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Cookie Dough Cake | Soft, Sweet & Packed with Chocolate Chips

If you’ve ever been tempted to eat cookie dough straight from the mixing bowl, the Cookie Dough Cake is your dream come true. This decadent dessert combines the nostalgia of classic chocolate chip cookie dough with the elegance of a layered cake, delivering the best of both worlds in every bite. Imagine three layers of soft, buttery vanilla cake speckled with mini chocolate chips, filled and topped with a creamy, edible cookie dough frosting. Each slice has the gooey sweetness of cookie dough but in a beautiful cake form—perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you deserve something amazing. With its rich brown sugar base, hint of vanilla, and melty chocolate chips throughout, this cake is a showstopper dessert that’s sure to spark joy for kids and adults alike.
Prep Time 30 minutes
bake & Frosting & Assembly time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 14 slices
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Ingredients
  

Fresh Products:
  • 3 large eggs
Culinary Aids & Spices:
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour see note for divided use between cake and frosting
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 oz bittersweet chocolate for garnish or drizzle
  • 1⅓ cups light brown sugar packed
  • cups mini chocolate chips
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 5 cups powdered sugar for frosting
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar for cake batter
  • 6 teaspoons vanilla extract
Oils & Vinegars:
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Dairy Products:
  • ½ cup 2% Greek yogurt
  • cups unsalted butter divided: 1½ cups for cake, 2 cups for frosting
  • 4 oz heavy cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup whole milk
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large, medium, small)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Three 8-inch round cake pans (or two 9-inch pans)
  • Parchment paper (for lining pans)
  • Cooling racks
  • Offset spatula (for frosting)
  • Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
  • Sifter (for powdered sugar)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1½ cups butter, 2 cups granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 3 teaspoons vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and 1 cup whole milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
  6. Fold in 1½ cups mini chocolate chips.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
  1. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
  2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Step 3: Make the Edible Cookie Dough Frosting
  1. In a large bowl, beat 2 cups butter until creamy.
  2. Add 5 cups powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low.
  3. Beat in ½ cup milk, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and 3 teaspoons vanilla.
  4. Fold in 1 cup mini chocolate chips.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
  1. Place one cake layer on a cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cookie dough frosting.
  2. Add the second cake layer and repeat.
  3. Top with the third cake layer and frost the top and sides.
Step 5: Decorate
  1. Melt bittersweet chocolate and drizzle over the cake.
  2. Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips on top for a bakery-style finish.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezer:
Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Reheating:
Not recommended—best served at room temperature for the right cookie dough texture.
🥄 Variations
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cake: Add peanut butter chips to the frosting.
Triple Chocolate Version: Use cocoa powder in cake batter and dark chocolate chips in frosting.
Funfetti Cookie Dough Cake: Replace chocolate chips with rainbow sprinkles for a birthday vibe.
Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Cake: Drizzle salted caramel sauce between layers.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour substitute.
Cupcake Style: Make cookie dough cupcakes with frosting piped on top.
Chocolate Drip: Add a glossy chocolate ganache drip for drama.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Is the cookie dough frosting safe to eat?
Yes—no raw eggs and heat-treated flour make it safe.
2. How do I heat-treat flour?
Bake flour at 350°F for 5 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until 165°F.
3. Can I make the cake layers ahead?
Yes—wrap cooled layers in plastic and store up to 24 hours before frosting.
4. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?
Yes—mini chips blend more evenly, but regular chips work too.
5. Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce powdered sugar in frosting by ½–1 cup.
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free flour for both cake and frosting.
7. Can I skip the drizzle?
Yes—the cake is delicious without it, though it adds visual appeal.
8. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes—this recipe already uses Greek yogurt for extra moisture.
9. Can I freeze the frosted cake?
Yes—freeze uncovered until firm, then wrap tightly.
10. How do I slice clean pieces?
Chill cake slightly and use a hot, sharp knife for perfect slices.
🏁 Conclusion
The Cookie Dough Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the rich, buttery taste of cookie dough but wants the elegance of a layer cake. With soft vanilla-chocolate chip cake layers and a decadent edible cookie dough frosting, it’s a recipe that delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite.