Cookie Dough Cake
Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of cookie dough with the decadence of cake? This Cookie Dough Cake is a delightful treat that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone wanting more. With a rich chocolate cake base and a creamy cookie dough frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy night in. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
This Cookie Dough Cake stands out for several reasons. First, it brings together the beloved flavors of cookie dough and chocolate cake, creating a dessert that appeals to all ages. Second, the use of simple, high-quality ingredients ensures a delicious taste every time. Finally, the recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even to novice bakers. You’ll impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredient Breakdown
To create this delectable Cookie Dough Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut oil: Acts as a healthier fat alternative, providing moisture and a slight coconut flavor.
- 3 cups chocolate, chopped: Rich, dark chocolate enhances the cake’s flavor profile.
- 2 1/4 cups sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
- 6 large eggs: Adds structure and moisture to the cake.
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder: Provides that deep chocolate flavor.
- 9 tablespoons cornstarch: This gives the cake a tender crumb.
- 1 cup butter: Ensures richness and flavor; use a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Adds depth to the sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
- 1/3 cup sugar: Just a bit more sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Helps to achieve the desired consistency in the batter.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat treated): Use heat-treated flour to eliminate any raw flour concerns.
- 1 cup chocolate frosting: For that luscious finish; opt for a dairy-free frosting if needed.
Tools & Equipment Needed
To make this Cookie Dough Cake, you’ll need the following tools:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure everything is well combined.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking.
- 9-inch round cake pans: For baking the cake layers.
- Offset spatula: Ideal for frosting the cake evenly.
- Cooling rack: To cool the cake layers before assembly.
Cookie Dough Cake in Steps
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Pans
Grease your 9-inch round cake pans with coconut oil and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate with the coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate and coconut oil mixture with the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
Step 6: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
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. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 8: Prepare the Cookie Dough Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened butter with the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add flour and milk, mixing until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips for that delicious cookie dough texture.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cookie dough frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cookie dough frosting.
Step 10: Finish with Chocolate Frosting
Top your frosted cake with a drizzle or layer of chocolate frosting for an extra touch of indulgence.
Smart Substitutions
If you need to make adjustments, here are some smart substitutions:
- Coconut oil: Can be replaced with vegetable oil or melted butter if preferred.
- All-purpose flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Butter: Substitute with a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- Chocolate frosting: Use a dairy-free chocolate frosting to accommodate dietary preferences.
Author’s Commentary
This Cookie Dough Cake is a personal favorite of mine! The combination of soft, moist chocolate cake and the sweet, rich cookie dough frosting is simply unbeatable. It’s a cake that brings everyone together, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a potluck, or just a casual get-together. I always recommend serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for that extra indulgence.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
This Cookie Dough Cake is perfect for freezing! If you want to make it ahead of time, simply wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before frosting. The cookie dough frosting can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate for the cake?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate according to your preference. Just keep in mind that the sweetness will vary slightly.
How can I make this cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the cake and the frosting. Consider using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for a more balanced flavor.
What should I do if my cake layers domed while baking?
If your cake layers dome, simply level them with a serrated knife after they have cooled. This will give you a flat surface for stacking and frosting.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost just before serving for the best texture.
Bring It Home
This Cookie Dough Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Each slice reveals layers of rich chocolate cake and sweet cookie dough frosting, creating a delightful combination that will have you dreaming of dessert long after the last bite. Perfect for any occasion or just a treat for yourself, this cake is bound to become a family favorite.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this decadent Cookie Dough Cake, and watch as it steals the spotlight at your next gathering! Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and most importantly, have fun baking this delightful treat.
Cookie Dough Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
- Step 2: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.
- Step 3: Prepare the Cake Pans: Grease your 9-inch round cake pans with coconut oil and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate with the coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate and coconut oil mixture with the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 6: Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 7: Bake the Cake: 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. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Step 8: Prepare the Cookie Dough Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened butter with the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add flour and milk, mixing until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips for that delicious cookie dough texture.
- Step 9: Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cookie dough frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cookie dough frosting.
- Step 10: Finish with Chocolate Frosting: Top your frosted cake with a drizzle or layer of chocolate frosting for an extra touch of indulgence.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate frosting.
- Freeze the cake layers tightly wrapped for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
- Use heat-treated flour to eliminate any raw flour concerns.
