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The Sweet Occasion ยป Recipes ยป Cakes & Cupcakes

Cookie Dough Cake

Published: May 29, 2020 ยท Modified: Aug 28, 2020 by Maria Pagiotas ยท 40 Comments

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Cookie Dough Cake is a moist three-layer chocolate chip cake paired with homemade cookie dough buttercream and beautifully finished with a chocolate ganache drip.ย  It's the perfect cake for any occasion.

Round layered cookie dough cake with buttercream and chocolate ganache drip

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If I told you I've never tasted cookie dough while making cookies, then I'd be lying.ย  There's just something so good about the flavor of cookie dough.ย  This is why there are many recipes out there for edible cookie dough.ย  But have your ever tried cookie dough cake?ย  So good.ย  It literally tastes like cookie dough in cake form.

I debated whether to make this cake with chocolate layers or yellow cake.ย  After some back and forth, I felt that chocolate chip yellow cake was most fitting for this recipe.ย  If I'm going to call it cookie dough cake, then I am going to make it look and taste like chocolate chip cookie dough!

This cake begins with three moist layers of chocolate chip cake that are sandwiched together and covered with cookie dough buttercream.ย  For a beautiful presentation and extra chocolate flavor, this cake is finished with a chocolate ganache drip.ย  It's a fun cake to serve for any celebration.

Round layered cookie dough cake with buttercream and chocolate ganache drip

Before you begin

Take out the following baking equipment.

Digital kitchen scale
Three 8-inch round cake pans
Parchment paper
Medium bowl
Sifter
Stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment
Silicone spatula
3 small bowls
Small offset spatula
Serrated knife
Icing spatula
Medium bowl
Whisk
Pastry bag

Allow all of your ingredients to come to room temperature.
Read the recipe through from start to finish.

Round layered cookie dough cake with buttercream and chocolate ganache drip

Understanding Ingredients

All-purpose flour creates the perfect crumb in this cake.ย  It's a bit denser than if using cake flour, as all-purpose flour has a higher protein content.ย  Because it's a cookie dough cake, a slightly denser cake is more fitting for the texture than a light and airy texture.

Sour cream adds moisture to cakes, and because it is so thick, it can add the moisture without thinning out the cake batter.ย  Additionally, the fat in sour cream adds a creaminess to the cake, and the acidity adds a lovely flavor.

Chocolate chips tend to sink in cakes, and when you slice a cake in which this happens, it's not as pretty as having evenly distributed chocolate throughout.ย  To combat this challenge, I recommend using mini chocolate chips.ย  They're not as heavy and therefore not as likely to sink.ย  I always toss my chocolate chips in a bit of flour to help ensure that they do not sink.

Layers of cookie dough cake with buttercream and chocolate ganache drip

How to heat treat flour

Cookie dough buttercream is my new favorite frosting.ย  I love cookie dough and buttercream, and combining the two is heavenly.ย  When making this buttercream though, it's important to note that it has raw flour in it, and you should take the extra step of heat treating it.ย  The concern with consuming raw flour is that it could have potentially harmful bacteria.ย  Because it undergoes high heat during baking, this isn't a concern normally.

To heat treat your flour, preheat your oven to 350ยฐF/177ยฐC.ย  Spread an even layer of flour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet pan.ย  Bake for 5 minutes and then allow it to cool to room temperature, and that's it.

How to make a chocolate ganache

Chocolate ganache makes for a beautiful cake drip.ย  Not only is it pleasing to the eye, but it's the perfect complement to the cookie dough cake.ย  Itโ€™s made with just two ingredients: chocolate and heavy cream.ย  The key to working with ganache is achieving the ideal consistency, which all comes down to ratios.

For this particular recipe, a 1:1 ratio is used.ย  Specifically, the recipe calls for 113 g (4 oz) of semi-sweet chocolate and 113 g (4 oz) heavy cream.ย  This produces a pourable consistency (and refrigerates to a pudding-like consistency) which is also great for cake and cupcakes fillings and/or frostings.ย  For a thicker consistency, a 2:1 ratio of chocolate to cream is used.ย  This is ideal for making chocolate truffles.ย  And for a thin glaze-like consistency thatโ€™s great for dipping fruit, a 1 part chocolate to 1.5 part cream is used.

To make the ganache, place a heatproof bowl over simmering water and cook the chocolate and cream.ย  Whisk together until a smooth, shiny consistency is achieved.ย  Itโ€™s as simple as that.

