Ultimate Cookies & Cream Layer Cake
A rich, chocolatey showstopper inspired by classic Oreo cookies
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Cookies & Cream Frosting
2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
25 Oreo-style cookies, finely crushed
For Decorating
Extra crushed cookies
Whole or halved cookies for topping
Optional chocolate curls
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans, this ensures your layers release cleanly, making your finished cake look bakery-perfect.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk just until combined, the batter will be thick. Now pour in the hot coffee and gently stir until the batter turns silky and pourable. The coffee deepens the chocolate flavor and gives you that moist, tender crumb the best cakes have.
Divide the batter between your pans and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the Cookies & Cream Frosting (Fluffy, Dreamy, Perfect)
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until light and fluffy.
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.
Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, this creates a cloud-like frosting that’s not too sweet but perfectly luscious.
Stir in the finely crushed cookies. (Avoid large crumbs here, they make frosting hard to smooth.)
3. Assemble the Cake
Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thick layer of cookies-and-cream frosting over the top.
Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake generously, rustic swirls or a smooth finish both look beautiful.
Press crushed cookies around the sides or over the top. Add whole cookies on top for a dramatic, bakery-style presentation.
Chill for 20–30 minutes so the frosting sets beautifully.
4. Serve & Enjoy
Slice your cake with a hot knife for clean, precise layers.
Serve with cold milk, hot cocoa, or coffee, this cake is decadent enough to steal the show all on its own.
Storage Tips
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months.
Serve slices slightly chilled or at room temperature for best texture.