Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake Recipe

If you're looking for a dessert that combines the best of both worlds—cake and cookie dough—then this Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake is the perfect indulgence. It's rich, buttery, and full of gooey cookie dough goodness that will impress your guests or satisfy any craving. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you step by step, so even if you're new to baking, you can create a masterpiece. Read on for all the delicious details and tips to perfect this mouthwatering treat!

this Recipe

What Is a “Cookie Dough Delight Cake”?

A Cookie Dough Delight Cake is the ultimate dessert for cookie lovers who also enjoy the moistness of cake. This unique recipe combines the soft, fluffy texture of a cake with the chewy, irresistible flavor of edible cookie dough. The cake layers are often vanilla or chocolate, paired with a layer of edible cookie dough between them and frosted with a decadent buttercream. The result is a multi-textured dessert that brings together the joy of eating raw cookie dough in a safe and delicious form with the comfort of a classic cake.

Ingredients List for Cake Layers

To get started, you'll need a few simple ingredients for the cake layers. This recipe yields two 8-inch cake rounds, which are then layered with cookie dough and frosted.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

Ingredients List for Edible Cookie Dough

The cookie dough layer in this cake is completely safe to eat, as it’s made without eggs and with heat-treated flour to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated to kill bacteria)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips

Ingredients List for Frosting

The buttercream frosting is the perfect complement to the cookie dough and cake layers, providing a rich and creamy finish.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust to get the desired consistency)
• Pinch of salt

Substitutions and Variations

• Flour Substitutions: You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if you’re catering to dietary needs. Just make sure the gluten-free flour you choose is a 1:1 substitute.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use almond milk or any other plant-based milk in both the cake and the cookie dough. For frosting, ensure the heavy cream is replaced with a plant-based alternative.
• Chocolate Chips: Feel free to swap out mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips depending on your preference.
• Flavors: Add almond extract or mint extract to either the cake or cookie dough for a fun twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

For the Cake Layers:

1. Prepare your ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on wire racks before assembling.

For the Edible Cookie Dough:

1. Heat-treat the flour: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria. Let it cool before using.
2. Cream butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy.
3. Add milk and vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add flour and chocolate chips: Slowly add the heat-treated flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips. Set aside.

For the Frosting:

1. Cream the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Add vanilla and cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

How to Cook the Cookie Dough Delight Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Level the cakes: Once your cake layers have cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops if necessary. This will ensure the layers stack evenly.
2. Layer with cookie dough: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick, even layer of edible cookie dough over the cake. Top with the second cake layer.
3. Frost the cake: Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the cake to lock in any crumbs. Refrigerate the cake for about 20 minutes to set the crumb coat. Then, apply a thicker layer of frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
4. Decorate: Optional, but you can decorate the cake with extra mini chocolate chips, cookie dough balls, or chocolate drizzle for added flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not heat-treating the flour: Make sure to bake the flour to eliminate any harmful bacteria before adding it to the edible cookie dough. Skipping this step can lead to foodborne illnesses.
• Overmixing the batter: Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients for the cake, don’t overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
• Skipping the crumb coat: It’s tempting to skip the crumb coat, but it makes a huge difference in achieving a smooth, professional-looking finish on your cake.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To present this cake in the best way possible, consider serving it chilled. The cookie dough layer will be firmer, creating a nice contrast to the soft cake and creamy frosting. For a bit of extra indulgence, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.

How to Serve Cookie Dough Delight Cake

• Portion size: This is a rich dessert, so thinner slices are often best. The cake is dense and filling, so a small slice goes a long way.
• Chilled or at room temperature: The cake can be served at room temperature, but chilling it for at least an hour before slicing makes it easier to cut and gives the cookie dough layer a more structured consistency.

Presentation Ideas for Cookie Dough Delight Cake

• Cookie dough balls: Roll some of the leftover edible cookie dough into bite-sized balls and place them on top of the frosted cake for a playful look.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the frosted cake for added elegance and extra chocolate flavor.
• Sprinkles: Add a touch of color and fun with chocolate sprinkles or jimmies.

Cookie Dough Delight Cake Recipe Tips

• Plan ahead: You can prepare the cake layers and cookie dough a day in advance to save time on assembly day.
• Storage: The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving if preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular cookie dough in this recipe?
No, regular cookie dough contains raw eggs and untreated flour, which can pose a risk for foodborne illnesses. Use the edible cookie dough recipe provided for a safe and delicious alternative.

How do I heat-treat flour?
Simply spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Let it cool before adding it to your cookie dough.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! You can freeze the fully assembled cake or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Just make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

This Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake is the perfect fusion of cake and cookie dough, offering layers of sweet, buttery cake paired with rich, edible cookie dough. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and lots of options for customization, you’ll want to make this dessert again and again. So gather your ingredients and start baking—you won’t regret it!

Print