If you adore the heavenly combination of cookies and cake, you are in for a treat with this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe. This dessert perfectly blends the chewy comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie with the rich, velvety layers of cream cheese frosting and a luscious chocolate ganache drizzle. It’s a showstopper that brings warmth to any celebration or simply makes an ordinary day extraordinary. Trust me, once you try it, this indulgent cake will quickly become your new favorite sweet masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, trusty ingredients is the secret to the incredible taste and texture of this cake. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender crumb of the cookie layers to the creamy smoothness of the frosting and the glossy finish of the ganache.
- All-purpose flour: 3-½ cups to provide the perfect structure and chew for the cookie base.
- Baking soda: 1-½ teaspoons for just the right lift and lightness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Melted butter: 1-â…“ cups (21 tablespoons) for richness and tender texture.
- Brown sugar: 1-¼ cups packed to add moisture and caramel notes.
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup for sweetness and slight crisp edges.
- Eggs: 2 whole and 2 yolks to create a moist, dense crumb.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon to enhance all the flavors beautifully.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: 2-½ cups for melty pockets of chocolate throughout.
- Cream cheese: 10 ounces, softened, to form the luscious frosting base.
- Butter (softened): 5 tablespoons to add smoothness in the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: 2-½ cups to sweeten and thicken the frosting perfectly.
- Chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate: 2 ounces for the rich ganache topping.
- Heavy cream: ¼ cup for creating that silky ganache texture.
- A pinch of salt: to balance the cream cheese frosting flavors.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them lightly or lining with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookie cake layers come out clean and perfect.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is essential for balancing out the sweetness and giving your cookie cake just the right texture. Set it aside for the next step.
Step 3: Combine Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until fully combined. This blend delivers both moisture and a buttery depth, creating an irresistible base for your cookie cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add both the whole eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mix. Beat until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, which helps develop richness and gives a tender crumb to your cookie cake.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients by hand until everything is just combined. Then, carefully fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute gooey chocolate morsels in every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Cookie Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The cookie layers should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Once baked, transfer to wire racks and let them cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing thoroughly. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until the frosting becomes thick yet spreadable, perfect for layering.
Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir gently until silky smooth. Allow the ganache to cool until slightly thickened but still pourable for that beautiful drizzle.
Step 9: Assemble Your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Start stacking your cooled cookie layers, spreading a generous amount of cream cheese frosting between each. Once all three layers are stacked, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for a decadent finish.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, add a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of chopped nuts atop the ganache. Fresh berries or edible flowers can add a vibrant touch and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This rich dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A cup of rich coffee or creamy hot chocolate also enhances this cookie cake experience by complementing the chocolate and cream cheese flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cake on a rustic wooden board for a cozy feel or slice it into bars for casual gatherings. You can also make mini versions in cupcake tins for individual treats that are perfect for parties or gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake tightly covered in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days. The frosting and ganache stay delicious, and the cake remains moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and foil, storing in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling. Alternatively, a fully assembled cake can be frozen but allow extra thawing time.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cake warm, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-10 minutes. Warmed cake heightens the gooey chocolate chip pockets and softens the frosting just right.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cake, since salted butter has salt already added.
Is it necessary to use both eggs and egg yolks?
Using both eggs and extra yolks enriches the cake’s texture, making it softer and more tender, though you can omit egg yolks if needed with a slight change in texture.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with another type?
You can use buttercream if preferred, but the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that balances the sweet cookie layers beautifully.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semisweet chocolate chips are ideal to provide a balanced sweetness and melt perfectly within the cookie cake layers, but feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate chips as well.
How long does it take to bake the cookie layers?
Each 8-inch layer bakes for about 18-20 minutes. They should be slightly golden around edges but soft in the middle for the perfect chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a dessert that combines the best of a cookie and a cake into one slice, and this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache Recipe does just that in the most delicious way possible. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a decadent treat, this recipe will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. So go ahead, bake it, share it, and savor every gooey, creamy, chocolatey bite!
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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 combines the best of a classic cookie and a cake into a single, delightful dessert perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat. Featuring layers of soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie baked in cake pans, it is generously frosted with creamy cream cheese frosting and finished with a rich chocolate ganache drizzle. With 20 servings, this crowd-pleaser balances buttery, sweet flavors and is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cookie Cake
- 3–½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1–½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1–â…“ 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 and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until the batter is creamy and homogenous.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients by hand until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cookie Layers: Divide the cookie batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and allow the cookie cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the ganache is completely smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
- Assemble the Cookie Cake: Place one cookie layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer and frosting, then place the third cookie layer on top. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top and let it drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use good quality chocolate for a richer ganache.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven as all ovens vary.
- For a firmer frosting, chill the cream cheese and butter before beating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
