Dark Chocolate Oreo Layer Cake

Featured in Delicious Desserts.

This showstopper dessert combines moist dark chocolate cake layers with fluffy marshmallow buttercream and crushed Oreos. The dark cocoa powder gives it that true cookies and cream flavor.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:27:13 GMT
A slice of layered chocolate cake with white cream filling, topped with Oreo cookies, is presented on a decorative plate. Pin it
A slice of layered chocolate cake with white cream filling, topped with Oreo cookies, is presented on a decorative plate. | recipesim.com

The Ultimate Cookies 'n Cream Dream Cake

After countless requests from my family I finally created this incredible Oreo Cake that brings back childhood memories in every bite. The dark chocolate layers wrapped in fluffy marshmallow buttercream taste just like a giant Oreo cookie. Best of all I made this recipe egg and dairy free so everyone at your table can enjoy a slice of this heavenly dessert.

A Chocolate Lover's Paradise

Every time I serve this cake people can't believe it's egg and dairy free. The deep dark chocolate layers are incredibly rich and that cloud like marshmallow buttercream tastes exactly like the filling of an Oreo cookie. This cake has become my most requested birthday dessert for good reason.

Everything You Need for Cookie Magic

  • Cocoa Powder: I swear by Hershey's Special Dark for that true Oreo taste but regular cocoa works too just with a slightly different flavor.
  • Baking Soda and Vinegar: My secret weapons for creating a perfectly risen cake without eggs or dairy.
  • Coffee: This optional ingredient makes the chocolate flavor sing but water works perfectly fine too.
  • Oreos: You'll need plenty for the batter decoration and snacking while you bake.
  • Marshmallow Buttercream: This billowy frosting captures that classic Oreo filling taste we all love.
A slice of chocolate cake layered with white frosting and topped with crushed Oreos and whole Oreo cookies, presented on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake layered with white frosting and topped with crushed Oreos and whole Oreo cookies, presented on a white plate. | recipesim.com

Creating Your Cookie Cake

Start Your Layers
Get your oven warming and your pans ready. Mix your wet and dry ingredients separately then combine them adding baking soda and vinegar for the perfect rise. Add coffee if you want that extra depth of flavor.
Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into your prepared pans and bake until done. Let them cool completely no rushing this step.
Whip Up the Frosting
While you wait blend butter powdered sugar and marshmallow cream into clouds of deliciousness. Fold in crushed Oreos for that cookies and cream magic.
Build Your Creation
Layer your cooled cakes with generous swoops of frosting. Crown it all with a shower of crushed Oreos.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do you add coffee to the cake batter?

Coffee enhances chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. You can substitute hot water if preferred.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the layers ahead and freeze them. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it for best results.

→ Why do the cake layers dome when baking?

The 8-inch pans cause some doming due to their size. Level the cakes with a serrated knife before frosting.

→ What's the best cocoa powder to use?

Hershey's Special Dark gives the most Oreo-like flavor, but any Dutch process or black cocoa works well.

→ How should I store this cake?

Store loosely covered in the refrigerator. Let slices come to room temperature before serving.

Oreo Cake

A rich dark chocolate layer cake filled with sweet marshmallow buttercream and plenty of crushed Oreos - tastes just like cookies and cream.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Delicious Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 layer cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3 cups (372g) all-purpose flour.
02 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar.
03 1/2 cup (40g) dark cocoa powder.
04 2 teaspoons baking soda.
05 1 teaspoon salt.
06 1 1/2 cups (355ml) hot water.
07 1/2 cup (118ml) hot coffee.
08 3/4 cup (177ml) vegetable oil.
09 2 tablespoons (30ml) white vinegar.
10 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
11 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter.
12 1/2 cup (95g) vegetable shortening.
13 7 ounces marshmallow cream.
14 3 cups (339g) powdered sugar.
15 1/2-1 teaspoon salt.
16 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
17 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream.
18 10 Oreos, crushed.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Butter and flour two 8" or 9" cake pans.

Step 03

Mix dry cake ingredients.

Step 04

Combine wet ingredients.

Step 05

Mix wet into dry ingredients until smooth.

Step 06

Pour into pans, bake 34-38 minutes.

Step 07

Cool completely.

Step 08

Beat butter and shortening until smooth.

Step 09

Mix in marshmallow cream.

Step 10

Add powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and cream.

Step 11

Layer cake with frosting and crushed Oreos.

Step 12

Double frosting recipe to cover sides.

Notes

  1. Coffee enhances chocolate flavor.
  2. Can omit coffee and use hot water.
  3. Special Dark cocoa gives best Oreo taste.
  4. Add salt to cut frosting sweetness.
  5. Makes a 'naked' style layer cake.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8" or 9" round cake pans.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Large bowls.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
  • Serrated knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cream).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs (in Oreos).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 687
  • Total Fat: 33 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 97 g
  • Protein: 5 g