Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake Recipe

If you're a fan of the classic cookies and cream flavor, you're going to love this indulgent Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake recipe! Whether you're planning a birthday party, potluck, or just looking for a sweet way to treat yourself, this cake is sure to be a hit. The rich combination of moist cake, crushed chocolate cookies, and creamy frosting will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Read on to discover how to make this delicious sheet cake from scratch. You won't want to miss any step in this delectable process!

this Recipe

What is Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake?

Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that combines the much-loved flavor of cookies and cream with the ease of a sheet cake. Typically, this recipe features a moist vanilla or chocolate cake base, studded with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos). It's often topped with a rich and creamy frosting that incorporates more cookie crumbles, making every bite a perfect blend of creamy sweetness and chocolatey crunch. The sheet cake format makes this recipe easy to prepare for a crowd, and it’s perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or even as an after-dinner treat.

Ingredients List for Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake

For the cake batter:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 10–12 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed

For the frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 10 more chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed

For garnish:

• Extra whole or crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about a Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake is how easily customizable it can be. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your cookies are also gluten-free to maintain the flavor while avoiding gluten.
• Vegan option: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, use a plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk), and substitute the eggs with a vegan egg replacer.
• Chocolate cake base: If you're craving more chocolate, switch the vanilla cake base for a chocolate one. Simply reduce the flour by ½ cup and add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Double-layer sheet cake: Want even more cake? You can bake two sheet cakes and stack them with frosting in the middle for a double-layer version of this dessert.
• Different cookie flavors: Try using different flavors of sandwich cookies, such as golden Oreos or mint-flavored cookies, to put a unique spin on the classic recipe.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before starting, make sure you have all your ingredients at room temperature. This helps ensure an even batter and a more consistent bake.

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to avoid overmixing the batter.
5. Fold in the crushed cookies: Once the batter is smooth, gently fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
6. Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

How to Cook Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking the perfect Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake is all about following the right steps, ensuring your cake is moist, tender, and packed with flavor. Below is a concise guide to help you along the way.

1. Prepare your pan: Grease your sheet pan generously or use parchment paper for easy lifting after the cake is baked.
2. Sift your dry ingredients: To achieve a light and fluffy cake, sifting your dry ingredients like flour and baking powder helps reduce lumps and ensures even distribution.
3. Cream the butter and sugar properly: Make sure you beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, as this step is crucial for incorporating air into the cake, making it tender.
4. Don’t overmix the batter: Once you’ve combined the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, fold them together gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
5. Bake to perfection: Bake the cake just until a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking can make the cake dry, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake, a few common mistakes can affect your final results. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Overmixing the batter: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can make your cake dense and chewy rather than light and fluffy.
2. Not letting the cake cool completely before frosting: Frosting a warm cake can cause your icing to melt and slide off. Ensure your cake is fully cooled before applying any frosting.
3. Using stale cookies: The cookies are the star of this cake, so make sure they’re fresh and crunchy. Stale cookies can affect the texture and taste of your cake.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make your Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake even more irresistible. Here are some tips for serving and displaying this dessert:

1. Cut into even squares or rectangles: Use a sharp knife to cut even portions, making sure each slice has a good amount of cookie pieces and frosting.
2. Top with whole cookies or crushed cookie crumbles: You can add a decorative touch by placing whole cookies or additional cookie crumbles on top of the frosting.
3. Drizzle with chocolate sauce: For an extra decadent look, drizzle some melted chocolate or chocolate ganache over the top of the cake.
4. Add whipped cream or ice cream: Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it even more indulgent.

How to Serve Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake

This sheet cake is perfect for casual gatherings or even more formal occasions. You can serve it straight from the sheet pan or transfer it to a serving platter for a more elegant presentation. Make sure to have a sharp knife on hand to cut clean slices. The cake can be served as-is or with extra garnishes like a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs well with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or even a scoop of ice cream.

Presentation Ideas for Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake

• Layered presentation: If you want to make a double-layer sheet cake, bake two cakes and stack them with frosting in between for an impressive presentation.
• Cookie crumbles: Sprinkle extra cookie crumbles over the top of the cake for a simple yet effective decoration.
• Whole cookies on top: Place a few whole cookies around the edges of the cake or in the center for a fun and eye-catching garnish.
• Piped frosting: If you’re feeling fancy, pipe extra frosting on top using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip to create decorative swirls or patterns.

Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake Recipe Tips

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the eggs and butter, are at room temperature before you begin. This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
• Use fresh cookies: Fresh, crisp chocolate sandwich cookies are essential for the best flavor and texture in your cake. Stale cookies can make the cake taste off.
• Crushing cookies: To crush the cookies, place them in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to break them up. Aim for a mix of large chunks and fine crumbs for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just keep it covered and frost it when you're ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake? Absolutely. You can freeze the cake (before frosting) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
3. Can I use a different type of cookie? Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors of sandwich cookies or even other types of cookies like chocolate chip or shortbread.
4. How do I store leftovers? Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake is the ultimate dessert for cookie lovers and cake enthusiasts alike. Its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and irresistible flavor make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or just want a sweet treat for the weekend, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its crunchy cookie bits, creamy frosting, and moist cake base, every bite is a little piece of dessert heaven. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy your very own Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake!

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