Name: Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar; ¾ cup (90 g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature; ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee (or hot water); 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar; 3–4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 12 Oreo cookies, finely crushed; ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream; ½ cup (90 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; Whole Oreo cookies; Oreo crumbs; Extra Oreo buttercream for piping

Jump to Recipe

Get ready for some serious dessert joy with this Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe! This showstopper layers decadent chocolate cake, velvety Oreo-studded buttercream, and a luscious chocolate ganache drip, all crowned with cookies and a flurry of cookie crumbs. Every slice delivers a perfect blend of rich cocoa, creamy filling, and crunch—it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your sweet tooth. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, showing off at a gathering, or simply indulging at home, this cake is guaranteed to be a highlight.

Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe is how a few staple ingredients transform into something truly spectacular. Every component—chocolatey cake layers, dreamy buttercream, and that essential Oreo touch—brings rich flavor and texture together in a way that’s absolutely irresistible.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cake a sturdy base and tender crumb, perfect for stacking layers without collapsing.
Sugar: Sweetens the cake while balancing the chocolaty notes from the cocoa.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The real hero for a deep, impactful chocolate flavor.
Baking powder & baking soda: These two leaveners keep the cake soft, tall, and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances and balances the cake’s sweetness, so every bite bursts with flavor.
Buttermilk (room temperature): Adds a slight tang, moisture, and tenderness to the crumb.
Vegetable oil: Guarantees a rich, moist cake that stays soft for days.
Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and provide a lovely structure.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate and Oreo flavors beautifully.
Hot coffee (or hot water): Intensifies the cocoa flavor and creates a smooth, pourable batter.
Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the buttercream, light and creamy—essential for easy spreading.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream for that signature fluffy swirl.
Heavy cream (or milk): Helps you reach the perfect, spreadable consistency for the frosting and ganache.
Oreo cookies: Finely crushed for folding into the frosting, and whole for those iconic cake decorations.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted for the glossy, dramatic drip down the cake’s sides.

How to Make Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grease, and line three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure nothing sticks. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until you have a combined batter. Slowly pour in the hot coffee, stirring until smooth—it’ll look thin, but that means super-moist cake layers. Divide the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean, you’re good to go! Let the cakes cool completely before you even think about frosting.

Step 2: Whip Up the Oreo Buttercream

For the frosting, beat your softened butter until it’s ultra creamy and fluffy. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar, then add heavy cream and vanilla to reach that dreamy texture. Finally, gently fold in the crushed Oreos—these will dot your frosting with classic cookies & cream flavor. A little patience here means a buttercream that’s luscious and totally ready to steal the show.

Step 3: Stack and Fill the Layers

Once your cakes are cool, place the first layer on your cake board and slather on a generous scoop of Oreo buttercream. Repeat with the next two layers. Now, spread a thin “crumb coat” around the entire cake to lock in any crumbs, then pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes. This step ensures a smooth, flawless finish when you frost with the final thick layer of Oreo buttercream. For a true Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe vibe, press some extra Oreo crumbs around the bottom edge.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Drip

For that signature drip, heat the heavy cream until it’s steaming but not boiling. Pour it over your chocolate chips and let the heat do the melting for a couple of minutes. Stir until perfectly smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly (too hot and it’ll run everywhere!), then gently spoon or pipe it along the cake’s edge, letting gorgeous drips cascade down the sides. This touch takes your cake from great to jaw-dropping!

Step 5: Decorate Your Masterpiece

With your cake now fully frosted and dripped, it’s time for the fun part. Pipe tall, swirly peaks of Oreo buttercream on top, and nestle a whole Oreo into each swirl. Scatter extra Oreo crumbs for a bakery-style finish. Whether you keep it classic or go wild with decorations, this final flourish will make your Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe

Garnishes

The garnish is where personality meets flavor! Let your Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe shine with generous swirls of Oreo buttercream on top, each anchored with a whole Oreo cookie. For extra crunch and visual drama, sprinkle Oreo crumbs across the cake’s crown and base. Extras like a drizzle of melted white chocolate or chocolate shavings make it even more decadent.

Side Dishes

This cake stands tall solo, but a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream brings out the best in its fudge-like layers. You can also serve with fresh berries for a pop of tartness, or offer small glasses of cold milk and mugs of rich coffee to please every palate. Let each slice be the star, with simple sides that complement—not compete with—those iconic cookies & cream flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Wow your guests by serving the cake on a dramatic cake stand—elevate it to centerpiece status! For personal celebrations, slice the cake and display each portion with an extra mini Oreo on the plate. If you want to go the extra mile, try making mini drip cakes in individual ramekins or jars—perfect for party favors or gifting a personal mini Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake slices tightly with plastic wrap or store whole cake in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the cake moist and the buttercream fresh for up to five days. If you have any leftover buttercream, chill it separately and spread a little on cookies or brownies—it’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze your Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe for longer storage! For best results, freeze the layers (without frosting or drip) wrapped in plastic and foil for up to two months. Assembled and frosted cake can also be frozen—just let it set completely before wrapping well and freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to wow again.

Reheating

While you don’t need to “reheat” this cake, serving at room temperature really enhances the soft, creamy frosting and gooey chocolate drip. Simply remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving, and each bite will be just as luscious as when it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch?

Absolutely! While from-scratch layers add a homemade touch, a good boxed chocolate cake works in a pinch—just add a splash of vanilla or extra crushed Oreos for that homemade feel.

How do I ensure the chocolate drip looks perfect?

Let the ganache cool to a spreadable but not runny consistency before drizzling. Test a drip on the side of a bowl or plate first; if it falls slowly and sets nicely, it’s ready for your Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe!

Can I make the cake the night before serving?

Yes, you can assemble your cake up to a day ahead. Chill overnight, then let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! Stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk, let it sit for five minutes, and you’ll have an easy substitute that works beautifully in the recipe.

Are there gluten-free options for this cake?

For a gluten-free twist, substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and swap regular Oreos for a gluten-free version. The results are just as delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you love the combination of rich chocolate, creamy Oreo frosting, and a little baking wow factor, this Cookies & Cream Drip Cake Recipe deserves a spot at your next celebration. Give it a try, experiment with the decorations, and don’t forget to share the smiles (and slices) with your favorite people. Happy baking!