Six decadent layers of Oreo cake, Oreo buttercream, and a dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for the cookies and cream lover in your life!
Hello Oreo lovers! Do I have your attention? Good, because this cake is for you. This Oreo Cake is actually an update of one of my older recipes (from 2016!). The photos were in dire need of a refresh, and I wanted to tweak the recipe a bit.
As you know, Ryan tends to be my go-to guy for ideas when I’m stuck on something to bake. Naturally, he gravitates to things that he already loves and asks me to turn them into cakes. Hence the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake, the S’mores Cake, and the Turtles Cake, to name a few.
When he suggested an Oreo Cake my arm didn’t need much twisting. I am a HUGE fan of Oreos. Though, truthfully, I prefer Golden Oreos to the original. Something about that vanilla cookie flavor goes so well with the Oreo filling! Be sure to check out my Golden Oreo Cake too for a delicious alternative.
How Do You Make Oreo Cake?
This cake is packed with Oreo cookie flavor in the best ways possible. I modified my favorite chocolate cake recipe, and made a couple key modifications to Oreo-ify it:
- I swapped out some of the all-purpose flour for Oreo cookie crumbs
- I swapped out some of the cocoa powder for black cocoa
The Oreo cookie crumbs are very easy to get in Canada. You can literally find them in almost any grocery store, right next to the graham cracker crumbs. I hear they aren’t as easy to find in the US (is that right?). Really though, any chocolate cookie crumbs will do.
If you can’t find chocolate cookie crumbs, you can just make your own by separating Oreo cookies from the filling and pulsing the cookie parts in a food processor. Be sure to separate them — do not attempt to pulse whole cookies and use those in the cake batter.
Black cocoa powder is one of my favorite things ever. It’s what gives Oreo cookies that deep rich color and flavor. Black cocoa powder is a super dark Dutch-process cocoa, which basically means it’s had even more acid stripped from it.
Cake Tip!
It’s not recommended to replace all of the cocoa in a recipe with black cocoa powder, due to it’s very low fat content — it can make baked goods dry. Substituting half or so should be more than enough to get the flavor and color to come through.
If you don’t have black cocoa powder, you can substitute more Dutch-process or regular cocoa powder. It will affect the color and flavor slightly.
I used Oreo cookie crumbs again in the Swiss meringue buttercream frosting. This added both flavor and color in just the perfect way.
For additional flavor and texture, I added some chopped-up Oreo cookies between each of the cake layers, and finished the whole thing off with a dark chocolate ganache drip for good measure. I’ve been back on the drip cake trend lately, and I think that’s a good thing.
I tried to darken the dark chocolate ganache by adding some black color gel to the cream before microwaving it all. This worked okay, but it made the ganache a bit dull. At least I assume that’s what it was.
The only other difference was that I used the ganache later the same day instead of leaving it overnight and nuking it a bit in the morning to thin it out. But I think it was the color gel. It’s not shiny, but I think this color looks better than a brownish ganache would have.
Nothing, honestly. They are basically one and the same. Some people prefer to call them cookies and cream desserts, and some people Oreo. There are a ton of companies out there that produce cookies and cream desserts. There is some debate about which came first (kind of a chicken and egg thing happening).
I didn’t spend a ton of time researching it, but basically, it seems that everyone is claiming to have created the sandwich cookies. It’s the Oreo brand that popularized them, so they’re the ones we know today.
This Oreo Cake has been a popular recipe here on Liv for Cake over the years. If you’re a cookies and cream fan or have one in your life, you will LOVE this cake!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I convert this recipe?
- The recipe as-is will also work in two 8″ pans, though the layers will be a bit thinner. For three 8″ pans, 1.5x the recipe. Baking time may need to be adjusted.
- To make cupcakes, all you need to do is reduce the baking time — start checking at 15mins or so. The recipe will make 18-24 cupcakes depending on size.
- For other conversions go here.
Can I make it in advance?
- The cooled cake layers can be baked ahead of time, double wrapped in plastic wrap, and frozen for up to 3 months. Take out 2-3 hours before assembly.
- The frosting can be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for 1 week for frozen for 3 months. Bring to room temp and rewhip before using.
- The ganache can be made a day in advance and left on the counter overnight (with plastic wrap placed directly on the surface). It will need to be warmed slightly to thin out.
- The finished cake (whole or sliced, stored airtight) can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I get the measurements by weight/grams?
- There is a Metric option in the recipe card. If you click it it will convert everything to grams.
- This conversion is done automatically and I cannot guarantee the accuracy but many readers have had success using the metric option for this recipe.
