Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake: The Dream Dessert

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DESSERTS


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If you’re a fan of both cookie dough and cake, then you’re in for a treat with this Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake! This indulgent dessert combines the best of both worlds—soft, moist cake layers with a delicious edible cookie dough filling. It’s the kind of dessert that will leave everyone at the table speechless, as it’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Imagine biting into a cake that’s bursting with the rich, creamy flavor of chocolate chip cookie dough in every layer. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet, this cake is perfect for any dessert lover. The best part? It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any baking of the cookie dough—just whip up the dough and enjoy it guilt-free! So, get ready to wow your guests with this decadent treat that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Whether it’s a birthday, an afternoon gathering, or a weekend baking project, this Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake is guaranteed to be the star of the show. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Before we get to baking, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need to make this cookie dough cake a reality. Here’s a complete list of ingredients for both the cake and the cookie dough filling, so you’re fully prepared.

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips (for the cake batter)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp milk (or more, depending on consistency)
  • 1 ¼ cups mini chocolate chips
  • Pinch of salt

For the Frosting:

  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
  • Mini chocolate chips for decoration (optional)

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake, starting with the cake layers and moving on to the rich cookie dough filling and frosting.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Use an electric mixer for the best results.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
  6. Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
  7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Filling

  1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until fluffy and well combined.
  2. Add the flour and vanilla: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve a dough-like consistency. It should be soft but not too runny.
  3. Fold in chocolate chips: Stir in the mini chocolate chips and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
  4. Chill the dough: Once your cookie dough is ready, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to spread between the cake layers.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

  1. Layer the cakes: Once your cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a cake stand or plate.
  2. Spread the cookie dough: Carefully spread the chilled cookie dough filling over the top of the first cake layer, making sure it’s even. It should be thick and creamy, so spread it gently to avoid disturbing the cake.
  3. Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the cookie dough filling. Press down lightly to ensure the layers stick together.
  4. Frost the cake: For the frosting, cream the unsalted butter with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually add the milk until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Frost the top and sides of the cake with a generous layer of frosting.
  5. Decorate: Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top of the frosted cake for an added touch of sweetness and texture.

Once your Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake is assembled and decorated, it’s ready to be served. Here are some tips for the best presentation and storage:

Serving Tips:

  • Serve at room temperature: While this cake is delicious cold, it’s best served at room temperature for the optimal texture. Allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
  • Portion sizes: This cake is rich and indulgent, so cut it into smaller slices. A little goes a long way!
  • Pair with milk: For the ultimate indulgent treat, serve each slice with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage Tips:

  • Room temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cake within a few days, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container. It will keep well for 3-4 days.
  • Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Just make sure to cover it tightly to avoid it drying out.
  • Freezing: If you want to save this cake for later, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or warm it up in the microwave.

Even though making the Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake is relatively simple, there are a few common mistakes that could affect the final result. To ensure your cake turns out perfectly, here are some things to watch out for:

1. Overmixing the Cake Batter

When making the cake batter, be careful not to overmix it once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture rather than the soft, fluffy cake you’re looking for. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, and then stop.

2. Not Letting the Cake Cool Completely

It’s tempting to assemble the cake while the cake layers are still warm, but this can cause the cookie dough filling to melt or become too soft. Allow the cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack before you start assembling. This will help everything hold together better and prevent any mess.

3. Using Too Much Flour in the Cookie Dough

Measuring flour can be tricky—if you scoop the flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup, you may end up using too much. This will make your cookie dough stiff and difficult to spread. Instead, use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for an accurate measurement.

4. Forgetting to Refrigerate the Cookie Dough

The cookie dough filling needs to be firm enough to spread between the layers without oozing out. If you skip the step of chilling it, you might end up with a runny filling that doesn’t stay in place. Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge to set.

5. Overbaking the Cake

While it’s important to bake the cake layers fully, be careful not to overbake them. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake that doesn’t complement the creamy cookie dough filling. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark and remove the cakes once a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

To make the Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake even more amazing, here are a few helpful tips and tricks:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start baking. Room temperature ingredients combine better, resulting in a smoother batter and more even baking.

2. Customize the Cookie Dough

While the classic chocolate chip cookie dough is always a winner, you can get creative with the flavors. Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or substitute the chocolate chips with M&Ms, toffee bits, or white chocolate chips for a fun twist.

3. Double the Frosting

If you love frosting, you can always double the frosting recipe for a more decadent, thick coating on the cake. Spread a thick layer of frosting between the layers as well as on top for extra sweetness.

4. Chill the Cake Before Slicing

For cleaner slices, place the assembled cake in the fridge for 1-2 hours before cutting. This allows the frosting and cookie dough filling to firm up, making it easier to cut neat slices without making a mess.

5. Top with Extra Cookie Dough

For the ultimate indulgence, add a few spoonfuls of leftover cookie dough on top of the cake before serving. You can also garnish the cake with sprinkles, extra chocolate chips, or crushed cookies for added texture and flair.

