Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly blends the nostalgia of a chocolate chip cookie with the elegance of a cake, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe. This show-stopping treat takes the best aspects of a classic cookie—gooey edges, soft chewy center—and elevates them with luscious cream cheese frosting and a silky chocolate ganache that shines as the crowning glory. Whether it’s a birthday, a special occasion, or just a delightful indulgence, this recipe will quickly become your new go-to for sharing smiles and sweet memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor and perfect texture of this cookie cake. From the melty butter that brings tenderness to the toasted color of brown sugar enhancing the depth, every element is essential.
- 3-½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base needed for the cookie layers to hold up like a cake.
- 1-½ teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cookie cake rise just enough for a soft, cakey crumb.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the overall flavor.
- 1-⅓ cups (21 tablespoons) melted butter: Adds richness and a slightly crisp edge.
- 1-¼ cups packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and that irresistible caramel note.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and enhances texture.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and add softness.
- 2 egg yolks: Extra richness for a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances all other flavors.
- 2-½ cups semisweet chocolate chips: The chocolate pockets everyone loves in every bite.
- 10 ounces cream cheese, softened: Gives the frosting its tangy creaminess.
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened: Creates a smooth, rich texture in the frosting.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle floral note to the frosting.
- A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
- 2-½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- 2 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped: The base of the glorious ganache that enriches the cake.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Blends with the chocolate for a luxuriously smooth ganache.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C), and grease or line three 8-inch round cake pans. This sets the stage for even baking and easy layering later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This step ensures your leavener and seasoning are evenly distributed so every bite tastes just right.
Step 3: Combine Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, mix your melted butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until fully combined. This blend forms the moist, flavorful foundation for the batter.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat the eggs, extra egg yolks, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until you get a creamy, smooth consistency. This is where the batter begins to thicken and develop its richness.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Mix and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients by hand—don’t overmix! Then stir in the chocolate chips, distributing luscious melted pockets throughout.
Step 6: Bake the Cookie Layers
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 18-20 minutes until they’re golden and just set. Let the layers cool completely on wire racks while you prepare the frosting and ganache.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar until you get a thick, velvety frosting perfect for layering.
Step 8: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a moment, then stir until silky smooth. Allow it to cool and thicken slightly so it’s perfect for drizzling.
Step 9: Assemble Your Cookie Cake
Stack your cooled cookie layers, spreading a generous layer of cream cheese frosting in between each one. Finish by drizzling the chocolate ganache over the top and sides, creating a beautiful glossy finish that will make everyone’s mouth water.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or mini chocolate chunks on top for added texture and visual appeal. You could also dust a little cocoa powder or cinnamon for warmth if you like a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich enough to be a standalone star, but serving it with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries can create a delightful balance of temperature and freshness that’ll keep all your guests smiling.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice individual wedges and serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated look. If you want to get festive, top the ganache with edible gold leaf or sprinkles that match your party theme.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, remaining moist and decadent.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cookie layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and then frost and ganache as directed.
Reheating
For best results, serve this cake chilled or at room temperature. If you want to warm a slice, microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the ganache without melting the frosting entirely.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting for another type?
Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that complements the cookie cake perfectly, you could try a classic buttercream or even a whipped cream frosting for a lighter option.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, you can create a gluten-free version. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Definitely. Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the perfect balance, but feel free to experiment with milk chocolate for sweeter bites or dark chocolate for richer, more intense flavor.
How thick should the cookie cake layers be?
Dividing the batter evenly among three 8-inch pans usually results in about ½ to ¾ inch thick layers, which bake nicely and stack without being too heavy or fragile.
What’s the best way to get a smooth ganache?
Heating the cream just until it’s barely simmering and then letting it rest on the chocolate helps the pieces melt gently. Stirring slowly until completely smooth ensures a glossy finish that’s easy to pour.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe a try. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug — rich yet comforting, indulgent yet familiar. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or simply because you deserve a treat, this cake promises smiles with every bite. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy creating this unforgettable dessert together!
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
Description
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is a delightful twist on the classic cookie, featuring layers of soft, chewy cookie dough baked into cake pans, layered with creamy cream cheese frosting, and topped with a rich chocolate ganache. Perfect for parties or special occasions, this cake combines the familiar comfort of chocolate chip cookies with the elegance of a layered dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Cake
- 3–½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1–½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1–⅓ cups (21 tablespoons) melted butter
- 1–¼ cups packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2–½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 10 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 2–½ cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Ganache
- 2 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease or line three 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until creamy and fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: Gently stir the flour mixture into the wet mixture by hand until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then fold in the semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cookie cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave just until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for a minute, then stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly to thicken but remain pourable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cookie cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Repeat with the next cookie layers and frosting. Once stacked, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a decorative finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Use softened cream cheese and butter for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- The ganache should be warm enough to pour but not too hot, or it may melt the frosting underneath.
- You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chocolate chunks with your favorite chocolate varieties.
- For easier slicing, chill the assembled cake briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American