Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough is the perfect dessert that brings together two classics: a moist and fluffy vanilla cake and delicious cookie dough chunks. This delightful combination creates a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party or just a casual family dinner. With its sweet flavor and soft texture, this cake embodies comfort and joy in every bite.
Why We Love This Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough Recipe
This Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the rich flavor of the vanilla cake perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookie dough, making for an irresistible combination. The addition of cookie dough chunks adds a fun texture that keeps things interesting. Moreover, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it accessible for everyone. Lastly, who can resist the fun of eating cookie dough in a cake? It’s a nostalgic treat that reminds you of your childhood, yet it’s sophisticated enough for adult gatherings.
Ingredients for Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Additional cookie dough balls for topping
How to Make Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough Directions
To create a scrumptious Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan to ensure easy removal after baking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This will be your dry mixture, essential for the structure of the cake.
Now, take a large bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes using an electric mixer.
Next, add the 4 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring that you beat well after each addition. Incorporate 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, which will enhance the cake’s flavor.
Now it’s time to combine your dry ingredients with your wet ingredients. Gradually mix the flour mixture into the creamed butter and sugar from earlier, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk. Start and end with the dry mixture to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
When your batter is well-mixed and smooth, gently fold in 1 cup of cookie dough, being careful to maintain chunks for texture. Pour this delightful batter into your prepared cake pan and use a spatula to smooth the top.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. After about 15 minutes, carefully remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
For the finishing touch, top the cake with additional cookie dough balls, creating an eye-catching and delicious appearance. Slice into generous pieces and enjoy!
How to Serve Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
When it comes to serving your Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough, the options are endless. For a delightful pairing, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream creates a delicious contrast that everyone will love.
You can also drizzle chocolate syrup or caramel sauce over each slice for an added layer of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving it with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness.
Alternatively, this cake can be enjoyed on its own, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea. No matter how you choose to serve it, this cake will undoubtedly impress your guests.
Expert Tips: Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
To ensure your Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough turns out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you begin baking. This ensures they mix together smoothly, leading to a light and fluffy cake.
- Do Not Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality vanilla extract and fresh ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the cake.
- Cookie Dough Consistency: If using store-bought cookie dough, ensure it is soft and pliable. If homemade, allow it to soften slightly before folding it into the cake batter.
- Cool Completely: Always let your cake cool completely before frosting it. Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off.
How to Store Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
Storing your Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough is essential to maintain its freshness. If you have leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out.
You can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you prefer, you could also freeze the un-frosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to 2-3 months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, frost it with cream cheese frosting, and top it with cookie dough just before serving.
Variation of Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
Feeling creative? There are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on your Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough recipe. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Cookie Dough Flavor: Experiment with different flavored cookie doughs, such as chocolate chip or peanut butter. This can completely change the flavor profile of your cake.
- Add Mix-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor. Just fold them in along with the cookie dough.
- Different Frosting Options: Switch up the frosting by using buttercream instead of cream cheese for a sweeter, more traditional cake icing.
- Layer Cake Variation: Instead of a single layer, create a layered cake by splitting the batter between two round pans. Alternate layers of cake and frosting for a stunning presentation.
- Seasonal Themes: Incorporate seasonal flavors such as pumpkin spice in the fall or peppermint in the winter to keep your cake relevant throughout the year.
FAQ
What is Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough?
Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough is a delightful dessert that combines a fluffy vanilla cake with chunks of sweet cookie dough, topped with a cream cheese frosting.
How can I ensure my Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough comes out fluffy?
Make sure to cream the butter and sugar properly and avoid overmixing.Additionally, use room-temperature ingredients for best results.
Can I use homemade cookie dough?
Yes, homemade cookie dough works perfectly! Just make sure it’s soft enough to fold into the cake batter gently.
How should I store leftover Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or wrap it tightly and freeze for longer storage.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
You can try different flavors of cookie dough, add chocolate chips, or create a layered cake with multiple frosting options for a unique take on this classic dessert.
Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for the cake
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 cup cookie dough store-bought or homemade
For the Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
For Topping
- to taste cookie dough balls for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk to create a smooth batter.
- Gently fold in the cookie dough, ensuring some chunks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting and Serving
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and top with additional cookie dough balls.
- Slice into pieces and serve. Enjoy!
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