Name: Cookies & Cream Oreo Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar (375g); ½ cup vegetable oil (112g); ¼ cup salted butter, melted; 4 egg whites, room temperature; ¾ cup sour cream, room temperature (170g); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (312g); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; ¾ cup whole milk, room temperature (177ml); 16 Oreos, broken up or roughly chopped (about 1 ½ cups); 32 Oreos, divided; ¼ cup heavy cream (59ml); 2 cups salted butter, room temperature (454g); 8 cups powdered sugar (960g); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 65 reviews

If you are a fan of Oreos and crave a dessert that is both indulgently creamy and delightfully textured, you absolutely must try this Cookies & Cream Oreo Cake Recipe. This cake features moist, fluffy white cake layers generously studded with chunks of the iconic Oreo cookies, all enveloped in a luscious Oreo buttercream frosting that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s a knockout dessert for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you need a crowd-pleaser that tastes as good as it looks. Once you bake this cake, it’s going to be one of your go-to recipes for a charmingly sweet treat everyone adores.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the top right, there is a white bowl filled with a stack of dark chocolate sandwich cookies. Below and to the left, a clear glass bowl contains white flour, next to a smaller glass bowl filled with granulated white sugar. Above the flour, a small glass holds a pale yellow liquid, and a metal measuring cup holds thick white cream. To the left of these, a small glass bowl contains a golden brown syrup, and another small glass bowl is filled with white salt. Three brown eggs are placed together toward the left side. Below the eggs is a small white plate with a piece of yellow butter, next to a wooden bowl of white powder and a black bowl with another white powder, likely leavening agents. Everything is displayed clearly on the white marbled surface in natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference, and this Cookies & Cream Oreo Cake Recipe calls for simple household staples you probably already have, enhanced by the magic of Oreos. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s the tang of sour cream keeping the cake moist or the smooth richness of salted butter in the frosting that balances those cookie chunks perfectly.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps give the cake a tender crumb.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cake soft.
Salted butter: Brings richness and depth to both cake and frosting.
Egg whites: Provide structure while keeping the texture light and fluffy.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and aroma with a classic vanilla warmth.
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation for your cake’s tender crumb.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise beautifully and evenly.
Salt: Amplifies flavors and balances sweetness.
Whole milk: Adds richness and smoothness to the batter.
Oreos: The star ingredient, bringing crunch, chocolate flavor, and that unmistakable cream filling.
Heavy cream: Soaks into Oreos for frosting, adding silky texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and ensures smooth consistency.

How to Make Cookies & Cream Oreo Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and non-stick spray. Mixing your sugar, oil, and melted butter together until creamy sets the stage for a delightfully moist cake. Carefully incorporate egg whites one at a time to maintain airiness, then add sour cream and vanilla for that rich, tangy flavor that keeps each bite balanced and full-bodied.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Batter

Next, gently fold in half of your flour mixture, which includes flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Adding these all at once can deflate your batter, so mixing on low speed just until mostly combined helps keep it light. Pour in the milk to add smoothness, then finish with the remaining flour for those perfect dense yet fluffy layers.

Step 3: Stir in the Oreo Chunks

This is when the magic happens! Fold in roughly chopped Oreos, which add irresistible texture and bursts of chocolate flavor throughout every slice. Carefully divide this batter evenly into your prepared cake pans so the layers bake evenly.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pop your pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. After baking, allow the cakes to cool a bit in the pans before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience here pays off for a flawless assembly later.

Step 5: Make the Oreo Buttercream Frosting

While your cakes cool, start on the frosting by soaking some broken Oreos in heavy cream—this infuses the frosting with even more creamy cookie flavor. Pulse the remaining Oreos into fine crumbs to mix smoothly into your buttercream. Whip salted butter until fluffy, gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt. Mix in the Oreo crumbs and cream mixture, making a frosting that’s decadently rich but not overly sweet.

Step 6: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Lay your first cake layer on a stand or plate, slather a thick layer of frosting, then top with half of the soaked Oreos. Repeat with the next layer, finishing off with the final cake layer. Chill the cake briefly to make frosting the sides easier. Smooth the remaining buttercream over the top and sides, press Oreo crumbs gently against the sides, and decorate the top with reserved whole Oreos. Chill again to set the frosting before serving.

How to Serve Cookies & Cream Oreo Cake Recipe

A round cake with two visible layers is shown on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark brown and crumbly, while the top layer is light gray with tiny dark specks throughout, smooth and creamy in texture. Around the top edge of the cake, there are evenly spaced swirls of light gray cream with dark specks, and each swirl holds a half of a dark chocolate cookie standing upright. The very top center of the cake is covered with a thin layer of finely crushed dark crumbs in a circle. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect presentation, decorate the top of your Cookies & Cream Oreo Cake Recipe with whole Oreos placed evenly around the edges or centered in a single stack. Crumbled Oreos sprinkled lightly across the frosting add a snowy, textured look that also gives an extra burst of cookie goodness with every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the rich, creamy sweetness. If you want to keep the Oreo theme going, serve alongside a glass of cold milk or a simple Oreo milkshake for a dessert experience that screams nostalgia.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your cake into fun shapes or miniature cupcakes for an interactive party treat. You can also layer it in clear glass trifle bowls to showcase the cookies and cream layers visually. For an elegant touch, drizzle some chocolate ganache over the finished cake or add edible gold dust for a sparkling celebration centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Cookies & Cream Oreo Cake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 4 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight cake container or wrap it gently in plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap each layer separately in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for about 2 months. For a fully assembled cake, freeze it uncovered on a tray until firm, then wrap loosely to avoid crushing the frosting.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just let frozen layers thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling, or allow the whole cake to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes to achieve the perfect softness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites in this Cookies & Cream Oreo Cake Recipe?

Using whole eggs instead of just egg whites will make the cake richer and denser. This recipe specifically uses egg whites to keep the cake light and fluffy, but you can experiment if you prefer a moister texture.

How many Oreos should I set aside for decorating?

Set aside 6 whole Oreos for decorating the top of the cake, plus around a half cup of finely crushed crumbs to press on the sides or sprinkle on top.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute all dairy ingredients such as butter, sour cream, and milk with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, coconut yogurt, and almond milk. Make sure to check Oreos for dairy content in your region, as some may contain milk.

What is the best way to chop the Oreos for the batter?

Breaking Oreos into roughly one-inch chunks works best so they remain distinct in the cake and don’t sink to the bottom or get lost in the batter.

Can I bake this cake in different sized pans?

Yes, but adjusting baking times will be necessary. Larger pans will require more time, and smaller pans will bake faster. Always test with a toothpick to ensure the cake is done.

Final Thoughts

This Cookies & Cream Oreo Cake Recipe is a celebration of everything that makes Oreos so beloved—crunchy cookie pieces, creamy sweetness, and that special homemade touch that makes dessert unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this cake never fails to impress or comfort. Give it a try and prepare to have a new favorite dessert tradition!