What if I don’t have Black Cocoa/Dutch-process Cocoa Powder?
- If you don’t have black cocoa powder, you can substitute more Dutch-process or regular cocoa powder. It will affect the color and flavor slightly.
- I like to use Dutch-process cocoa powder in all of my chocolate recipes, but regular cocoa powder will work just fine. Dutch-process has had some of the acid stripped from it and yields a richer flavor overall. Again, it won’t make or break the recipe to use regular cocoa powder here.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
- Buttermilk is not optional and cannot be swapped for milk as it will affect the overall result.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own at home by combining 1 cup of milk (whole milk ideally, but I often just use 1%) with 1 Tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 10mins.
Can I use hot coffee instead of hot water?
- You’ll often see this kind of chocolate cake recipe using hot coffee instead of hot water in the batter, and you can use either.
Tips for making this Oreo Cookies and Cream Cake
- You can do this as a 3 layer cake instead of thinner 6 layers, but you will have some buttercream left over.
- I added a couple drops of black color gel to the ganache to darken it. This is optional.
- The cake layers are easiest to frost when they are chilled, as they are a bit firmer and help the buttercream set quicker.
- Check out my tutorial on How to Make Ganache for making the drip.
- I like to prepare my cake pans using Homemade Cake Release then line with parchment.
- Be sure to check my Swiss Meringue Buttercream post for tips and troubleshooting.
- Learn how to keep your cakes moist using Simple Syrup.
- To help ensure your cake layers bake up nice and flat, check out my Flat Top Cakes post!
Oreo Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Oreo cookie crumbs sift first then measure to remove larger chunks
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 Tbsp Dutch-processed cocoa powder sifted
- 6 Tbsp black cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup hot water or hot coffee
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Oreo Buttercream:
- 6 large egg whites
- 2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups unsalted butter room temperature, cubed
- 1 tsp clear vanilla extract optional
- 1 cup Oreo cookie crumbs sifted
Dark Chocolate Ganache:
- 3 oz good quality dark chocolate chopped
- 3 oz heavy cream
- 1-2 drops black color gel optional
Assembly:
- 10 Oreos chopped
- mini Oreos optional
Instructions
Oreo Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350F, grease three 6″ round baking pans and dust with cocoa powder. Line bottoms with parchment.
- Place all dry ingredients into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Stir to combine.
- In a medium bowl whisk all wet ingredients (pour coffee in slowly as not to cook the eggs if very hot).
- Add wet ingredients to dry and mix on medium for 2-3 mins. Batter will be very thin.
- Pour evenly into prepared pans. I used a kitchen scale to ensure the batter is evenly distributed.
- Bake until a cake tester comes out mostly clean. A total of 30-35mins.
- Cool 10minutes in the pans then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut each layer in half horizontally to get 6 layers.
Oreo Buttercream:
- Place egg whites and sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk until combined.*
- Place bowl over a hot water bath on the stove and stir with a whisk until the mixture is no longer grainy to the touch (approx. 3mins).
- Place bowl on your stand mixer and whip on med-high until the meringue is stiff and cooled (the bowl is no longer warm to the touch (approx. 5-10mins)).
- Switch to paddle attachment. Slowly add cubed butter and mix until smooth.
- Add vanilla and whip until smooth.** Remove about 1 cup of buttercream and set aside.
- Add Oreo cookie crumbs to the remainder of the buttercream and whip until smooth.
Dark Chocolate Ganache:
- Add cream to a medium microwave safe bowl. Add 1-2 drops of black color gel and stir to combine (optional). Add chopped chocolate and microwave in 10second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth and shiny. Set aside to cool completely and thicken before using as a drip.
Assembly:
- Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or serving dish. Top with about 2/3 cup Oreo buttercream and sprinkle with chopped Oreos. Repeat with remaining layers. Do a think crumb coat all over the cake and chill for 20mins.
- Frost and smooth the outside of the cake with the remaining Oreo buttercream. Chill for 30mins until firm.
- Using a small spoon, place dollops of ganache around the top edges of the cooled cake, allowing some to drip down. Fill in the top of the cake with more ganache and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Allow to set for a few minutes.
- Fit a piping bag with a 1M piping tip. Fill with the white buttercream that was set aside. Pipe rosette dollops on top of the cake. Place a mini Oreo in the center of each dollop if desired.
Gayle says
Absolutely amazing!! Just finished making it. I’m at sort of high altitude (~5300 feet) and used the adjustments from another comment (add 3tbsp flour, use 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda, and bake at 375F). Sank in the middle a little bit but not much – honestly better than most recipes. Tastes absolutely delicious and was actually really easy to make, and looks stunning. The directions were so easy to follow. It actually made the right amount of frosting for the cake which shocked me, most recipes I end up having to make more frosting but I actually had a bit leftover on this one!
