If you're a fan of the classic cookies and cream combo, then you’re in for a real treat! This Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake Recipe is not only easy to make but is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet, creamy, and loaded with cookies. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or any celebration, this sheet cake will become your go-to dessert. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is simple to follow, and the results are always impressive. So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to discover how to whip up this indulgent dessert and wow your guests with the perfect Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake!

What is a Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake?
A Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake is a moist and fluffy cake typically baked in a large rectangular sheet pan. It’s loaded with crushed Oreo cookies both in the batter and the frosting, giving you that signature cookies-and-cream flavor in every bite. Sheet cakes are known for their ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd, making them ideal for large events or family dinners. The combination of a tender cake base and creamy, Oreo-studded frosting is simply irresistible.
Ingredients List for Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake
To create a delectable Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake, you'll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 20 Oreo cookies, crushed (about 2 cups)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 12 Oreo cookies, finely crushed (about 1 cup)
- Extra Oreos for decoration, halved or crushed (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about a Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake is that it’s versatile! You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few suggestions for substitutions and variations:
- Butter Substitutes: If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can swap out the butter for vegan butter or margarine. Coconut oil can also be used but may slightly alter the flavor.
- Milk Alternatives: You can use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free version. Make sure to choose unsweetened versions to maintain the correct sweetness level.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your Oreos or cookie substitute are gluten-free as well!
- Low Sugar: Reduce the sugar in both the cake and frosting by 25-30%. You could also experiment with sugar substitutes like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener, but keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly.
Flavor Variations:
- Mint Cookies & Cream: Add ½ teaspoon of mint extract to the cake batter and frosting for a refreshing twist on the classic.
- Peanut Butter Cookies & Cream: Incorporate ½ cup of creamy peanut butter into the frosting for a richer, nuttier version of the cake.
- Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the cake batter and use chocolate Oreo cookies to double up on the chocolate flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake may seem daunting, but it's simpler than you think! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping cake in no time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter, then line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should turn pale and increase in volume, a key step for creating a tender cake texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Step 6: Fold in the Crushed Oreos
Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies using a spatula. You want them evenly distributed throughout the batter, so every slice has a good cookie-to-cake ratio.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
How to Cook Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a successful bake, keep these tips in mind as you move through each stage of the recipe:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix together smoothly, resulting in a lighter, more even texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you start adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, avoid overmixing. Overworking the batter can make the cake dense or tough.
- Test for Doneness: Start checking the cake at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for another 3-5 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best recipes can go wrong without the right techniques. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making your Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake:
- Skipping the Room Temperature Step: Using cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or mix unevenly, resulting in a less-than-perfect cake texture.
- Overbaking: Overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Keep an eye on your cake and test for doneness early.
- Using Too Many Oreos in the Frosting: It’s tempting to add a ton of Oreos to the frosting, but too many can make the frosting gritty. Stick to the recommended amount for the best texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key, especially when serving a crowd. Make sure your Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake looks as good as it tastes!
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake
- Temperature: This cake is best served at room temperature. If you've stored it in the fridge, allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting soften.
- Serving Size: A 9x13-inch sheet cake can serve around 12-16 people, depending on how large you cut the slices.
- Accompaniments: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Presentation Ideas for Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake
- Oreo Topping: Decorate the top of the frosted cake with halved Oreos or a sprinkle of crushed Oreos.
- Whipped Cream Dollops: Add small dollops of whipped cream to each slice for an elegant touch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate ganache over the cake for added visual appeal and flavor.
Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake Recipe Tips
- Crushing the Oreos: For larger chunks in your cake batter, crush the Oreos with your hands. For a finer texture in the frosting, use a food processor.
- Make-Ahead: You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it, unfrosted, at room temperature. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it for maximum freshness.
- Storing: Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Allow slices to come to room temperature before eating for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake a day or two ahead and store it, unfrosted, in an airtight container. Frost it right before serving for the freshest result.
Q: How do I store leftover cake?
A: Store the leftover cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake (frosted or unfrosted). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you're serving a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan or two smaller ones.
Conclusion
This Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake recipe is a surefire way to impress at any event. With its rich, moist cake and creamy, Oreo-filled frosting, it’s bound to become a favorite among your friends and family. Whether you're making this for a birthday party, potluck, or just because, you won’t regret taking the time to bake this delicious treat. Don't forget to play around with the variations and serving ideas to make it your own! Happy baking!
PrintCookies & Cream Sheet Cake Recipe
This Cookies & Cream Sheet Cake recipe is a decadent dessert filled with crushed Oreos in both the cake and frosting. It's an easy-to-make sheet cake that's perfect for birthdays, parties, or just a treat for Oreo lovers. Follow the simple instructions for a creamy, chocolatey dessert that will wow your guests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Crushed Oreo cookies
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven and grease a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix dry ingredients.
- Add butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in crushed Oreos.
- Pour batter into prepared sheet pan and bake.
- For frosting, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream.
- Once cake cools, frost with cream cheese mixture and top with more crushed Oreos.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can add more crushed Oreos on top for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
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