Craving something unique and ultra-decadent? This Cookie Dough Delight Cake is the perfect dessert for those who love the irresistible combination of cookie dough and cake. With layers of moist vanilla cake, sandwiched between rich, edible cookie dough filling, and topped with a luscious cookie dough frosting, this cake is the ultimate indulgence. It's a show-stopping dessert that's sure to impress at birthdays, parties, or just to satisfy a sweet craving. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and tricks to make this dessert a hit!

What is a Cookie Dough Delight Cake?

A Cookie Dough Delight Cake is a celebration of two beloved treats: cookies and cake. It features layers of fluffy vanilla or chocolate cake (your choice), paired with edible cookie dough in between and covered in a velvety cookie dough-flavored buttercream frosting. Unlike traditional cookie dough, the filling is made without raw eggs and raw flour, so it's safe to eat in its raw form. Every bite brings the perfect balance of soft cake and sweet, gooey cookie dough chunks.

Ingredients List for Cookie Dough Delight Cake

To make this delicious treat, you’ll need the following ingredients. Be sure to use high-quality vanilla extract and butter to enhance the flavors!

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

For the Edible Cookie Dough Filling:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups heat-treated all-purpose flour (see instructions below)
1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Cookie Dough Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup heat-treated flour
½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional for texture)

Optional Decoration:

Mini chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate drizzle
Sprinkles or edible cookie dough bites

Substitutions and Variations

Flour Alternatives: You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just make sure you heat-treat the gluten-free flour for the edible cookie dough.
Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives such as almond milk or oat milk for both the cake and the frosting.
Chocolate Cake Option: If you prefer a chocolate cake base, substitute ¾ cup of cocoa powder for ¾ cup of flour in the cake recipe.
Add-ins for Cookie Dough: Get creative with your cookie dough filling by adding nuts, peanut butter chips, or even crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this show-stopping Cookie Dough Delight Cake.

Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour

Before making the edible cookie dough, you must heat-treat the flour to kill any harmful bacteria. Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before using.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cakes from sticking and make it easier to remove them after baking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. This step is crucial to incorporate air into the batter, which makes for a light and fluffy cake.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Edible Cookie Dough Filling

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cookie dough filling. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and milk, then mix in the cooled, heat-treated flour. Stir in the mini chocolate chips. Set aside.

Step 9: Prepare the Cookie Dough Frosting

In another large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heat-treated flour, followed by the vanilla extract and milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy. For extra texture, fold in the mini chocolate chips.

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

Level the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, level them with a serrated knife if they have domed tops. This will make stacking the layers easier and ensure an even, professional-looking cake.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a cake board or serving plate. Spread a thick layer of the edible cookie dough filling over the top. Add the second cake layer on top, pressing down gently to secure.
Frost the Cake: Apply a thin crumb coat of the cookie dough frosting over the entire cake. Chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to set the crumb coat. Then, apply a thicker layer of frosting to cover the cake completely.
Decorate: Once the frosting is smooth, you can get creative with the decoration. Use mini chocolate chip cookies to decorate the top or around the base, drizzle melted chocolate over the top, or sprinkle cookie dough bites for extra flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping Heat-Treating the Flour: Don’t forget to heat-treat the flour for the edible cookie dough. Raw flour can contain bacteria, so this step is essential to making the dough safe to eat.
Overbaking the Cake: Keep a close eye on the cake layers to avoid overbaking, as this will result in a dry cake. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
Melting the Frosting: If your kitchen is warm, the cookie dough frosting may get too soft to work with. If this happens, chill the frosting for a few minutes before applying it to the cake.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A cake as indulgent as this deserves to be served and presented in a way that wows your guests. Here are a few tips for serving and presenting your Cookie Dough Delight Cake.

How to Serve Cookie Dough Delight Cake:

Serve each slice with a cold glass of milk, as the richness of the cookie dough pairs perfectly with a creamy, cold drink.
You can also add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.

Presentation Ideas for Cookie Dough Delight Cake:

Cookie Crumble Topping: Crumble mini cookies over the top for a playful and textural contrast.
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Drizzle chocolate ganache over the cake for a sleek, elegant look. You can drizzle it just over the top or let it drip down the sides for a more dramatic effect.
Edible Cookie Dough Balls: Roll some of the cookie dough filling into small balls and use them as decoration around the top or sides of the cake.

Cookie Dough Delight Cake Recipe Tips

Chilling Between Layers: Chilling the cake between adding the cookie dough layers and frosting helps the structure hold and makes the cake easier to frost.
Clean Cake Slices: For clean, professional-looking cake slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This prevents the frosting and filling from sticking to the knife.
Storing: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the cake.

2. Is the edible cookie dough safe to eat?

Yes, as long as you heat-treat the flour and avoid using raw eggs, the cookie dough is safe to eat. Heat-treating the flour eliminates any potential bacteria.

3. Can I freeze the cake?

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw them in the fridge before assembling and frosting.

4. Can I use regular cookie dough instead of edible cookie dough?

No, traditional cookie dough contains raw eggs and untreated flour, which are not safe to eat raw. Stick with the edible cookie dough recipe provided for safety.

Conclusion

This Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake is the perfect fusion of cake and cookie dough, making it a one-of-a-kind dessert that everyone will love. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress. With its rich layers of cake and gooey cookie dough, it’s a dessert that delivers on flavor and fun. Now, it’s your turn to bake this cookie dough dream—your sweet tooth will thank you!