Easy chocolate Oreo cake recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. This layer cake is filled with cookies and cream buttercream frosting and topped off with chocolate ganache drip. It's soft, moist, decadent and perfect for birthdays.
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My son loves Oreos. He can't get enough of my Oreo Cupcakes and these Mini Oreo Bites (No Bake). For his birthday a few years ago, he even requested this super cool and massive Cookies and Cream Cake. Well, today's recipe takes that obsession to a new level.
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Key ingredients
- Oil- This brings in that nice moisture to the cake.
- Buttermilk- You can use store bought or homemade.
- Water- Adds hydration for the overall structure of the cake.
- Eggs- Be sure they are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Flour- You just need all-purpose for this recipe.
- Cocoa powder- The higher quality you use, the better the overall flavor.
- Sugar- Granulated works great in the cake batter. Powdered sugar will be used in making the frosting.
- Baking soda and baking powder- Used as rising agents for the cake.
- Oreo cookies- I prefer to use name-brand for the best taste and look.
- Vanilla extract- Brings in warmth and a complimentary flavor.
- Chocolate ganache- This really takes the cake up a notch with its chocolatey goodness.
- Oreo frosting- This is an easy frosting, perfectly matched for the cake theme.
Variations
- For chocolate vanilla flavor combo- Replace Oreo frosting with my classic American Buttercream Frosting or Cooked Flour Buttercream (Ermine frosting).
- For cake mix version- Make the cake according to the box instructions or check out this post on How to Make Box Cake Mix Better (Taste Homemade). Then, follow my instructions for assembling.
- For pudding version- I suggest making a poke cake. Prepare the chocolate cake in a rectangle cake pan instead of round pans. The, poke holes throughout the cake with a bubble tea straw. Prepare chocolate pudding and pour it over the cake. Allow the cake to set in the fridge and top it off with Chocolate Whipped Cream.
- For no bake version- I would suggest making this Refrigerator Cake (Chocolate Oreo Icebox Cake) which has layers of whipped cream or ice cream and cookies.
- Drizzle options- Heat up some Nutella, Biscoff cookie butter, peanut butter or almond butter and drizzle it on top of the whole cake or just between the layers. You can also use this Nutella Syrup (2 Ingredients) or Homemade Caramel Sauce.
- I made a 2 layer cake- But you can double the recipe and make a taller 4 layer cake.
- Old fashioned appearance- Instead of the Naked Cake design that I have done here where the sides of the cake are exposed, you can cover the entire cake in icing to give it an old fashioned, classic look.
- If you want some more cake decor inspiration- Check out this post on Easy Cake Decorating Ideas (Beginners). Use today's recipe for birthdays too. Here is my collection of Homemade Birthday Cake Ideas.
- Add an ice cream layer- You can even buy Oreo ice cream to put between the cakes. Vanilla, chocolate, or another favorite will work as well.
- Instead of round pans- Use different shapes of pans for another design. Heart and square are quite popular.
- Cover the sides of the cake with Kit Kat bars- Like I did in this Kit Kat Cake (With Strawberries). It's the best and kids love it.
- Add some raspberry- You can place fresh raspberries on the top right along with some Oreos or use Raspberry Pie Filling in the middle.
- Make a marbled cake- To mix both the black and white to further the Oreo theme similar to my Best Marble Cake (With Chocolate Swirl).
- Try other base cake flavors- Like my Best Red Velvet Cake (Layer Cake) or my Best Vanilla Cake Recipe (From Scratch). You can even do a Funfetti Cake to celebrate an upcoming birthday.
- Try zests- From oranges, lemons, or limes for texture and added flavor.
- Add various extracts- Including vanilla, maple, or almond.
- Use spices in the batter- Like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or pepper for various flavors and combinations.
- Toss on some sprinkles- For festive color and a bit of texture.
How to make easy chocolate Oreo cake recipe from scratch?
- Prepare cake batter- Fill pans and bake until done.
- Allow cakes to cool- Then fill and frost with cookies and cream icing.
- Top with ganache- And decorate with Oreos.
Tips and techniques
- Don't replace oil with butter in the cake- Since that will lead to a dense cake.
- Don't replace buttermilk with regular milk or vegan milk- Because that would change the overall cake texture. The acid in it causes the cake to rise and be more fluffy in texture.
- Instead of making your own Oreo cookie crumbs- Just buy them because that will be easier and quicker.
- Use high quality ingredients- This includes cocoa powder for the cake and chocolate for the ganache.
- To prevent the cookie decorations on top from becoming soggy- Add them just prior to serving.
- The number of servings you get from this recipe- Will vary depending on how thick or thin you cut your slices.
- Prepare pans- To prevent cakes from sticking to the pan by lining with with parchment paper or using grease and flour.
- Use room temperature ingredients- Because this helps ensure proper mixing.
