Cookie Dough Cake

Globs of cookie dough cake baked into layers of sweet vanilla cake create an irresistible treat for any occasion. This delightful dessert is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy night in. With its layers of cookie dough buttercream and silky chocolate ganache, it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes this cake not only delicious but also a fun centerpiece for your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The rich cookie dough buttercream paired with chocolate ganache offers a delightful experience for your taste buds.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: This multi-layered cake is visually stunning, making it an impressive dessert for special occasions.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want to wow your guests!
• Fun to Make: Combining cookie dough into cake batter creates a fun baking adventure that everyone can enjoy.
• Easy to Customize: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite flavors to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting on this delicious cookie dough cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cake pans (8-inch)
• Cooling rack
• Piping bags (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batters and frosting to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Cake pans: Ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of each layer for a beautiful presentation.

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 Cookie Dough

• 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 Cake Layers

• 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 Cookie Dough Buttercream

• 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

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 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

In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended. Gradually add the flour and salt until just combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In another large bowl, cream together unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. In separate bowls, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients alternating with milk and Greek yogurt until smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and divide the batter evenly among them. Drop spoonfuls of chilled cookie dough over each layer of batter. Use a knife to swirl gently if desired. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 4: Cool the Cakes

Remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Prepare Cookie Dough Buttercream

In a large bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until fluffy. Gradually mix in flour, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and fold in mini chocolate chips.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread cookie dough buttercream on top before adding another layer of cake. Repeat until all layers are stacked.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Ganache

To make ganache, heat cream until simmering then pour over chopped bittersweet chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth; add vegetable oil for shine if desired. Pour ganache over assembled cake allowing it to drip down sides.

Enjoy every slice of this indulgent cookie dough cake!

How to Serve Cookie Dough Cake

Serving your Cookie Dough Cake is just as important as baking it. This indulgent dessert can be presented in various ways to enhance its flavors and aesthetics. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the cake.
• Consider adding a scoop of cookie dough ice cream for an extra treat.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A warm caramel drizzle adds a sweet, gooey touch that complements the cake’s textures.
• Use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for convenience.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Light, fluffy whipped cream balances the density of the cake.
• Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top for added visual appeal.

On a Dessert Platter

• Present slices on a beautiful platter alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries.
• This makes for an eye-catching display at any gathering.

With Fresh Berries

• Fresh berries provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Raspberries and blueberries are excellent choices for their vibrant colors and flavors.

As Part of a Dessert Buffet

• Include Cookie Dough Cake in a dessert buffet with other sweets for variety.
• It pairs well with brownies, cookies, and cupcakes for an ultimate dessert experience.

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How to Perfect Cookie Dough Cake

To make your Cookie Dough Cake truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having butter, eggs, and milk at room temperature helps create a smooth batter and enhances the cake’s texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to ensure your cake remains light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense layers.

• Chill the cookie dough: Allowing your cookie dough pieces to chill before adding them to the batter prevents them from sinking during baking.

• Level your cakes: Use a serrated knife to level off the tops of your baked layers. This ensures even stacking and a beautiful presentation.

• Let it cool completely: Allow each layer to cool before frosting. Frosting warm layers can lead to melting buttercream and messy results.

Best Side Dishes for Cookie Dough Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Cookie Dough Cake can create a balanced meal or dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and acidity, balancing out the sweetness of the cake.

2. Chocolate Mousse: Rich and creamy chocolate mousse offers an elegant touch alongside your cake while remaining indulgent.

3. Mini Cheesecakes: These bite-sized treats complement the flavors without overwhelming guests, making them perfect for serving together.

4. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee enhances sweet desserts like cookie dough cake, providing a lovely contrast in flavors.

5. Nutty Granola Parfaits: Layered granola with yogurt and berries can be served as a light side dish that contrasts well with rich desserts.

6. Caramelized Apples: Warm caramelized apples add warmth and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile when served warm alongside cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement. Too much flour can make your cake dry.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
• Ignoring oven calibration: Every oven is different, so check if yours is accurately calibrated. An incorrect temperature can affect baking times.

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 refrigerator.

Freezing Cookie Dough Cake

• Wrap slices of cake in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cookie Dough Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-45 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cookie Dough Cake?

A Cookie Dough Cake is a delightful dessert featuring layers of vanilla cake filled with edible cookie dough, topped with cookie dough buttercream and chocolate ganache.

How do I make edible cookie dough for my cake?

To make edible cookie dough, avoid using eggs and use heat-treated flour. Combine brown sugar, butter, milk, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips.

Can I customize my Cookie Dough Cake?

Yes! You can add different mix-ins like nuts or swap out chocolate chips for other types of candy to make it unique.

How long does it take to prepare a Cookie Dough Cake?

The total prep time for this recipe is approximately 2 hours, with an additional cooking time of about 30 minutes.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cookie Dough Cake is not only delicious but also highly customizable. Its layers of sweet cake and rich cookie dough filling make it perfect for celebrations or any day you crave something sweet. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or toppings that you enjoy!