Oreo Cake Recipe: The Best Homemade Guide to This Cookies and Cream Dessert

Oreo cake! In a cozy little kitchen, bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun, lived a baker named Clara. Clara wasn’t just any baker; she was a magician of flour and sugar, a sculptor of edible dreams. One blustery Tuesday afternoon, as the wind whispered tales of distant lands outside her window, a craving struck Clara – a craving for the perfect blend of chocolatey crunch and creamy sweetness. “An Oreo cake!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with inspiration. “But not just any Oreo cake, the ultimate Oreo cake recipe!”

This detailed guide will show you how to transform your favorite cookie into a showstopping dessert, just as Clara did. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a dessert aficionado, you’ll learn to bake a moist, flavorful Oreo cake that everyone will love.

Homemade Oreo Cake

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• Author: Clara
• Total Time: 1h30min
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate Oreo experience with this rich, moist chocolate cake layered with a creamy Oreo frosting and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and plenty of crushed and whole Oreo cookies. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or any time you need a show-stopping dessert!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar/lemon juice, let sit 5 mins)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Oreo Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4–5 cups (480-600g) powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 20–25 Oreo cookies, finely crushed (about 2 cups of crumbs)

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 4 oz (113g) good quality dark chocolate, chopped

For Decoration:

• 10–15 additional Oreo cookies (whole and roughly chopped)
• Extra crushed Oreos

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
• Fold in crushed Oreos and chopped Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
• Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
• In a bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add cocoa powder and powdered sugar, mixing well. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
• Spread frosting between the cool

Notes

• For an extra intense chocolate flavor, use a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
• Make sure your butter is truly softened for the frosting, but not melted.
• To crush Oreos finely, you can use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
• This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16 servings
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 65g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Oreo cake, chocolate cake, Oreo buttercream, homemade cake, dessert, party cake, easy cake recipe, layered cake, cookie cake, ganache cake

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Oreo Cake

Core Components: What You’ll Always Need

At the heart of every Oreo cake recipe is a short list of must-have ingredients. Whether you’re baking from scratch or simplifying with cake mix, these staples ensure rich flavor and ideal texture:

In more indulgent recipes, sour cream or yogurt is added for extra moisture, while coffee can be used to deepen the chocolate flavor subtly.

For frosting, these are essential:

• Cream cheese or butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Extra Oreo crumbles for topping

Optional Add-Ins for Creative Oreo Cake Variations

Now let’s talk upgrades. Want to go beyond the basic Oreo cake recipe? Here are popular add-ons that take things up a notch:

• Chocolate ganache glaze: Drizzle on top for a bakery-quality finish.
• Chopped nuts or chocolate chips: Add crunch and contrast.
• Strawberries or raspberries: Introduce fruity notes to balance the richness.
• Espresso powder: Boosts the depth of chocolate flavor in the batter.
• Marshmallow cream filling: Ideal for layered Oreo cakes.
• Colored buttercream or edible glitter: Fun for themed celebrations.

These upgrades don’t just enhance flavor—they also boost visual appeal. And if you’re baking for a party, color-themed decorations or Oreo minis can personalize your creation effortlessly.

How to Make Oreo Cake from Scratch

Step-by-Step Guide to a Basic Oreo Cake Recipe

Creating an Oreo cake from scratch isn’t as complex as it sounds. With the right approach, you’ll have a bakery-worthy dessert cooling on your counter in under an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies (plus more for topping)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ cup hot water
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add to the dry mixture.
4. Add hot water slowly: This helps thin the batter and enhance cocoa flavor. Stir in the crushed Oreos.
5. Bake: Pour batter into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Insert a toothpick to check for doneness.
6. Cool and frost: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting with your choice of Oreo cream cheese or buttercream frosting.

Want a no-bake option instead? Discover great ideas like this Homemade Oreo Ice Cream Cake.

Baking Tips to Achieve the Perfect Texture and Moistness

Even the best recipe can fall flat without a few pro tips. Here’s how to ensure your Oreo cake comes out rich, moist, and packed with flavor:

• Use room-temperature eggs and dairy: Helps your batter blend evenly.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until the ingredients come together to keep the cake fluffy.
• Add hot water last: This unlocks the cocoa’s depth and makes your cake ultra-moist.
• Line pans with parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures perfect layers.
• Cool completely before frosting: Warm cake will melt your frosting and ruin the texture.

