Easy Oreo Cake Recipe You Can Make at Home – Super Moist & Delicious

Discover our irresistible homemade Oreo cake recipe that combines rich chocolate layers with creamy Oreo frosting for the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for celebrations or weekend baking projects!

Introduction: The Magic of Oreo Cake

There’s something almost magical about the combination of Oreo and cake. Perhaps it’s the nostalgic comfort of America’s favorite cookie transformed into something even more special. Or maybe it’s simply the perfect marriage of chocolate, vanilla cream, and fluffy cake texture that creates an experience greater than the sum of its parts.

When I first started experimenting with Oreo cake recipes, I was trying to create something spectacular for my nephew’s birthday. He’s an Oreo fanatic – the kind who separates the cookies to lick the cream first (don’t we all?). What began as a one-time treat has become my most requested dessert for family gatherings, and now, I’m sharing my perfected recipe with you.

What Makes This Oreo Cake Special

This isn’t just any Oreo cake. After countless tests and tweaks, I’ve developed a recipe that creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cake layers are moist and deeply chocolatey without being overly sweet, allowing the Oreo cream cheese frosting to shine. Crushed Oreo are incorporated into both the batter and frosting, creating pockets of cookie goodness throughout each bite.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something decadent, this Oreo cake delivers an unforgettable dessert experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chocolate Oreo Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
• 15 Oreo cookies, crushed (save some for decoration)

For the Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 12 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
• 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (if needed for consistency)

For Decoration:

• 8-10 whole Oreo cookies
• 2 tablespoons crushed Oreo cookies
• Optional: chocolate ganache for drip effect

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cake Layers

1. Preheat and prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Add coffee: Slowly pour in the hot coffee (the heat helps intensify the chocolate flavor), mixing on low speed until incorporated. The batter will be quite thin – that’s normal and the secret to a moist cake!
6. Fold in Oreo: Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies, saving some for decoration later.
7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool completely: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Incorporate vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add Oreo: Fold in the finely crushed Oreo cookies. If the frosting seems too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Assembling Your Oreo Cake

1. Level the cakes: If needed, use a serrated knife to level the tops of your cake layers.
2. Create the base layer: Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
3. Add the top layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
4. Frost the cake: Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting all over the cake, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. After chilling, apply the remaining frosting to the top and sides of the cake.
5. Decorate: Press whole Oreo cookies around the sides of the cake at even intervals. Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreo on top, or create a pattern as desired.
6. Optional embellishment: For extra decadence, drizzle chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to create artistic drips down the sides.
7. Chill before serving: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.

Pro Tips for Oreo Cake Success

• Room temperature ingredients matter: This ensures your cake batter mixes properly and bakes evenly.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are incorporated to keep your cake tender.
• Proper Oreo crushing technique: For the cake batter, chunks are welcome, but for the frosting, crush the cookies more finely for smoother spreading.
• Make ahead option: This cake actually tastes better the day after baking, as the flavors have time to meld. Store in the refrigerator but bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing instructions: Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. The completed cake can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.

Perfect Occasions for Oreo Cake

This show-stopping Oreo cake is versatile enough for any celebration. It’s perfect for birthdays, especially for cookie lovers, but also makes a wonderful dessert for dinner parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. I’ve even made miniature versions as cupcakes for school bake sales, where they’re always the first to sell out!

What I love most about this recipe is how it brings people together. There’s something about the familiar Oreo flavor transformed into something special that creates instant joy – and isn’t that what dessert is all about?

Variations to Try

• Mint Oreo Cake: Substitute mint Oreos and add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the frosting.
• Golden Oreo Version: Use golden Oreos and vanilla cake layers instead of chocolate.
• Oreo Cheesecake Cake: Add a layer of no-bake cheesecake between the cake layers for extra decadence.
• Oreo Ice Cream Cake: Substitute softened ice cream for the frosting between layers and freeze until firm.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Keep your Oreo cake refrigerated due to the cream cheese frosting. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Serve with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beyond the incredible taste, this Oreo cake recipe is surprisingly approachable even for novice bakers. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easily found in any grocery store. Plus, the visual impact of the finished cake makes it seem like it came from a professional bakery, even if this is your first attempt at a layer cake!

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with baking – the ability to transform simple ingredients into something that creates memories around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Oreo cake without coffee?

Yes! The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste, but you can substitute hot water if preferred.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Store them wrapped in plastic at room temperature. The assembled cake is best made 1 day before serving.

Can I use a box cake mix as a shortcut?

Absolutely! Use a chocolate box mix and add 1 cup of crushed Oreo to the batter for a quick version.

How do I prevent my cream cheese frosting from being too runny?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened but still cool. If your frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before continuing.

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Yes! This recipe yields approximately 24 cupcakes. Bake at the same temperature for 18-20 minutes.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can substitute plant-based butter, non-dairy milk with a tablespoon of vinegar (for buttermilk), and dairy-free cream cheese. Just check that your Oreo are dairy-free (traditional ones are!)

How do I get clean slices when cutting the cake?

Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between each slice for picture-perfect servings.

Can I add other mix-ins to the cake batter?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, or even a swirl of caramel would be delicious additions.

Now it’s your turn to create this spectacular Oreo cake! When you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out and see your creative decorating ideas. Happy baking!