Cookies and Cream Oreo Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich chocolate cake paired with fluffy, Oreo-packed frosting. This indulgent homemade dessert features soft, moist chocolate cake layers made from simple pantry ingredients and filled with a light yet decadent cookies and cream frosting. Every bite delivers deep chocolate flavor balanced perfectly with sweet vanilla cream and crunchy Oreo pieces.

Despite its bakery-style appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to make. The batter comes together quickly, the frosting is light and smooth, and the final result looks impressive enough for birthdays, celebrations, or special family gatherings. Whether you’re baking for chocolate lovers or searching for a crowd-pleasing cake recipe, this Cookies and Cream Oreo Cake checks every box. It’s rich without being heavy, sweet without being overpowering, and simple enough for beginner bakers to master with confidence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy recipe made with simple baking ingredients
Soft, moist chocolate cake layers every time
Light and creamy cookies and cream frosting
Beginner-friendly and completely no-fail
Perfect family favorite for birthdays and parties
Crowd-pleasing dessert loved by kids and adults

About the Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour
Provides structure to the cake while keeping the crumb tender and soft.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Adds deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness, making the cake rich and balanced.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda
These leavening agents help the cake rise evenly and stay light and fluffy.

Salt
Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.

Sugar
Sweetens the cake and helps keep it moist.

Eggs
Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s rich texture.

Buttermilk
Adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the chocolate flavor.

Vegetable Oil
Keeps the cake incredibly moist even after refrigeration.

Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and depth to both the cake and frosting.

Boiling Water
Activates the cocoa powder, creating a smoother batter and richer chocolate taste.

Heavy Whipping Cream
Whipped into stiff peaks to create a light, airy frosting texture.

Cream Cheese
Adds richness and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Powdered Sugar
Sweetens the frosting while keeping it smooth and creamy.

Oreo Cookies
Crushed Oreos provide classic cookies and cream flavor with a bit of crunch.

Tips & Tricks

Use room-temperature eggs and cream cheese for smooth mixing
Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender
Cool cake layers completely before frosting
Use a serrated knife to level cake layers if needed
Chill the cake briefly before slicing for clean cuts

These easy baking tips help ensure dessert success every time.

Pro Tips

Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor
Fold whipped cream gently to keep the frosting light and fluffy
Chill frosting for 10 minutes if it feels too soft
Add extra Oreo crumbs between layers for more texture
Decorate with whole Oreos for a bakery-style finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Slowly stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth and thin.
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
Gently fold whipped cream and crushed Oreos into the cream cheese mixture.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly on top.
Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.
Garnish with additional crushed Oreos before serving.

These simple cooking instructions make this one of the best dessert preparation methods for layered cakes.

Variations

Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Extra Chocolate Cake: Add chocolate chips to the batter
Cookies and Cream Cupcakes: Bake batter in cupcake liners
Lighter Frosting: Reduce cream cheese for a whipped cream-only frosting
Mint Oreo Cake: Use mint Oreos for a refreshing twist

These customizable dessert variations make the recipe easy to adapt.

How to Store Cookies and Cream Oreo Cake

Store Cookies and Cream Oreo Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because of the cream-based frosting, refrigeration is recommended to maintain freshness and texture.

To freeze, wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This cake works beautifully as a make-ahead dessert for special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cookies and Cream Oreo Cake ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost the cake the next day.

Can I use store-bought frosting?
Homemade frosting is recommended, but store-bought frosting can be used in a pinch.

How do I keep the cake moist?
Using oil instead of butter and adding boiling water helps lock in moisture.

Can I use different cookies instead of Oreos?
Yes. Chocolate sandwich cookies work well as substitutes.

Can I make this cake healthier?
You can reduce sugar slightly or use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may change.

Emily