Description
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cake is the ultimate dessert combining moist, fluffy layers of vanilla cake with rich, gooey cookie dough filling and creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for celebrations or satisfying your sweet tooth, it features a luscious mix of classic cake, irresistible cookie dough, and indulgent chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cookie Dough Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons milk
Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
Additional
- Extra mini chocolate chips (for decorating)
- Chocolate drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry cake ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside this dry mixture for later.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting with a third of the dry mixture, mixing gently until just combined, then half the buttermilk. Repeat until all ingredients are combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula.
- Fill pans and bake: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare cookie dough filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Incorporate flour and chocolate chips: Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips and mix in milk to form a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
- Chill cookie dough (optional): Set aside the cookie dough filling or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up for easier handling during assembly.
- Make chocolate frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing thoroughly. Stir in vanilla extract. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired frosting consistency is reached.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cookie dough filling evenly over it. Repeat with the next cake layer and more cookie dough filling. Top with the final cake layer.
- Frost and decorate: Spread chocolate frosting over the entire cake. Decorate with extra mini chocolate chips and drizzle with chocolate if desired.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy this decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cake with friends and family.
Notes
- Ensure all butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Avoid overmixing the cake batter to keep layers tender and light.
- Refrigerate cookie dough filling if it becomes too soft to work with.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped nuts or other mix-ins if preferred.
- This cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