Slice of cookie dough cake with buttercream and chocolate ganache drip

How to make a ganache drip cake

To add a ganache drip to your cake, always begin with the correct consistency of chocolate.ย  You want it to slowly drip down the cake and not run down in streaks.ย  To test the consistency, spoon a bit of chocolate on the inside of your bowl.ย  If it drips too quickly, continue to cool the ganache for a few minutes.ย  If it drips too slowly, then heat your ganache up a bit.ย  Continue to test the ganache until you achieve the ideal consistency.

To add a ganache drip to your cookie dough cake, I recommend filling a pastry bag with the chocolate and cutting a โ…› - ยผ-inch off the tip. If you don't have a pastry bag then you can spoon the ganache over the cake.ย  Begin from the center of the cake and work your way out.ย  Apply a thin, even layer to the top leaving about ยฝ-inch border around the edges.ย  Wait about 10 seconds to allow any extra spreading.ย  Continue with the edges allowing ganache to drip down the sides every so often.ย  I tend to leave about an inch between each drip, but do what you think looks best!

Slices of cookie dough cake with buttercream and chocolate ganache drip

Tips and takeaways

  • Be mindful of the temperature of your cake before adding the chocolate ganache drip.ย  If it's cold out of the refrigerator, the ganache will begin to cool quickly and your drips will not be as long as anticipated.ย  It's best to use a room temperature cake when adding the drip.
  • If serving the same day, leave your cake at room temperature.ย  Otherwise, refrigerate your cake until ready to serve.
  • You can make the cake layers and buttercream up to three days in advance.ย  Cover with plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature when ready to use and re-whip the buttercream before assembling the cake.

Love cake?ย  Try these other recipes...

  • Chocolate sheet cake
  • Funfetti snack cake
  • Simple carrot cake

Make sure to tag me @thesweetoccasion onย Instagram and leave me a review below if you make this Cookie Dough Cake. I'd love to see your creations and read your feedback.ย  And if you would like to make this recipe later, be sure to pin this recipe using the button on any of these images. Let's make every occasion a sweet occasion!

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Round layered cookie dough cake with buttercream and chocolate ganache drip

Cookie Dough Cake


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 three layer 8-inch cake 1x
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Description

Cookie Dough Cake is a moist three-layer chocolate chip cake paired with homemade cookie dough buttercream and beautifully finished with a chocolate ganache drip.ย  It's the perfect cake for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

For the cake

  • 420 g (3 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 5.4 g (1 ยฝ teaspoons) baking powder
  • 3.4 g (ยฝ teaspoon) baking soda
  • 2.8 g (ยฝ teaspoon) salt
  • 340 g (1 ยฝ cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 440 g (2 cups) granulated sugar
  • 150 g (3 large) eggs, at room temperature
  • 180 g (ยพ cup) sour cream, at room temperature
  • 7 g (2 teaspoons) pure vanilla extract
  • 180 g (ยพ cup) whole milk, at room temperature
  • 135 g (ยพ cup) mini chocolate chips

For the buttercream

  • 340 g (1 ยฝ cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 220 g (1 cup) light brown sugar
  • 450 g (1 pound) powdered sugar
  • 140 g (1 cup) heat-treated all-purpose flour*
  • 60 g (ยผ cup) whole milk
  • 7 g (2 teaspoons) pure vanilla extract
  • 1.4 g (ยผ teaspoon) salt

For the chocolate ganache

  • 113 g (4 oz) semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
  • 113 g (4 oz) heavy cream

Instructions

For the cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF/177ยฐC.ย  Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.ย  Line with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.ย  Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, 4-5 minutes.ย  Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.ย  Beat in eggs, one at a time, until combined.ย  Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the sour cream and vanilla until combined.ย  With the mixer on low speed and in three parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.ย  Beat until just combined.ย  Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
  4. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and spread with a small offset spatula.
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack before frosting.

For the buttercream

  1. In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the powdered sugar and flour and mix on low speed until incorporated.ย  Pour in the milk and mix until combined.ย  Add the vanilla and salt and increase mixer to high speed.ย  Beat for 3 minutes until light and airy.

To assemble

  1. Remove the cakes from the pans and peel off the parchment paper.ย  Using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off each cake to create a leveled surface.
  2. Place one layer of cake onto your cake turntable, cake stand, or serving dish.ย  Spread an even layer of buttercream.ย  Top with a second layer and repeat another layer of buttercream.ย  Add your final layer of cake.
  3. Using an icing spatula, spread the remaining buttercream on the top and sides of your cake.
  4. Refrigerate your cake while you prep your ganache.

