How to make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Layer Cake
Ingredients
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Cookie Dough Layer:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips
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Cake Layers:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
-
Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra chocolate chips for decoration
Directions
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Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will create a smooth base for the cookie dough. Add in 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and ½ cup of chocolate chips until combined. Once mixed, set this cookie dough aside in the refrigerator to chill while you make the cake layers.
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Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar until creamy. Add in 2 eggs, one at a time, and mix thoroughly after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup of milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to add those sweet surprises to your cake.
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Bake the Cake: 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. This ensures that your cake is perfectly baked. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add in 3 cups of powdered sugar, mixing well until fully combined. Then, add in 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
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Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Take the chilled cookie dough and crumble it over the frosting, making sure to reserve some for decoration later. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Finally, decorate the top of the cake with the reserved cookie dough pieces and extra chocolate chips for that delicious touch.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Layer Cake
This cake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The moist, fluffy chocolate chip cake layers are perfectly complemented by the rich cookie dough and creamy frosting. Each bite provides a satisfying crunch from the chocolate chips and cookie dough, balanced by the soft cake.
Not only does it taste great, but it also looks stunning when decorated. This cake is perfect for birthdays, special celebrations, or simply to enjoy with family and friends. Make it for an occasion or just a weekend treat!
Nutriment Benefits
While this cake is certainly a treat, it also contains some beneficial ingredients:
- Butter: Although high in fat, butter provides essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.
- Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and contain essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
- Flour: The all-purpose flour provides carbohydrates, which are key for energy. When choosing unbleached flour, you gain more nutrients than in heavily processed varieties.
- Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate has antioxidants and may provide some health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Keep in mind that moderation is key, as this cake is high in sugar and calories.
What to Serve With Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Layer Cake
This cake is delightful on its own, but you may want to pair it with some accompaniments for a complete experience. Consider serving with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool and creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm or room-temperature cake.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy touch to each slice.
- Coffee or Milk: Serve with a mug of coffee to balance the sweetness, or a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
How to Store Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Layer Cake
To keep your cake fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a hot climate or if your cake has been out for a day, keep it in the fridge. It will last about a week, but ensure it is covered to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so measuring correctly is crucial for the best texture and rise. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining flour with wet ingredients, mix until just combined to ensure a soft cake.
- Watch Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended time. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake.
Variations
While the classic version is perfect, you can try these tweaks:
- Nut Add-ins: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Different Chocolate: Mix semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate or milk chocolate for a unique flavor profile.
- Flavored Frosting: Swap out the vanilla for almond extract or espresso powder for a different taste in your frosting.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers and store them in the fridge for a couple of days. Just frost before serving.
2. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but ensure the flour blend you choose is suitable for baking to achieve the right texture.
3. How long does it take to make this cake?
From start to finish, including baking and cooling, expect to spend about 2-2.5 hours making this cake.
Enjoy making this delightful Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Layer Cake! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Layer Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious layered cake combining rich chocolate chip cake layers with creamy frosting and cookie dough in between.
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough Layer:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- Cake Layers:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra chocolate chips for decoration
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually stir in 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ cup of chocolate chips until combined. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
- Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar until creamy. Add in 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup of milk. Starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined and gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, mixing well, then add 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top, crumble the chilled cookie dough over the frosting, then place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with frosting. Decorate with reserved cookie dough pieces and extra chocolate chips.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Best enjoyed within a few days. Can be frozen for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
