Cookie Dough Cake

Who can resist the allure of cookie dough? The sweet, buttery, and slightly chewy goodness is a universal favorite. Now imagine that familiar flavor transformed into a magnificent cake! This Cookie Dough Cake combines all the best elements of classic cookie dough with moist chocolate cake layers and creamy frosting. It’s a celebration of indulgence, perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or when you’re just craving something sweet. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will steal your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Cookie Dough Cake is a dream come true for dessert lovers. Here’s what makes it so special:

– A rich chocolate cake base that’s moist and fluffy.
– Cookie dough frosting that tastes just like the real thing, without the raw eggs.
– Layers of decadent chocolate and cookie dough for a truly indulgent experience.
– Perfect for any celebration or as a treat to enjoy at home.

What You’ll Need

To make this delicious Cookie Dough Cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut oil – for moisture and flavor
• 3 cups chocolate, chopped – use your favorite dark or semi-sweet
• 2 1/4 cups sugar – to sweeten the cake
• 6 large eggs – for structure and richness
• 6 tablespoons cocoa powder – for that rich chocolate flavor
• 9 tablespoons cornstarch – to lighten the cake
• 1 cup butter – for the cookie dough frosting
• 1 cup light brown sugar – for a deeper sweetness
• 1/3 cup sugar – to balance flavors
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – for that lovely aroma
• 2 tablespoons milk – to adjust the frosting consistency
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat treated) – safety first!
• 1 cup chocolate frosting – for the finishing touch

What You’ll Need (Gear)

Make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready:

• Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients
• Electric mixer – to make the mixing process easier
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurements
• Baking pans (9-inch) – to bake your cake layers
• Cooling rack – to cool the cake layers completely
• Spatula – for spreading frosting

From Start to Finish: Cookie Dough Cake

Creating your Cookie Dough Cake is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps for a delicious result!

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to heat-treat the all-purpose flour by baking it on a baking sheet for 5 minutes to eliminate any harmful bacteria.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut oil, chopped chocolate, and sugar. Melt them together in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, cornstarch, and heat-treated flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared 9-inch baking pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Cookie Dough Frosting

While the cake layers cool, it’s time to whip up the cookie dough frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add in the flour and mix until combined. If the mixture is too thick, add in the milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cookie dough frosting on top. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cookie dough frosting.

Step 7: Decorate

For an extra touch, pipe some chocolate frosting on top or around the edges of the cake. You can also sprinkle chocolate chips or cookie crumbs on top for decoration.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Allow the cake to sit for about 30 minutes to set, then slice and serve. Enjoy the joy of cookie dough in every delicious bite!

Variations by Season

You can easily adapt this Cookie Dough Cake for different seasons and occasions:

• Spring: Add fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity touch.
• Summer: Incorporate a light lemon frosting to balance the richness.
• Fall: Spice it up with pumpkin spice in the cake and frosting.
• Winter: Add peppermint extract to the frosting for a festive flavor.

Avoid These Mistakes

To ensure your Cookie Dough Cake turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t skip the heat-treating step for the flour; it’s essential for safety.
• Make sure your chocolate and coconut oil are properly melted and slightly cooled before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
• Be cautious not to overbake the cake layers; check them a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
• Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prepare portions of this Cookie Dough Cake ahead of time:

• The cake layers can be baked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The cookie dough frosting can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before using.
• Assembled cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Ask & Learn

Can I use a different type of oil instead of coconut oil?

Yes! You can substitute with another neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, but coconut oil adds a unique flavor.

What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results.

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the individual cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Just thaw them in the fridge before frosting and serving.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Cookie Dough Cake, you’ll love these other sweet treats:

• Ultimate Chocolate Cake
• Vegan Chocolate Cake
• One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

That’s a Wrap

And there you have it! This Cookie Dough Cake is a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. With layers of rich chocolate cake and creamy cookie dough frosting, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own with seasonal variations or additional toppings. Enjoy every slice!