Olivia says
Hi Gayle! I’m so happy you loved it and found the recipe easy to follow. Thanks so much for all your altitude tips!!
Lainey says
Hi, Liv!
Would you suggest use the metric measurements or the US customary when measuring the ingredients? Just asking because your 6 tbsp conversion on metric of Dutch cocoa powder and black cocoa powder to 88.72g seems a lot. Usually a tbsp of those two ingredients are only 6-7 grams based on their labels. I just want to make sure I have the correct measurements before proceeding! Thanks!
Olivia says
Hi Lainey! The metric measurements are calculated automatically. I use US customary myself and recommend that for most accurate results. Also, the cocoa powder is 88.72 ml not grams. Not sure why it converted that way!
Megan says
This cake was absolutely delicious. I had to remake the cake three times due to altitude but it was so worth it. Adjustments made for high altitude (5,500 ft): temp to 375, added 3Tbsp of flour, reduced baking soda to 1/2 tsp and baking powder to 1/2 tsp.
Taste like a soft Oreo. Yum!
Olivia says
Hi Megan! So happy you loved it and thanks so much for your altitude tips!!
Hajar says
Hello, I do not have a stand mixer for the buttercream but would a food processor work? or is there any other alternatives?
Olivia says
Hi Hajar! A stand mixer will work best but it’s doable with a hand mixer. I have a detailed tutorial here: https://livforcake.com/swiss-meringue-buttercream-recipe/. I haven’t tried it in a food processor myself.
Jasmine says
You can’t make SMB using a food processor but you can make american buttercream. It wont turn out light and fluffy though, somewhat fudgy. Add 1 1/2 cups butter, with 5 cups of sifted powdered sugar, and a few tablespoons milk, mix on high for a few minutes, transfer to a bowl and fold in the sifted crushed oreos. I make ABC this way whenever I’m going for a rich and fudgy buttercream.
Olivia says
Thanks so much for your tips, Jasmine!
Zohar says
Hi! I would like to make this cake into a tow layer cake in my 3 8” pan, do I need to change anything ? Also, do you think normal white buttercream would be good here?
Olivia says
Hi Zohar! The recipe as is will make two 8″ cake layers. Normal white buttercream would be delicious too but then it wouldn’t have the Oreo flavor as much. You could also just use this recipe: https://livforcake.com/chocolate-cake-recipe/
Shantal says
Made this cake twice and it’s always a winner! My boys love it! 😁
Olivia says
So happy to hear that Shantal!
Charlee says
Just made this recipe today for my boyfriend’s birthday! I made cupcakes instead of a layer cake but it still tasted so good! I used 3oz cupcake paper cups and it yielded 30 cupcakes. Thank you for the pointers (and recipe.. again), Liv 🙂 The buttercream really tasted like cookies and cream! I was a bit concerned how the egg whites and sugar looked together as I was whisking them but ended up smooth after I mixed it with butter (adjusted the buttercream recipe into half). Love this recipe! The Oreo cookie itself tasted sweeter than the cupcakes so it’s a good balance! 🙂
Olivia says
Hi Charlee! So happy you love this one and thanks for all your tips! 🙂
Jasmine says
Hi Liv, I am making this cake for a birthday outside. Will this cake be okay to sit out for a few hours or must it be refrigerated? 🙂 Love all your cake recipes btw!
Olivia says
Hi Jasmine! The cake will be totally fine at room temperature for a few hours (even a day or two really). If it’s hot outside though that could be a challenge. The frosting is soft at room temperature and will get even softer at warm temps outside (how warm is it supposed to be outside?). I would recommend chilling (or freezing) the cake and then it will thaw as it sits outside. If the temperatures are hot though (over 20C) I don’t recommend it.
Sinem says
I made this cake for my husband’s birthday! It was delicious and everyone loved it.
Olivia says
Hi Sinem! So happy everyone loved it 🙂
sinem says
Hi Olivia! I hope you are well. Can I make oreo cream cheese frosting for this cake? Do you think it would work?
Olivia says
Hi Sinem! Yes, I think that would be delicious 🙂
Sydney says
I am making this cake for my 12th birthday in January and I only started baking last April? I am worried that when I do the drip of the ganache it will drip to far and look messy. Is this rational and if so how can i prevent that or am I just being irrational. Happy Holidays!
