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Cookie Dough Cake Recipe

4.8 from 128 reviews

Indulge in the ultimate Cookie Dough Cake, a decadent layered dessert featuring moist vanilla cake layers studded with chunks of cookie dough, filled and frosted with an irresistibly creamy cookie dough buttercream, and finished with a rich bittersweet chocolate ganache topping. This cake combines the nostalgic charm of cookie dough with the elegance of a classic layer cake, perfect for celebrations or any occasion demanding a show-stopping treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough Filling

  • 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 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
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips

Cake Batter

  • 1 1/2 cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (125g) 2% Greek yogurt

Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 1/2 cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 5 cups (550g) powdered sugar
  • 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
  • 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

Chocolate Ganache

  • 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 4 oz (1/2 cup) heavy cream
  • 23 tsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cookie Dough Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, salt, and mini chocolate chips. Mix until smooth and cohesive. Set aside to incorporate flavors.
  2. Make Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with whole milk and Greek yogurt, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to ensure tender crumb.
  4. Assemble Cake Layers: Grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly among the pans. Drop spoonfuls of the prepared cookie dough filling evenly on top of each batter layer. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the cookie dough comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely in pans.
  5. Prepare Buttercream Frosting: Beat 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat. Add milk, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and mini chocolate chips. Beat until smooth, fluffy, and well incorporated.
  6. Make Chocolate Ganache: Place chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour it over the chocolate. Let sit for a minute before stirring until smooth. Stir in vegetable oil for a glossy finish.
  7. Assemble the Cake: Level cake layers if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of cookie dough buttercream. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost the outside of the assembled cake generously with the buttercream. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip elegantly down the sides. Refrigerate briefly to set before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth batter and frosting.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender cake texture.
  • Your cookie dough in the batter will soften during baking, adding delightful bursts of texture.
  • Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for a rich, balanced ganache.
  • Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Cookie Dough Cake, Layer Cake, Chocolate Ganache, Cookie Dough Frosting, Dessert, Celebration Cake