Suggestions

While the Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake is already an indulgent treat, here are some additional ways you can customize and elevate it to make it even more special for any occasion.

1. Add a Layer of Ice Cream

For a truly decadent dessert, consider adding a layer of vanilla ice cream or cookie dough ice cream in between the cake layers. This frozen addition adds a cool contrast to the rich, gooey cookie dough and soft cake, making every bite a delightful combination of textures.

2. Go Gluten-Free

If you’re catering to gluten-sensitive friends or family, it’s easy to make this cake gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in both the cake and cookie dough with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder and chocolate chips, are also gluten-free.

3. Make Mini Cakes or Cupcakes

This cake works beautifully in smaller versions. You can make individual-sized mini cakes or cupcakes by adjusting the baking time. For cupcakes, bake at the same temperature but for around 18-20 minutes. This is a fun way to serve individual portions for a party or event.

4. Add More Layers

For a more dramatic effect, you can add more cake layers to the cake. Simply double the cake recipe to create a four-layer cake, then alternate with the cookie dough filling and frosting between the layers. This will give the cake a show-stopping appearance and an even more indulgent flavor.

5. Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

Take this cake to the next level with a rich chocolate ganache drizzle on top. To make ganache, simply heat heavy cream and pour it over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and drizzle it over the top of the frosted cake for extra chocolatey goodness.

FAQ

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead! You can bake the cake layers and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. Prepare the cookie dough filling and frosting in advance as well and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble, let the cake layers cool completely before assembling the cake.

2. Is the cookie dough safe to eat raw?

Yes! The cookie dough filling is made without raw eggs and uses heat-treated flour, so it is completely safe to eat raw. However, if you’re concerned about the raw flour, you can always use pasteurized flour for peace of mind.

3. Can I use other types of chips in the cookie dough?

Absolutely! While mini chocolate chips are the classic choice, you can use any type of chips you like. Try white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even butterscotch chips for a fun twist on the traditional flavor.

4. How do I prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pan?

To ensure your cake layers don’t stick to the pans, line the bottom of each cake pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter or cooking spray. You can also lightly flour the pans after greasing them. This makes it easy to remove the cakes from the pans once they’ve cooled.

5. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake! To freeze the whole cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. For individual slices, wrap each slice separately for easy serving later. Just let the cake thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it! The Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake is a dessert that combines the best of two worlds—rich, soft cake and indulgent, edible cookie dough filling. It’s the perfect treat for any celebration, from birthdays to casual weekend indulgences. Whether you enjoy it with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cake is sure t

With its soft, moist cake layers, creamy cookie dough center, and fluffy frosting, this dessert has everything you could want in a treat. It’s easy to make, customizable, and totally irresistible. And the best part? You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or even freeze it, so you can enjoy it whenever you want.

So, next time you’re craving something sweet or planning a special event, look no further than this Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake. It’s an indulgence that’s worth every calorie, and once you try it, you’ll know exactly why it’s called “ultimate.”

Don’t forget to share your delicious creations with friends and family and spread the love of this one-of-a-kind dessert. Happy baking!

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Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake: The Dream Dessert


  • Author: Patricia Moore
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Description

This Ultimate Cookie Dough Cake is the ultimate indulgence, combining soft cake layers with a rich, edible cookie dough filling and creamy frosting. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat, this cake is sure to wow your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Layers:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Cookie Dough Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated, or bake in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk (or more for consistency)
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
  • Pinch of salt

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp whole milk (more if needed)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

For the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
  6. Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
  7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cookie Dough Filling:

  1. Cream butter and sugar: Beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
  2. Add flour and vanilla: Mix in the heat-treated flour, vanilla extract, and milk. Add more milk as needed to achieve a dough-like consistency.
  3. Fold in chocolate chips: Stir in mini chocolate chips and a pinch of salt.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes to firm it up before assembling.

For the Frosting:

  1. Cream butter and powdered sugar: Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add milk and vanilla: Mix in vanilla extract and milk, adding more milk if necessary to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  3. Frost the cake: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, frost the top and sides of the cake with the buttercream frosting.

Assembling the Cake:

  1. Layer the cakes: Place one cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Spread the chilled cookie dough filling evenly on top.
  2. Top with the second cake layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the cookie dough layer.
  3. Frost the cake: Apply a generous layer of frosting on the top and sides of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out.
  4. Decorate: Optionally, top with more mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair.

Notes

  • Storage: Store the assembled cake in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Make ahead: You can make the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Assemble and frost the cake when ready to serve.
  • Cookie dough safety: The cookie dough filling is eggless and uses heat-treated flour, making it safe to eat raw.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 47g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 72g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Tags:

birthday cake / chocolate chip cake / cookie dough cake / Dessert Recipe / Easy cake recipe / indulgent dessert / ultimate cake

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