Olivia says
Hi Sydney! The drip is a tricky thing to get perfect. Figuring out the consistency it needs to be will require some trial and error. I recommend testing the drip on an upside down water glass to see if it is too thick or thin first before trying it on the cake. Happy holidays to you as well! Let me know how it turns out 🙂
Hafsa says
Can i just mix with a whisk because i don’t have a hand mixer or a stand mixer and i can’t buy one on time?
Olivia says
Hi Hafsa! For the cake a whisk will be fine but you need a mixer for the frosting.
Wilma says
Hi Olivia, for the oreo smbc do you blitz whole Oreos or just the biscuit part?
Many thanks xx
Olivia says
Hi Wilma! I use pre-packaged crumbs so I would just use the biscuit part if possible. Though if you want to try to blitz whole Oreos and see if you can get them fine enough that would work too. I’m just not sure if they would clump more with the filling.
Hafsa says
Just the cookie not the filling.😁🎂
Navodi says
Hi can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Olivia says
Hi Navodi! No, you need buttermilk for this specific recipe. You can make your own at home by adding 1 Tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 10mins.
Melissa Machiskinic says
Can I not use dark cocoa and can I double recipe
Olivia says
Hi Melissa! You can double the recipe no problem. By dark cocoa do you mean black cocoa powder? Ideally use a mix of regular and black as per the recipe.
Melissa Machiskinic says
Hi I can’t find black cocoa anywhere is there anything else I can use
Olivia says
Hi Melissa! I talk about that in the Tips section of the post just before the recipe:
– If you don’t have black cocoa powder, you can substitute more Dutch-process or regular cocoa powder. It will affect the color and flavour slightly.
Domenico says
Salve volevo sapere una tazza a quanto equivale in grammi xchè in pasticceria non usiamo le tazze come unità di misura
Olivia says
Hi Domenico! There is a metric converter below the list of ingredients.
Renuka says
Hi I dont have a stand mixer, can i use a hand mixer instead of a paddle attachment to mix in the butter in the buttercream recipe.
Olivia says
Hi Renuka! It’s doable with a b=hand mixer but will take a long time. See this post for more info: https://livforcake.com/swiss-meringue-buttercream-recipe/
Lauren says
Could I use a small amount of activated charcoal instead of the black cocoa powder and then supplement with the regular cocoa powder?
Olivia says
Hi Lauren! Yes, if you’re looking for that black color that should be fine. The black cocoa powder also helps give it an Oreo-like flavour, so that will be slightly different, but still delicious 🙂
Lauren says
Thank you! I made cupcakes yesterday, and they were delicious!
Olivia says
Hi Lauren! So glad you loved them! 🙂
Venka says
Hi,
I am interested in making this cake but having difficulty finding black cocoa powder. Can you suggest some substitutes, please?
Thank you.
Olivia says
Hi Venka! I talk about this in my blog post. You can use regular cocoa powder.
Venka says
Thank you.
Jessica McManus says
My cakes took a very long time to bake (more like 50 minutes) and did not rise at all. I have made many other recipes from you that came out wonderfully, but this one did not work.
Olivia says
Hi Jessica! Sorry to hear you had trouble with this one. The cakes should actually rise a lot — double in size, so something must have been off. Are your baking powder and soda still fresh? Did you make any adjustments to the recipe or the pan size? And are you at high elevation by chance?
Jessica McManus says
Hi Olivia,
I know it is such a bummer because they tasted AMAZING. I will try swapping out my baking powder/soda. No high elevation.
Olivia says
Let me know! You can test to see if your baking powder/soda are still fresh using these tips: https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-test-if-baking-soda-or-baking-powder-is-expired-tips-from-the-kitchn-111759
Jessica McManus says
OK, wanted to update. I tested both my powders and they had a reaction but to be on the safe side I bought new ones. The cake definitely had a better rise when I tried it again. I also just opted for 2 pans instead of 3. Oh my goodness this thing is decadent. Thank you for the lovely recipe. Question: If I wanted to make the meringue a bit less sweet, what would happen if I used all the same amounts but reduced the sugar to 1.5 cups?
Olivia says
Yay! I’m so happy you love it 🙂 Thanks for the update! Reducing the sugar to 1.5 cups should be fine, but I wouldn’t reduce it any more than that. You could also add a pinch of salt at the end to help cut the sweetness.
Caryn says
After about 25 years of making the same white chocolate and raspberry cake for my daughter’s birthday, I decided to try this Oreo cake for a change. Everyone loved it, and assumed that I bought it at a fancy bakery. Even my niece who doesn’t like chocolate cake (crazy girl, huh?) ate an entire piece!
Olivia says
Hi Caryn! Yay! I’m so happy she loved it. And I’m glad you both tried something different! 😀