Prepare to be wowed by the ultimate dessert masterpiece: the Cookies and Cream Sheet Cake. This divine creation marries the soft, buttery essence of a classic cake with the irresistible crunch and chocolatey delight of Oreo cookies. Crowned with a sumptuous whipped cream cheese frosting and adorned with more crushed Oreos, this cake is a dream come true for any cookies and cream aficionado.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 6 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 12 regular Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped
For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8-ounce) block of full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 regular Oreo cookies, chopped small
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Directions to Sweet Success:
- Prepare the Cake: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch cake pan. Mix the dry ingredients with 1 cup of sugar, then incorporate the sour cream, butter, oil, and vanilla until the mixture is light and airy. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar, gradually adding the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this into the batter along with the chopped Oreo pieces.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Whip Up the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture along with the small chopped Oreos.
- Assemble with Love: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, creating a smooth layer. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle additional Oreo pieces over the top.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Cake:
- Reverse Creaming Method: This technique ensures a fine, tender crumb by coating the flour particles in fat before adding liquids, resulting in a wonderfully soft cake.
- Oreo Pieces: For the best texture and distribution, coarsely chop the Oreos for the batter. This prevents them from sinking and ensures every bite is filled with cookies and cream goodness.
- Frosting Consistency: If necessary, adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve a frosting that’s easy to spread but holds its shape well.
Serving and Enjoyment:
This Cookies and Cream Sheet Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Perfect for any celebration or simply as a way to treat yourself, its harmonious blend of textures and flavors is sure to delight everyone who takes a bite. Remember, while this cake is a treat, enjoying it in moderation is key to savoring its decadent goodness. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake your way to cookies and cream bliss!