Indulging in a cookie dough cake brings together the joys of childhood flavors with the sophistication of an elegant dessert. The delightful combination of rich cake and creamy cookie dough creates a treat that feels both comforting and exciting. Every bite carries the nostalgia of sneaking spoonfuls of cookie dough, all while being a fully baked and safe delight. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in, this cake stands out in any setting.
Why We Love This Cookie Dough Cake
There are countless reasons to love cookie dough cake. Firstly, its unique flavor profile wins over both cookie and cake lovers alike. The cake is moist, infused with the taste of vanilla and brown sugar, reminiscent of fresh cookies. The star of the show, the edible cookie dough, is safe to eat thanks to the absence of raw eggs and the use of heat-treated flour. This fusion makes the cake perfectly balanced—not overly sweet, while still giving you that cookie ‘wow’ factor.
Additionally, cookie dough cake offers versatility. You can dress it up for celebrations or keep it simple for a casual treat. Its striking appearance, often featuring luscious frosting and garnished with more cookie dough bites, makes it a standout centerpiece. The nostalgia factor is another delightful aspect; many of us have fond childhood memories related to cookie making, and this cake captures that essence in a new form. Finally, it’s easy to make! Even novice bakers can whip up this delight, making it an ideal choice for both new and seasoned cooks.
Ingredients for Cookie Dough Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cookie dough (see below for cookie dough specifics)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for cake and/or cookie dough, optional)
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then blend in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cookie dough. In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the heat-treated flour and mix until well combined. Add milk to achieve a softer consistency and fold in chocolate chips.
- Once the cakes cool completely, remove them from the pans. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread some cookie dough on top, followed by the second layer.
- Frost the outside of the cake with your favorite frosting, then garnish with additional cookie dough balls on top.
- Slice and serve!
How to Serve Cookie Dough Cake
Serving cookie dough cake can be as personalized as the recipe itself! Slice the cake into generous portions and place on individual dessert plates. To enhance the experience, consider drizzling some chocolate syrup or caramel sauce over the top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside can elevate the treat even further, adding a creamy contrast to the soft cake and chewy cookie dough.
For gatherings, you can serve it family-style on a large platter, allowing guests to take their own slices. You can also add fresh berries or whipped cream for a pop of color and freshness. If you want to make it interactive, set up a toppings bar with options like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even extra cookie crumbles so that everyone can customize their slice. At parties or celebrations, this cake makes an impression and gathers compliments while satisfying sweet cravings.
Expert Tips for Cookie Dough Cake
To achieve the best results with your cookie dough cake, consider a few expert tips. First, ensure your butter is properly softened for both the cake and the cookie dough. This allows for easy mixing and a fluffy texture. Avoid melting the butter; it should be at room temperature to cream well with the sugars.
Use the right flour; always heat-treat your all-purpose flour if you plan to consume any raw. This step is crucial for safety, removing any harmful bacteria that raw flour may contain. To heat-treat, simply spread it on a baking sheet and place it in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Make sure that your cake layers are entirely cooled before frosting. If they are warm, the frosting could melt, resulting in a messy presentation. For a beautiful finish, you could chill the frosted cake for about 30 minutes before slicing, allowing the frosting to set slightly. When garnishing with cookie dough, ensure that the dough balls are not too large; small bites maintain balance and make for easier serving.
Finally, feel free to experiment with flavors and add-ins—for instance, switching the chocolate chips for butterscotch or combining nuts into the cookie dough adds a delightful twist to the classic recipe.
How to Store Cookie Dough Cake
Proper storage is key to keeping your cookie dough cake at its best. If you have leftovers, let the cake cool completely before wrapping it. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the cake, ensuring it stays fresh. If you have frosted the cake, it’s best to store it in an airtight container.
You can also slice the cake into portions and wrap each slice individually. This allows for easy access for a quick dessert fix later on. For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. To do this, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. Slice the cake before freezing for quick thawing. Properly stored in the freezer, the cookie dough cake can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Variations of Cookie Dough Cake
Get creative with this cookie dough cake by exploring various fun variations! One popular twist includes using different flavors of cake bases. For instance, substitute vanilla with chocolate or funfetti cake for a festive look. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as almond or maple, to personalize the flavor further.
Adding mix-ins to the cookie dough can elevate the cake. Try incorporating chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. You could also play with different types of chocolate; white chocolate chips can add a completely different sweetness to the cookie dough.
To make the cake less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in your cookie dough and use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a layer of frosting in the middle, like cream cheese frosting, to change up the texture and flavor profile.
Finally, for those who prefer a healthier take, consider using whole-wheat flour for the cake or creating a gluten-free version using almond flour and a gluten-free flour blend. There are endless possibilities to make this dessert your own, making it a fun and customizable treat for any occasion.
FAQ about Cookie Dough Cake
What is cookie dough cake?
Cookie dough cake is a delicious dessert that combines layers of moist cake with safe-to-eat cookie dough, typically made without raw eggs or untreated flour.
Is cookie dough cake safe to eat?
Yes, cookie dough cake is safe to eat because its cookie dough is prepared with heat-treated flour and no raw eggs.
Can I make cookie dough cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers a day in advance. Store them wrapped at room temperature, and assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.
How should I store leftover cookie dough cake?
Store leftover cookie dough cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.
What flavors can I add to the cookie dough cake?
You can experiment with various flavors by using different extracts, adding nuts, or using flavored cake bases, like chocolate or funfetti.