For the chocolate ganache

  1. In a medium heatproof bowl, add your chocolate and heavy cream.ย  Place over a small saucepan filled with an inch of boiling water.
  2. Cook the chocolate and heavy cream until smooth stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove from heat and check for a pourable, but not runny consistency.ย  If too runny, allow it to cool until the correct consistency.
  4. Pour the chocolate ganache into a pastry bag and cut a โ…› - ยผ-inch off the tip.ย  If you don't have a pastry bag, then you can spoon the ganache over the cake.ย  Begin from the center of the cake and work your way out.ย  Apply a thin, even layer to the top leaving about ยฝ-inch border around the edges.ย  Wait about 10 seconds to allow any extra spreading.ย  Continue with the edges allowing ganache to drip down the sides every so often.

 

Notes

*To heat-treat your flour, preheat your oven to 350ยฐF/177ยฐC.ย  Spread the flour into an even layer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet pan.ย  Bake for 5 minutes and then allow it to cool to room temperature.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thesweetoccasion on Instagram so we can see your creation!

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  1. Barb says

    June 03, 2023 at 7:13 pm

    The cake was delicious and very easy to make. The buttercream was a hit for me.I will definitely make it again and again and again .

    Reply
    • Maria Pagiotas says

      June 04, 2023 at 6:18 pm

      Thank you! I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe!! Happy Baking!

      Reply
  2. Gita says

    June 26, 2021 at 11:37 pm

    I was wondering if you could use fondant on this cake instead of buttercream ? I won't be able to refrigerate the cake so I'm asking about fondant
    thanks and stunning cake ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Maria says

      June 29, 2021 at 7:28 pm

      Hello! Yes, you can use fondant instead of buttercream for this cake! You will need a thin layer of buttercream though to attach the fondant to the cake ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  3. Beth says

    August 10, 2020 at 2:44 pm

    I haven't made a cake with a drip like this before, but with your tips on making the ganache I feel more confident about giving it a try. And I never knew about heat-treating flour, so I learned something there too.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      August 12, 2020 at 8:35 am

      Drip cakes are fun to make and look more complicated than they really are. I think it adds such a lovely presentation. I'm glad you learned something new too!

      Reply
  4. Alena says

    August 10, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    I can't figure out what my favorite part of this cake is - but I definitely think the beauty of the ganache drip is up there for me! The rest of it is so delicious as well.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      August 12, 2020 at 8:34 am

      Thank you so much, Alena! I love a good drip cake. It adds a lovely flavor and a pretty presentation too!

      Reply
  5. sapana says

    August 10, 2020 at 10:03 am

    Omg that is a stunning looking cake, I am just scrolling up and down to stare the beautiful pics. Cookie dough cake is such a wonderful idea.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      August 12, 2020 at 8:34 am

      Thank you so much! It's a fun flavor for any occasion.

      Reply
  6. Ramona says

    August 10, 2020 at 9:15 am

    This cookie dough cake looks so elegant and divine! I dont normally make these types of cakes, but now im inspired to try something new. I love how you decorated it with mini cubes of cookie dough, so cute. I also love the pictures you took, they make me drool even more! Thank you for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      August 12, 2020 at 8:33 am

      Hi Ramona! Thank you so much for the compliment. Making layer cakes can be fun especially when it comes to decorating them. So happy that you like how it turned out!

      Reply
  7. Alexis says

    August 09, 2020 at 1:55 pm

    This cake tastes amazing, I just wish it looked as good as yours does. ๐Ÿ˜€ thank you for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      August 09, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      Thank you, Alexis! So happy you love the cake ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  8. Jen | Jen's Food Lab says

    August 09, 2020 at 5:44 am

    Wow that glaze is flawless! I love how you decorated this and it seems like it would definitely be a hit since everyone loves cookie dough.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      August 09, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      Thank you so much Jen!

      Reply
  9. Gail Montero says

    August 09, 2020 at 2:03 am

    This is one show-stopping dessert that should be on top of anyone's must make cake! So pretty and luscious!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      August 09, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      Thank you so much Gail!

      Reply
  10. Marta says

    August 08, 2020 at 2:28 pm

    That drip, THO!! I love everything about this cake. I get bored with cookies, so this is a great way to get those flavors.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      August 09, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      Thank you so much, Marta! It is a fun twist on chocolate chip cookies ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
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Hello! I'm Maria, a professionally trained pastry chef, blogger, and photographer. Here at The Sweet Occasion, you'll find easy and impressive baking recipes for everyday occasions that save you time. My goal is to inspire home bakers to bake from scratch.

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