Description
Indulge in this delightful Milk and Cookies Cake, a visually stunning and delicious dessert featuring soft vanilla chocolate chip cake layers layered with creamy vanilla frosting and crunchy chocolate chip cookies. Perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a nostalgic treat with a modern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layers
- 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (155g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (108g) brown sugar, loosely packed
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups (325g) all-purpose flour
- 2 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1 1/4 cups (211g) mini chocolate chips
Vanilla Frosting
- 1 1/4 cups (280g) unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups (237g) shortening
- 9 cups (1035g) powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 6–7 tbsp (90-105ml) water or milk
Assembly & Decoration
- 1 package chocolate chip cookies (about 15–20 cookies)
- Chocolate chip cookies for topping
- Mini chocolate chips for decorating
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides to ensure easy removal.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This creates a smooth, airy base for the cake.
- Add Sour Cream, Vanilla, and Eggs: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition to incorporate thoroughly and maintain a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a cup, combine the milk and water. Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter, followed by half of the milk mixture. Repeat by adding the remaining dry ingredients and then the rest of the milk mixture. Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 21-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 2-3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Vanilla Frosting: Beat the unsalted butter and shortening together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
- Add Vanilla and Liquids: Stir in the vanilla extract and 5-6 tablespoons of water or milk to create a smooth consistency in the frosting.
- Finish Frosting: Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, adjusting the consistency with additional water or milk as needed to reach a spreadable texture.
- Level the Cake Layers: If the cake layers have domed on top, level them with a serrated knife to create flat surfaces for stacking.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over it, then arrange a layer of chocolate chip cookies on top. Repeat this process with the remaining layers.
- Frost the Cake: Spread frosting all over the top and sides of the assembled cake. Decorate the cake with additional chocolate chip cookies and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Serve: Slice the Milk and Cookies Cake and serve to enjoy this nostalgic, yet sophisticated dessert.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help achieve a smoother batter and more even baking.
- Line cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Be careful not to overmix once flour is added to keep the cake tender.
- Adjust the frosting consistency with water or milk to make spreading easier.
- This cake is best served within 2 days; store covered in the refrigerator.
- Bring cake to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