For a layered cake, double the recipe and bake in four pans. Stack with whipped cream and crushed Oreos between layers for a dramatic, delicious result.

Oreo Cake Recipe Variations You’ll Love

No-Bake Oreo Cake Recipe for Quick Prep

Short on time but craving that Oreo-rich decadence? No-bake Oreo cakes are the answer. These desserts are fridge-set, easy to assemble, and perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Basic No-Bake Oreo Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 36 Oreo cookies (crushed)
• 2 cups whipped cream or Cool Whip
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Crush Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor. Set ¼ cup aside for topping.
2. Mix the filling: Beat cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.
3. Assemble layers: In a springform pan, alternate crushed Oreo layers with cream filling.
4. Chill for 4+ hours: Refrigerate until firm. Top with reserved Oreo crumbs before serving.

This no-bake Oreo cake is creamy, crunchy, and ready in under 30 minutes of prep. It’s a hit at potlucks, summer BBQs, and last-minute celebrations. Plus, no oven means no stress.

Oreo Ice Cream Cake and Other Chilled Variants

If you’re more into cold desserts, Oreo ice cream cakes offer a cool, layered twist. These typically include an ice cream layer, Oreo crust, and a whipped topping—ideal for birthdays and summer events.

Oreo Ice Cream Cake Layers:

1. Base crust: Crushed Oreos and melted butter.
2. Middle layer: Softened vanilla or cookies-and-cream ice cream.
3. Topping: Whipped cream, fudge drizzle, and more crushed Oreos.

Freeze each layer before adding the next for best results.

Why It Works:

• Great for warm climates
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
• Looks stunning with minimal effort

3-Ingredient Oreo Cake Recipe Explained

Minimalist Delight: How to Make a 3-Ingredient Oreo Cake

Yes, you read that right. Oreo cake with just three ingredients is real—and ridiculously easy. It’s the go-to dessert when you’re low on time, short on pantry staples, or just craving something sweet with minimal effort.

3-Ingredient Oreo Cake Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 24 Oreo cookies
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¾ cup milk (or 1 cup for more moistness)

Instructions:

1. Crush the Oreos into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
2. Mix in baking powder and milk to create a thick batter.
3. Microwave (or oven-bake) in a greased mug or ramekin for 1–2 minutes (microwave) or 12–15 mins at 350°F (oven).

That’s it—no eggs, no flour, no hassle. The texture is moist and fudgy, with just enough rise to feel like cake. You can even top it with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or chocolate syrup.

Pros and Cons of Using Fewer Ingredients

Pros:

• Lightning-fast prep and cook time
• No mixers, bowls, or fancy gear required
• Kid-friendly and beginner-proof
• Perfect for single servings

Cons:

• Less fluffy than traditional cake
• Limited flavor complexity
• Doesn’t store as well as full-sized cakes

Still, for something that uses three pantry staples and takes five minutes, it’s a winner. It also makes a fun kitchen project for kids or a quirky party dessert station.

Crushed Oreo in Cake Batter: Good Idea?

Texture & Flavor Impact of Crushed Oreos in the Mix

Crushed Oreos aren’t just a garnish—they’re an integral part of what gives Oreo cakes their signature texture and flavor. When mixed directly into the batter, they create pockets of crunchy chocolate and creamy filling that melt slightly during baking.

Here’s what happens when you add crushed Oreos into your cake batter:

• Flavor depth: You get bursts of sweet, cocoa-rich flavor.
• Moisture variation: The cream filling blends in, giving occasional moist bites.
• Visual appeal: The speckled look mimics cookies and cream ice cream.

Best practice tip:
Crush Oreos coarsely if you want crunch, or finely for a smoother batter.

Don’t want them sinking to the bottom? Toss the crushed pieces in a tablespoon of flour before folding them in.

How to Balance Moisture with Cookie Crumbs

Adding cookies to batter can dry it out if not handled carefully. Here’s how to avoid a crumbly or dense cake:

• Increase your wet ingredients slightly (milk, oil, or eggs).
• Use sour cream or yogurt to restore moisture without thinning the batter.
• Limit mix-in volume to about ½ cup per 2 cups of batter.

