanilla extract (frosting): Echoes the vanilla notes in the cake.
Salt (frosting): Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (frosting): For that signature cookies and cream swirl throughout the frosting.
Whole chocolate sandwich cookies (garnish): Creates a show-stopping, bakery-style finish on top.
Crushed cookies (garnish): Adds extra crunch and visual flair to every slice.

How to Make Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get three 8-inch round pans ready with grease and a dusting of flour, or simply use parchment paper for easy release. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until they reach a pale and fluffy texture, then add the eggs one at a time and mix in the vanilla for that signature aroma. Start on low speed and alternate adding your dry ingredients with buttermilk, making sure to begin and finish with the dry mix. Finish the batter by stirring in sour cream for moisture, then fold in those generous cookie crumbles. Divide the luscious batter evenly among your prepared pans.

Step 2: Bake the Cakes

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Patience is key—let the cakes rest in their pans for a solid 10 minutes to firm up before you transfer them to a wire rack. There, they’ll cool down completely and be ready for assembly. The aroma will be almost impossible to resist at this stage!

Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, whip your butter until creamy and fluffy, about two minutes. Gradually work in the powdered sugar, cup by cup, on low speed to avoid sugar clouds. Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, then crank up the mixer to high for a few minutes until the frosting is light, dreamy, and ready to spread. The final (and possibly most important) step: fold in another heap of crushed cookies for that perfect cookies and cream texture in every swipe of frosting.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

On a serving plate, lay down your first cake layer and spread a thick layer of frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third cakes, then coat the whole creation in more frosting. Use an offset spatula to smooth everything out—don’t worry if you see crumbs, they’re part of the charm! If you’re feeling fancy, save a little frosting for piping decorative borders or dollops.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

This is where the Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe really shines. Arrange whole cookies around the cake’s edge and sprinkle crushed cookies on top for an irresistible finish. Refrigerate your gorgeous cake for at least 30 minutes; this helps the frosting firm up, so you get those satisfyingly clean slices when serving.

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing this cake, you can go simple or over-the-top—either way, the result is stunning. Whole chocolate sandwich cookies lined along the top or sides give a playful touch, while extra crushed cookies create a textured, bakery-worthy look that immediately screams “cookies and cream”. Feel free to get creative with mini cookies, chocolate curls, swirls of extra buttercream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for that wow factor.

Side Dishes

This rich, luxurious cake pairs perfectly with an ice-cold glass of milk or a piping hot cup of coffee. For parties, serve alongside fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream, or a scoop of whipped cream for a lovely contrast. If you want to go full dessert lover, a warm fudge sauce on the side is ultra indulgent!

Creative Ways to Present

Transform each slice of this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe into a show-stopper by layering in jars for a parfait-style treat, cutting into cubes for a quirky dessert bar, or even stacking mini cakes for individual servings. For birthdays, add candles on top of the whole cookies or use themed sprinkles to match your celebration. There are endless ways to make this classic treat your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cake tasting bakery-fresh, simply wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake stays moist and irresistible for up to four days, and the cookie bits remain delightfully crunchy in the frosting.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead or savor your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe even longer? Freeze unfrosted cake layers, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, for up to two months. The frosted, assembled cake can also be frozen—just make sure to set it in the freezer uncovered for a half hour before wrapping, so the frosting doesn’t smudge. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

If you prefer cake at room temperature, simply let your slice sit out for 20-30 minutes after removing it from the fridge. There’s no need to “reheat” this treat in the oven or microwave—the creamy, rich texture is perfect as is. If the frosting seems a little firm from the cold, that short time on the countertop does the trick.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cake mix instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade cake layers impart a unique flavor and texture, you can easily use your favorite box mix to save time. Just add the crushed cookies right before baking for the cookies and cream twist.

What kind of chocolate sandwich cookies work best?

The classic Oreo is a standby, but any chocolate sandwich cookie you love will work well. Feel free to experiment with different varieties or even try flavored versions for a fun twist.

Can I make the Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour, and use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies. Check your labels to ensure everything is safe for your dietary needs.

How far in advance can I assemble the cake?

You can assemble the cake up to 24 hours in advance. Be sure to keep it well covered and refrigerated until ready to serve for best results—the flavors actually meld and develop even more overnight.

Is there a way to make the frosting less sweet?

If you like your frosting a little less sugary, reduce the powdered sugar by half a cup and add an extra tablespoon or two of heavy cream to keep it creamy. A tiny pinch of extra salt can also help balance out the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

The only trouble with this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is how quickly it disappears once you serve it! Whether you whip it up for special occasions or just because you’re craving something utterly decadent, this cake delivers nostalgia, comfort, and celebration with every bite. Grab your favorite cookies and give this recipe a try—you’re about to be everyone’s favorite dessert hero.