If you're a fan of both cake and cookie dough, you're in for a treat! This Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake combines the best of both worlds—rich, moist cake layers and velvety, edible cookie dough. It's the ultimate dessert for any celebration or a weekend indulgence. Stay tuned as we walk you through this mouth-watering recipe step-by-step, and don't miss out on the tips and variations to make this cake your own!
What is a Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake?
A Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake is a dreamy dessert that marries the indulgent flavors of chocolate chip cookie dough with the fluffy texture of a cake. Layers of soft vanilla cake or chocolate cake (your choice) are sandwiched together with smooth, edible cookie dough and finished off with a rich buttercream or chocolate frosting. The result? A dessert so delicious, you'll find yourself going back for seconds—if not thirds!
Ingredients List for the Cake Layers
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your cake batter, providing structure.
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder – The leavening agent that helps your cake rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create a soft texture.
- 4 large eggs (room temperature) – Adds moisture and structure, helping the cake rise.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Gives the cake a sweet and fragrant vanilla flavor.
- 1 cup whole milk – Adds moisture, making the cake tender and fluffy.
Optional for Cake Layers:
- ¾ cup cocoa powder – If you prefer a chocolate cake base, swap in cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
Ingredients List for Edible Cookie Dough
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated) – Heat-treat the flour to make it safe for eating raw.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Gives the cookie dough that classic creamy texture.
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed) – Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds additional sweetness and texture.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – For that classic cookie dough flavor.
- 2 tablespoons whole milk – Ensures a smooth and scoopable dough.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips – Because what's cookie dough without chocolate chips?
Optional for Cookie Dough:
- 1 teaspoon salt – To balance the sweetness and add depth to the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract – For an added layer of flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions:
- Gluten-free flour – Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the cake and cookie dough gluten-free.
- Vegan butter and plant-based milk – For a dairy-free version, swap butter for vegan margarine and use almond or oat milk.
- Coconut sugar – You can replace granulated and brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier, lower-glycemic option.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough – Add ½ cup peanut butter to the cookie dough for a peanut butter twist.
- Nutty Delight – Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for added crunch.
- Chocolate Overload – Swap out vanilla cake for chocolate cake and top with chocolate ganache for a decadent double-chocolate version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Cake Layers:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk – Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Bake – Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool – Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Edible Cookie Dough:
- Heat-treat the flour – Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to kill any harmful bacteria. Let it cool completely.
- Mix butter and sugars – In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add vanilla and milk – Stir in the vanilla extract and milk, and mix until smooth.
- Combine with flour – Slowly add the cooled, heat-treated flour to the butter mixture and stir until well combined.
- Add chocolate chips – Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Chill the dough in the refrigerator until firm.
How to Cook Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Level the cakes – Once the cakes are cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes for an even stack.
- Layer with cookie dough – Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cookie dough on top.
- Add the second cake layer – Gently place the second cake layer on top of the cookie dough.
- Frost the cake – Frost the outside of the cake with your frosting of choice (buttercream or chocolate ganache work well).
- Chill – Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Skipping the heat treatment – Don’t forget to heat-treat the flour for the edible cookie dough! Raw flour can contain harmful bacteria.
- Not chilling the cookie dough – Make sure the cookie dough is cold before assembling the cake; otherwise, it may ooze out when layered.
- Uneven cake layers – Take the time to level your cakes for a professional look and even layers.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake:
- Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
- Drizzle the cake with a chocolate or caramel sauce to amp up the sweetness.
- Warm the cake slices slightly before serving to enjoy the gooey cookie dough texture.
Presentation Ideas for Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake:
- Top the cake with extra cookie dough balls for a fun and eye-catching garnish.
- Drizzle melted chocolate around the edges of the cake for a dramatic drip effect.
- Decorate with mini chocolate chips pressed into the sides of the frosting for extra texture and visual appeal.
Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake Recipe Tips
- Chill the dough – Let the cookie dough chill in the fridge before adding it between the cake layers to ensure it stays firm and doesn’t squish out.
- Use high-quality vanilla – Pure vanilla extract gives a rich, full-bodied flavor. Avoid artificial vanilla for the best taste.
- Adjust sweetness – Taste your cookie dough before adding it to the cake. You can tweak the sugar levels or add a pinch of salt for a more balanced flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought cookie dough for the filling?
Yes, but make sure it’s labeled as edible cookie dough since traditional cookie dough contains raw eggs and untreated flour.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge. The assembled cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, but let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes! You can freeze the individual cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. However, it's best to freeze the cake without the cookie dough filling and assemble the layers fresh for the best texture.
Is the cookie dough safe to eat?
Absolutely! The cookie dough in this recipe is made with heat-treated flour and no raw eggs, making it completely safe to eat.
Conclusion
This Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake is a showstopper that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With layers of moist cake and rich, edible cookie dough, it’s the perfect treat for birthdays, celebrations, or just a weekend indulgence. Whether you’re a cookie dough lover or a cake fanatic, this recipe offers the best of both worlds. Follow the step-by-step instructions, explore the variations, and enjoy a slice of pure dessert bliss!
PrintDecadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake Recipe
Decadent Cookie Dough Delight Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert with layers of moist cake and creamy edible cookie dough. Perfect for cookie dough lovers, this cake combines the best of both worlds: soft cake layers and the irresistible taste of chocolate chip cookie dough. This dessert is a must-try for any special occasion or celebration.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 ½ cups edible cookie dough (no eggs)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease cake pans.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, cream together sugar and butter until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until batter is smooth.
- Pour batter into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare edible cookie dough: Cream brown sugar and butter, add milk, and fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Layer cooled cake with cookie dough between each layer.
- Whip heavy cream into stiff peaks and frost the cake.
- Decorate with extra chocolate chips or cookie dough.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie dough is eggless to make it safe to eat.
- You can add extra toppings like chocolate drizzle or cookie crumbs for added flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 220mg
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