The goal is harmony—just enough cookie texture without sacrificing softness. When done right, your Oreo cake will have that classic rich flavor with surprising pops of crunch.

Pro tip: For cupcakes, press a full Oreo into the bottom of the liner before pouring in the batter—it creates a stunning layered effect with zero effort.

Oreo Cake Mix: What’s Inside?

Ingredients Found in Store-Bought Oreo Cake Mix

Oreo cake mixes are a quick fix for anyone craving that cookies-and-cream flavor without the hassle of measuring out everything. But what’s actually inside those boxes?

Typical ingredients in commercial Oreo cake mix include:

While these mixes are undeniably convenient, they often contain preservatives and artificial flavors that homemade cakes don’t.

Still, if you’re short on time, boxed Oreo cake mix is a reliable base. You can always dress it up with extra ingredients—like real crushed Oreos, espresso, or flavored frostings.

How to Make a Homemade Version of Oreo Cake Mix

Want that same ease without the additives? Here’s how to make your own Oreo cake mix from scratch—and store it for later use:

DIY Oreo Cake Mix Recipe:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup finely crushed Oreo cookies

Mix all ingredients well and store in an airtight jar or container. When ready to use, just add:

• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Optional: ¼ cup sour cream for moistness

You get the control of homemade flavor with the speed of a mix. Win-win.

Frosting and Toppings for Oreo Cakes

Best Frosting Options That Pair with Oreo Flavor

No Oreo cake recipe is complete without a rich, luscious frosting. It’s the creamy finish that brings it all together—and adds that eye-catching wow factor.

Top Frosting Choices for Oreo Cake:

Bonus Tip: Add ½ cup finely crushed Oreos into any frosting base to turn it into Oreo-flavored frosting.

For layered cakes, use thicker frosting between tiers and lighter ones on the outside. This keeps the structure solid and the texture balanced.

Decorating Ideas with Oreo Crumbles, Ganache, and More

Now for the fun part—topping your masterpiece. Decorating Oreo cakes doesn’t require pastry chef skills. You just need a bit of creativity (and more Oreos).

Top Topping Ideas:

• Whole Oreos on top: Place vertically for dramatic flair.
• Oreo halves: Press them into the side of the cake for a border.
• Chocolate ganache drizzle: Pour gently over the top and let it run down the sides.
• Crushed Oreos: Sprinkle generously on top or over the frosting.
• Mini marshmallows or whipped cream swirls: Add lightness and contrast.
• Sprinkles, chocolate chips, or fudge drizzle: Ideal for birthdays or holidays.

Pro trick: Chill the cake before decorating. It helps the frosting firm up and makes your toppings stick better.

Serving, Storing, and Pairing Your Oreo Cake

How to Serve and Cut Oreo Cake Like a Pro

You’ve baked (or chilled) the perfect Oreo cake—now it’s time to serve it without ruining its look or texture. Presentation matters, especially if you’re showcasing the cake at a party or special event.

Tips for Slicing and Serving Perfectly:

• Chill before slicing: Even baked Oreo cakes benefit from 30–60 minutes in the fridge for cleaner cuts.
• Use a hot knife: Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry before each slice.
• Serve with a cake lifter or spatula: This ensures each piece comes out intact.
• Cut smaller portions: Oreo cakes are rich and dense, so thinner slices keep guests satisfied without waste.

Serving Suggestions:

• Add a scoop of vanilla or cookies-and-cream ice cream on the side.
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch.
• Garnish each plate with an extra Oreo or chocolate curl.

This presentation style works for layer cakes, no-bake versions, and mini cake cups alike.

Storing Tips for Freshness and Leftover Ideas

Proper storage ensures your Oreo cake stays as delicious on Day 3 as it was fresh from the oven or fridge.

Storage Guidelines:

To defrost, move from freezer to fridge overnight. Avoid microwaving frosted cake—it will melt unevenly and ruin the texture.

Creative Leftover Uses:

• Crumble into milkshakes
• Mix into parfaits or trifles
• Create Oreo cake pops
• Layer in mason jars with whipped cream

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Let’s stay connected! Follow me on Facebook, for more delicious, sweet and savory recipes. Have a question? Ask in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help! 🤗 with love Clara!

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