Imagine combining the irresistible flavors of cookie dough with the moistness of a fluffy cake—this Cookie Dough Cake does exactly that. With layers of cookie dough-flavored buttercream, a tender chocolate chip cake, and a rich ganache topping, this dessert is a dream come true for cookie dough lovers. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any day that calls for something indulgent, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup (110g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup (130g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour heat-treated for safety
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips
Cake:
- 1½ cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (125g) 2% Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips
Cookie Dough Buttercream:
- 1½ cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 5 cups (550g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour heat-treated for safety
- ¾ cup (140g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (90g) mini chocolate chips
Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 4 ounces (½ cup) heavy cream
- 2–3 teaspoons vegetable oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the heat-treated flour and salt, mixing until combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Shape small balls of cookie dough to use as decorations and set aside.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk and Greek yogurt, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Buttercream
- Beat the butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Beat in the flour, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of cookie dough buttercream over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers. Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
Step 5: Prepare the Ganache
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Mix in the vegetable oil for a glossy finish.
- Drizzle the ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
- Top the cake with the reserved cookie dough balls and additional mini chocolate chips, if desired. Chill the cake for 1–2 hours before serving for easier slicing.
Conclusion
This Cookie Dough Cake is a showstopper, combining the nostalgia of raw cookie dough with the elegance of a layered cake. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself, this cake is a guaranteed hit!