- Use unsalted butter in frosting- So that your dessert does not become overly salty.
- Don't over-mix batter- Because this makes the cake tough and chewy. Having a few small lumps will be okay.
- Allow cakes to fully cool before decorating- Because otherwise the frosting will become melty and messy.
Recipe FAQs
Why is my frosting thin? How do I fix it?
Thicken your frosting by adding powdered sugar in a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
How do I fix frosting that is too thick?
You can mix in some milk or heavy cream a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Why is my cake dry?
It is likely that over-baking is the culprit. Be sure to check the temperature and time. Remember that a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out dry means the cake is done. Also, make sure you measure all ingredients precisely.
What made my cake chewy and tough?
This happens if you over-mix the ingredients. It's okay to have a few little lumps here and there.
Storage
- Refrigerate- Place in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze- Place unfrosted cakes and frosting in separate sealed containers for up to 1 month. Thaw and decorate per my instructions and enjoy.
- Room temperature- This should not be left out for more than a few hours.
- Make ahead- This can easily be made up to 1-2 days before serving if kept properly in the fridge.
More Oreo desserts
- Easy Oreo Truffles (Oreo Balls)
- No Bake Oreo Pie
- Easy Fudgy Oreo Brownies
- Oreo Fudge (Cookies and Cream Fudge)
- Oreo Pie Crust (No Bake)
Recipe
Easy Chocolate Oreo Cake (Layer Cake)
Easy chocolate Oreo cake recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. This layer cake is filled with Oreo buttercream frosting and topped off with chocolate ganache drip. It's soft, moist and decadent and perfect for birthdays.
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Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 Eggs Large, Room temperature
- 1 cup Oil
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup Water Warm
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- ¾ cup Cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp Baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 cup Chocolate ganache
- 15 Oreos Roughly chopped, For decoration
- ½ cup Mini chocolate chips For decoration
Oreo Buttercream Frosting
- ¾ cup Butter Unsalted, Room temperature
- ¾ cup Shortening
- 4-5 cups Powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups Oreo crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoon Milk or Heavy cream
Instructions
Cake
- In a mixing bowl, add eggs, oil, vanilla extract, buttermilk, water and mix everything until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and baking soda.
- Dump this dry mixture into the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Do not over-mix!
- Pour batter into 2 greased and floured round cake pans (Dimensions: 8x2).
- Bake at 325 degrees F for about 40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool down completely.
Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and shortening.
- Add vanilla extract and mix again.
- Add powdered sugar slowly and continue mixing.
- Add Oreo crumbs slowly and continue mixing.
- Add milk or heavy cream (1 tablespoon at a time) until frosting is smooth and creamy.
Ganache
- In a microwave- safe bowl, melt chocolate in 30 second increments.
- Add heavy cream and mix until smooth.
Assembling
- Once the cakes have fully cooled down, cut the domes and make them flat.
- Place one cake on a cake stand and top it off with Oreo frosting.
- Place the other cake on top of the frosting and gently press it down .
- Cover the entire cake with frosting, if you like (Optional).
- Pour ganache on top of the cake and use a spatula to spread it out until it starts dripping along the sides.
- Toss mini chocolate chips along the base of the cake.
- Prior to serving, pipe some frosting on top of the ganache and decorate the cake with chopped Oreos and enjoy!
Notes
- You can mix in 6-7 roughly chopped Oreos in the cake batter too, if you like. I didn't do it because I find it harder to cut slices that way.
- Don't assemble a warm cake because the heat will cause the icing to melt.
- Please line your pans with parchment paper or grease and flour them to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
- Do not over mix cake batter because that makes the texture very gummy. Mix until just combined. A few lumps are normal.
- Read additional tips and variations above.
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 1261kcalCarbohydrates: 168gProtein: 9gFat: 65gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 29gTrans Fat: 3gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 509mgPotassium: 360mgFiber: 5gSugar: 126gVitamin A: 541IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 8mg
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
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Karly
At first I couldn't believe this would actually be easy just because of how darn pretty it is- but you weren't lying! This one's definitely getting pinned for later!
Leelabean
Yum! Oreo-flavored cake with a chocolate oreo buttercream....! Sounds irresistable!
Henna
oh my... this looks divine!
Daniela
What a great idea, this cake must taste amazing!
Love the contrast of the dark oreo cake with the beautiful strawberry red.
Lindsay Fernandez
Why, oh, why would you put up such sinful recipes? Chocolate oreo cake! And as if that isn't enough, you go and put up graphic pictures. I mean, what are you? Are you the resident sadist or something, out to lure poor, misguided chocoholics or what? And it's not only this, it's about all those other cakes, cookies, the lot...what can a simple soul do but dig in? Absolutely chocolicious and delicious is all I can say...keep up the good work...
Marta
It looks s pretty! Such a cute decoration.