Introduction to Cookies & Cream Drip Cake
Welcome to the world of indulgence with my Cookies & Cream Drip Cake! If you’re anything like me, dessert is the highlight of any meal. This cake is not just a treat; it’s a celebration on a plate. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply satisfy a sweet craving after a long day, this cake is your go-to solution. With its rich layers and delightful chocolate drip, it’s sure to bring smiles and happy memories. So, let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Cookies & Cream Drip Cake
This Cookies & Cream Drip Cake is a dream come true for any dessert lover. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy days when you still want to impress. The rich chocolate flavor combined with creamy frosting and crunchy Oreos creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s visually stunning, so it’s sure to be the star of any celebration!
Ingredients for Cookies & Cream Drip Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful Cookies & Cream Drip Cake:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, providing structure and texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor, making every bite heavenly.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help your cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist, unlike butter which can dry it out.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making the cake incredibly soft.
- Vanilla extract: A must for that warm, comforting flavor.
- Hot coffee (or hot water): Enhances the chocolate flavor; coffee is a secret weapon!
- Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, providing a creamy and tangy base.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the frosting, making it smooth and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that perfect consistency.
- Crushed Oreo cookies: The delightful crunch and flavor that makes this cake special.
- White chocolate chips: Used for the drip, adding sweetness and a beautiful finish.
- Heavy cream: Helps create a silky smooth drip when combined with chocolate.
- Whole Oreo cookies: For topping, they add a fun and decorative touch.
- Crushed Oreo cookies: More for topping, because you can never have too many Oreos!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Cookies & Cream Drip Cake
Step 1: Make the Cake Layers
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab two 9-inch cake pans and grease them well. I like to line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is the foundation of your cake.
In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and creamy. Then, add the buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Now, it’s time to bring the dry ingredients into the mix! Gradually add them to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Finally, pour in the hot coffee, which will make your batter thin and silky. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 28–32 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when they’re done. Let them cool completely before frosting!
Step 2: Make the Frosting
Now, let’s whip up that delicious cookies & cream frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until they’re fluffy and light. This step is crucial for a smooth texture. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. The real magic happens when you fold in the crushed Oreo cookies. This adds that delightful crunch and flavor that makes this frosting irresistible!
Step 3: Make the Drip
For the white chocolate drip, start by heating the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for about two minutes. This allows the chocolate to melt perfectly. After that, stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before using it to ensure it drips beautifully down the sides of your cake.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
It’s time for the fun part—assembling your Cookies & Cream Drip Cake! Start by placing one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cookies & cream frosting on top. Then, gently place the second cake layer on top. Now, frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting, making it look as pretty as a picture.
Next, take your cooled white chocolate drip and pour it along the edges of the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. This is where the magic happens! Finally, decorate the top with whole Oreo cookies and a sprinkle of crushed Oreos for that extra touch. Your cake is now ready to dazzle and delight!
Tips for Success
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper; it makes cake removal a breeze.
- Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- For a thicker drip, let the white chocolate mixture cool longer.
- Feel free to customize with different toppings like sprinkles or chocolate shavings!
Equipment Needed
- Two 9-inch round cake pans (or use one 9×13 pan for a single layer).
- Mixing bowls (a large one for dry ingredients and a medium one for wet).
- Electric mixer (a whisk works too, but it’ll take longer).
- Spatula for frosting and spreading.
- Parchment paper for easy cake removal.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a vegan version.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate mint extract into the frosting for a refreshing mint cookies & cream twist.
- Fruit Fusion: Layer fresh raspberries or strawberries between the cake layers for a fruity surprise.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Cookies & Cream Drip Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve with a side of fresh berries to add a pop of color and freshness.
- For drinks, consider a rich coffee or a glass of cold milk to complement the flavors.
- Presentation tip: Use a cake stand to elevate your cake and make it the centerpiece of your dessert table.
FAQs about Cookies & Cream Drip Cake
Can I make this Cookies & Cream Drip Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. Frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just remember to let everything come to room temperature before assembling.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can make a quick substitute by mixing one cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect buttermilk replacement!
How do I store leftover Cookies & Cream Drip Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out!
Can I use different cookies for the frosting?
Of course! While Oreos are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cookies like chocolate sandwich cookies or even peanut butter cookies for a unique twist on your Cookies & Cream Drip Cake.
What’s the best way to achieve a smooth frosting finish?
To get that smooth, professional look, use a bench scraper or an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly. A turntable can also help you achieve a flawless finish as you rotate the cake while frosting!
Final Thoughts
Creating this Cookies & Cream Drip Cake is more than just baking; it’s about crafting sweet memories. Each layer tells a story, from the rich chocolate cake to the creamy frosting, all topped with delightful Oreos. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a simple family dinner, this cake brings joy to every occasion. I love watching faces light up with each slice, and I hope you experience that same happiness. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy the delicious journey of making this cake. Trust me, it’s worth every moment!
Print
Cookies & Cream Drip Cake: Indulge in Dessert Bliss!
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a rich and decadent Cookies & Cream Drip Cake, perfect for any celebration or dessert craving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temp)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Whole Oreo cookies (for topping)
- Crushed Oreo cookies (for topping)
Instructions
- Make the cake layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth. Add buttermilk and vanilla. Slowly add dry ingredients, then stir in hot coffee until batter is thin and smooth. Divide between pans and bake 28–32 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
- Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until smooth. Fold in crushed Oreo cookies.
- Make the drip: Heat cream until steaming, then pour over white chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly before dripping.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a plate, spread with cookies & cream frosting. Top with second cake layer and frost the top and sides. Pour white chocolate drip along edges, letting it cascade down. Decorate with whole Oreos and crushed Oreos on top.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use hot coffee instead of water.
- Let the drip cool slightly to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
