Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe because it’s the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent at the same time. When I first tried making it, I was blown away by how the layers of fluffy cake, creamy mousse, and rich frosting work together perfectly with those iconic Oreo pieces scattered throughout. It’s a crowd-pleaser that really shines at birthdays, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress without stress.

You’ll find that this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is special because it balances textures and flavors so beautifully. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, following this recipe will help you create a bakery-worthy masterpiece that’s moist, creamy, and full of that irresistible cookies-and-cream vibe everyone loves. Plus, I’ll share tips along the way to help you nail each step with confidence.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to make an irresistibly rich and moist Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe. Each component plays a role, from the fluffy cake layers to the luscious mousse and frosting.

• All-purpose flour: The base of your cake, providing structure while staying tender.
• Baking powder: Helps your cake rise beautifully and stay light.
• Baking soda: Works with acidity in sour cream to create a tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, key to soft cake layers.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender texture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft, complementing the butter.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and a pleasant tang that balances sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm aroma.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
• Large egg whites: Whipped to add lightness and lift to the cake.
• Oreo cookies: The star ingredient, chopped for texture and unique flavor.
• White chocolate: For the mousse, giving it a smooth, creamy sweetness.
• Heavy cream: Whipped for the mousse and used in ganache for a luscious finish.
• Cream cheese: Adds tang and creaminess in both mousse and frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and balances the tang in the frosting.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: Used in the ganache drip to add a bittersweet contrast.

Variations

I love to tweak the Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe sometimes to suit the occasion or keep things interesting. Feel free to customize it to your liking – it’s a forgiving recipe that’s great for experimenting.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped in a gluten-free flour blend once with great results — just make sure it’s a blend that behaves like all-purpose flour for best texture.
• Chocolate Lovers: Adding a bit of cocoa powder to the batter or swapping some Oreos for double-stuffed makes it extra decadent.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans with the mousse for a bit of crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully.
• Dairy-Free Mod: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for the mousse and frosting to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Your Fluffy Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, then grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper — I like to grease the parchment too so the layers release perfectly. Mix your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in a bowl and set aside. Then beat the butter until it’s soft, creamy, and just starting to lighten, before gradually adding sugar and oil. Alternating adding your dry ingredients and milk in thirds helps the batter stay smooth and light, so take your time. The key here is gentle folding once you’ve mixed in the stiffly beaten egg whites and chopped Oreos; overmixing can flatten the batter, so fold until just combined.

Step 2: Bake and Cool Your Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans, then bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Don’t rush to remove them—let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully flip onto a wire rack to cool completely. Pro tip: If you’re not frosting the cake right away, wrap cooled layers tightly in plastic and freeze them – I discovered that this seals in moisture better than refrigerating.

Step 3: Prepare the Dreamy Cookies and Cream Mousse

Make the mousse just before assembling your cake to keep it fresh. Warm a quarter cup of heavy cream and pour it over chopped white chocolate to melt — stirring until smooth. After it cools, combine it with cream cheese, then fold in whipped heavy cream and finely chopped Oreos. This mousse is what really sets this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe apart — it’s light but indulgent, and those Oreo bits give wonderful crunch.

Step 4: Mix the Silky Cookies and Cream Frosting

For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and salt gradually — adjusting for your desired firmness with extra powdered sugar or a splash of milk. The finely pulverized Oreo crumbs mixed into the frosting add a lovely speckled texture and flavor without making it grainy. This frosting spreads easily and holds up well, making your cake look professional.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe

Place your first cake layer on a plate, and if you want to keep things extra moist, brush it with sugar syrup (recipe included in notes). Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge to “trap” the mousse inside, then spread a generous dollop of mousse in the center. Repeat this layering two more times, finishing with a thick coat of frosting all around the cake. Press remaining Oreo crumbs gently onto the bottom edges for a pretty finish. Pop the cake into the fridge to chill while you make the ganache drip.

Step 6: Perfect the Ganache Drip

Heat heavy cream and pour over chopped semi-sweet chocolate, whisking until completely smooth. Let it cool so it thickens but still drips, then test a drip on the cake edge. You can adjust by chilling briefly or microwaving a few seconds to get it just right. Carefully pipe drips around the cake’s edges, then pour a smooth layer on top. Chill again till set, then add any final frosting decorations and Oreos you like.

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love using halved Oreo cookies to decorate the top of the cake for a festive, playful look — it instantly signals what makes this cake so special. Don’t forget a sprinkle of extra cookie crumbs around the edges for texture and visual appeal. A touch of fresh mint leaves or edible flowers can amp up the presentation for special occasions if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich and sweet, so I like to pair it with simple accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad to add brightness. A cup of strong coffee or a chilled glass of milk is the perfect drink to enjoy alongside this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays, I’ve piped the frosting into cute rosettes and nestled Oreo crumbs and halves inside each swirl — it makes the cake feel extra special. For a casual gathering, I’ve served this as individual cake cups using the mousse and frosting layered with crumbled cake and Oreos in glasses, which makes slicing unnecessary and super fun to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, I keep the Cookies and Cream Cake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge. It stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days, though honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house! Wrapping it well also helps to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

I swear by freezing the cake layers before baking day — it’s a game changer. If you have leftovers, you can also freeze properly wrapped cake slices for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. To enjoy previously frozen slices, simply let them thaw in the fridge and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled, depending on your preference.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is like giving you a little slice of a bakery right in your own kitchen. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to because of the smiles it brings and how reliably delicious it is, no matter the occasion. If you love Oreos and creamy, dreamy desserts, I promise you’ll enjoy every forkful — so gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and have some fun making this beauty. Your taste buds (and your friends!) will thank you.

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