There’s something magical about the first time I tasted cookies and cream cake. I was a kid, perched on my grandmother’s kitchen stool, dipping Oreo cookies into cold milk while she baked a simple vanilla cake. That memory inspired me to bring together the nostalgic flavor of Oreos and the comfort of homemade cake into one irresistible dessert. This cookies and cream cake is soft, rich, and speckled with cookie pieces throughout, topped with the fluffiest cookies and cream buttercream.

Why You’ll Love This Cookies and Cream Cake

Family favorite with a playful twist kids adore
Soft vanilla oreo cake base with creamy filling
Simple ingredients with easy instructions
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings
Can be made with box cake mix or from scratch

Tools and Preparation

Baking doesn’t need a fancy setup, just a few essentials:

Mixing Bowls: For dry and wet ingredients
Hand or Stand Mixer: Ensures fluffy, lump-free batter and frosting
Cake Pans (8-inch round): Even baking and easy layering
Offset Spatula: Smooth frosting application
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cake removal easy

These basics help you achieve bakery-style results without stress.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup crushed Oreos (cream filling included)

For Cookies and Cream Buttercream

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup finely crushed Oreos

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two cake pans with parchment.
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Stir in vanilla, then alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk until smooth.
Fold in crushed Oreos.
Divide batter into pans and bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
Make buttercream by beating butter, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until light. Fold in Oreos.
Frost cooled cakes, stacking with buttercream between layers.

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Cake

As a birthday centerpiece with candles and extra Oreos on top
Paired with vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic treat
Cut into small squares for potlucks or school events
Dressed up with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle for holidays
Enjoyed with coffee or milk for a cozy snack

Tips for Perfect Results

Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter
Crush Oreos but leave some chunks for texture
Don’t overmix once the flour goes in
Chill buttercream for 10 minutes if it feels too soft
Level cakes before stacking for neat presentation
Add extra Oreo crumbs between layers for extra crunch

Best Pairings / Side Dishes

This cookies and cream cake shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with light desserts like a fresh fruit salad or creamy vanilla mousse. If you love layered cakes, you might also enjoy my strawberry shortcake trifle recipe which balances sweetness with fresh flavors. A glass of cold milk or a cappuccino makes the perfect companion to every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking the cake which makes it dry
Using melted butter instead of softened butter
Frosting before the cake is fully cooled
Crushing Oreos too finely so they disappear in the batter
Skipping parchment paper which risks sticking

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Keep leftover cookies and cream cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. If refrigerated, let cake come to room temperature before eating for the best flavor and texture.

This is one recipe you’ll definitely want to save – Pin it now for later!

FAQs about Cookies and Cream Cake

Can I make cookies and cream cake from box cake mixes?

Yes, you can make cookies and cream cake from box cake mixes. Simply prepare a vanilla or chocolate box mix as directed, then fold in 1 to 1 ½ cups of crushed Oreos before baking. This shortcut keeps it easy while still giving you the classic Oreo flavor everyone loves.

What frosting works best for cookies and cream cake?

Cookies and cream buttercream is the perfect match. It’s light, fluffy, and blends crushed Oreos for extra flavor. Cream cheese frosting can also work well if you prefer a tangy balance to the sweetness of the cake.

How do I make an Oreo birthday cake at home?

To make an Oreo birthday cake, bake two or three layers of vanilla oreo cake, frost generously with cookies and cream buttercream, and top with whole Oreos, sprinkles, or a chocolate ganache drizzle. Add birthday candles for a festive touch.

Can I use golden Oreos instead of regular Oreos?

Absolutely, golden Oreos create a vanilla twist on the classic cookies and cream cake recipe. They bring a lighter, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla cake and buttercream.

Final Thoughts from My Kitchen

This cookies and cream cake is more than just a dessert, it’s a slice of joy baked into every layer. From the crunchy Oreos folded into the batter to the fluffy frosting, it’s a cake that always sparks smiles. Whether you bake it for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this cake will bring comfort and sweetness to the table. If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments – I love hearing your stories and kitchen wins!