There’s something inherently delightful about the combination of a classic vanilla cake and delicious cookie dough. If you’re looking to elevate your baking experience, this Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough recipe provides a perfect blend of soft, fluffy cake and rich, chewy cookie dough. It’s not just an ordinary dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will satisfy both your sweet tooth and your love for indulgent treats. Whether for a birthday, a holiday gathering, or just a weekend treat, this cake is bound to impress everyone.
Why We Love This Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough Recipe
This Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough has a charm that captures and delights at first bite. The light and airy vanilla cake acts as the perfect canvas for the indulgent cookie dough, creating a harmonious balance between fluffy and chewy textures. Each slice offers a delicious blend of flavors that evoke nostalgia and joy, making it the ideal dessert for any occasion. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can enjoy it in numerous settings—from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that keeps bringing people back for more.
Ingredients about Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
To whip up this scrumptious cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Additional cookie dough balls for topping
How to Make Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough Directions
Creating this Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough may seem daunting at first, but it’s quite straightforward! Just follow these steps for a delightful treat.
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease a 9×13 inch cake pan so the cake comes out easily after baking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This mix will provide the necessary structure for your cake.
- Cream the butter and sugar: Take a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer to beat them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process typically takes 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs to your butter-sugar mixture one at a time, making sure to beat them in well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, allowing the warm, aromatic scent to fill your kitchen!
- Mix in the flour and milk: Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to your batter. Start with about one-third of the flour, mix well, then add half of the milk. Repeat this process, ending with the flour mixture. This ensures a smooth and evenly mixed batter.
- Fold in cookie dough: Gently fold in the sugar cookie dough. Use a spatula to combine, ensuring you don’t overmix. You want to maintain those delightful chunks of cookie dough throughout the cake.
- Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into the greased cake pan, smoothing the top with your spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake the cake: Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You can check its doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
- Cool completely: Allow your cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, gently remove the cake from the pan and place it on a serving platter.
- Prepare the frosting: For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Make sure to mix it well to avoid any lumps.
- Frost the cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the fully cooled cake, ensuring every slice will be filled with flavor. Finish by topping your frosted cake with additional cookie dough balls for that extra indulgence.
- Serve and enjoy: Cut yourself a generous piece and enjoy the sweet rewards of your hard work! This cake is sure to be a hit, with its appealing layers and delicious flavors.
How to Serve Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
When it comes to serving your Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough, presentation is key. Slice the cake into generous portions, allowing your guests to experience both the fluffy vanilla layers and the irresistible cookie dough. Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added touch of indulgence, or drizzle some chocolate syrup on top for a chocolaty twist.
This cake is perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy dessert at home. Feel free to garnish with some fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a touch of color. Your cake is not only delicious but also a visual treat that everyone will love!
Expert Tips: Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This will help everything blend together smoothly.
- Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, especially after adding the flour, be careful not to overmix. Gentle folding will maintain the light texture of your cake.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor difference is notable. Opt for pure vanilla extract and quality butter for the best taste.
- Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. It should be golden brown and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
- Chill your frosting: If your cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes before spreading it on the cake.
How to Store Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
To keep your Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps seal in moisture and prevents the cake from drying out. If you prefer, you can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy access to a quick snack later.
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to consume it within three to four days. Always bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the cake at its finest!
Variation of Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
While the Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough is fantastic as is, there are many ways to add your twist or accommodate different tastes:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Use chocolate chip cookie dough instead of sugar cookie dough for a more traditional flavor combination.
- Add Sprinkles: Fold in some colorful sprinkles into the cake batter for a fun, festive touch, perfect for birthdays or celebrations.
- Nutty flavors: Considering adding crushed nuts or a nutty butter for a delightful crunch in the batter.
- Cake layers: Bake the cake in two 9-inch cake pans instead of one for a layered cake effect, adding frosting between layers for a more extravagant dessert.
- Alternative frostings: Substitute cream cheese frosting with a buttercream or whipped cream frosting for a lighter taste.
FAQ
What is Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough?
Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough is a delightful dessert that combines a light and fluffy vanilla cake with pieces of delicious cookie dough mixed throughout. It’s often topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and additional cookie dough balls for decoration.
Can I use different cookie dough flavors?
Absolutely! You can use chocolate chip cookie dough or even peanut butter cookie dough to change up the flavor profile. Be sure to adjust the ingredients to your liking for the best results.
How long does Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the cake can last about a week in the refrigerator. For peak freshness, try to eat it within three to four days.
Can I freeze Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. The cake can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
What can I serve with Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough?
This delicious cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, or fresh berries. Feel free to be creative with your toppings for that extra special touch!
Vanilla Cake with Cookie Dough
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened At room temperature
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs At room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup milk At room temperature
- 1 cup sugar cookie dough Store-bought or homemade
For the frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened At room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For frosting
- Additional cookie dough balls For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately mix in the flour mixture and the milk, starting and ending with the flour.
- Gently fold in the sugar cookie dough using a spatula.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the greased pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
Cooling and Frosting
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and top with additional cookie dough balls.
Serving
- Slice the cake into generous portions and serve. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream or chocolate syrup if desired.
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