There’s something magical about the first time I tasted a 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 Recipe is soft, moist, and topped with creamy frosting speckled with cookie crumbs.

Why You’ll Love This Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
- Quick and simple to prepare, even for beginners
- Moist cake layers with Oreo cookies in every bite
- Family-friendly dessert everyone asks for again
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and weeknight treats
- Flexible enough to make with box mix or from scratch
Tools and Preparation
- Mixing Bowls: Separate wet and dry ingredients easily
- Electric Mixer: Ensures smooth, fluffy batter and frosting
- Cake Pans (8-inch round): For even baking and clean layers
- Offset Spatula: Perfect for spreading creamy frosting
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cake removal simple
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 Oreo cookies, crushed
- Frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla, then alternate adding flour mixture and milk until smooth.
- Fold in crushed Oreo cookies gently.
- Divide batter evenly into cake pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cakes cool, prepare frosting by whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold in crushed Oreos.
- Layer cakes with frosting in between, then cover the outside with the remaining frosting. Garnish with extra Oreo crumbs.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe
- As a birthday cake centerpiece with extra Oreo toppings
- Sliced into squares for a family dessert night
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat
- Paired with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack
- As mini cake cups layered in mason jars for parties
Tips for Perfect Results
- Chill the cake layers before frosting for easier spreading
- Use room-temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter
- Crush Oreos finely for frosting, but keep chunks in the cake for texture
- For extra flavor, drizzle chocolate ganache over the finished cake
- Store frosting in the fridge until ready to use
Best Pairings / Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with light and creamy desserts. For a balanced spread, try serving alongside a refreshing Iced Brown Sugar Vanilla Matcha Latte or a cozy Broccoli recipe for a sweet-and-savory combo.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter, which makes the cake dense
- Using warm frosting, which melts and slides off the cake
- Skipping parchment paper – it makes cake removal a breeze
- Adding too many Oreos, which can weigh down the batter
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Store cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months
- Thaw frozen slices in the fridge overnight before serving
- For a fresh taste, allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying
This is one recipe you’ll definitely want to save – Pin it now for later!
FAQs
What is the secret to a moist Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe?
Using room-temperature ingredients and not overmixing the batter keeps the cake fluffy and moist. Folding in Oreos gently also prevents dryness.
Can I make this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe with a box cake mix?
Yes! A vanilla or white cake mix works perfectly. Just fold in crushed Oreos and bake as directed.
How do I keep the frosting light and fluffy?
Whip cream until stiff peaks form and fold in crushed Oreos gently. Chill before spreading to avoid melting.
Can I prepare Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake layers a day ahead and store them covered. Frost just before serving for best texture.
Final Thoughts (Natalie’s Voice)
Every slice of this Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe feels like childhood memories baked into a sweet treat. It’s simple enough for a beginner, yet indulgent enough to impress guests. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, this cake has a way of bringing smiles to the table. If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments – I love hearing your stories and kitchen wins!
Print
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This moist, nostalgic Cookies and Cream Cake Recipe is packed with Oreo cookies and topped with a fluffy cream frosting speckled with crushed cookies. It’s easy to make and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you’re craving something sweet!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 Oreo cookies, crushed
- Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla, then alternate adding flour mixture and milk until smooth.
- Fold in crushed Oreo cookies gently.
- Divide batter evenly into cake pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cakes cool, prepare frosting by whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold in crushed Oreos.
- Layer cakes with frosting in between, then cover the outside with the remaining frosting. Garnish with extra Oreo crumbs.
Notes
For best results, chill cake layers before frosting, and use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and fluffy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg