What makes the perfect dessert even better – Oreos on top. This homemade cake features a rich red icing drizzle and crunchy Oreo cookies for a quick and easy treat. Save this idea for your next family favorite dessert night.

a cake with oreo cookies on top and red icing drizzled over it

Introduction

This delightful cake is a masterpiece of creativity and simplicity, combining the richness of a moist cake with the crunch of Oreo cookies and the vibrant splash of red icing. What makes this dessert truly special is its accessibility – using everyday ingredients, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a result that’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike. The combination of textures and flavors is a match made in heaven, with the softness of the cake, the crunch of the Oreos, and the sweetness of the red icing all coming together to create a truly unforgettable taste experience.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors is key, with the cake providing a solid base, the Oreos adding a fun crunch, and the red icing bringing a burst of sweetness and color.
• The preparation is straightforward and doesn’t require any special baking skills, making it perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick dessert solution.
• Despite its simplicity, the end result is impressive and visually appealing, making it a great choice for parties, gatherings, or as a special treat for the family.

Key Ingredients

To make this cake, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, including all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, vanilla extract for the cake, Oreos for the topping, and red food coloring and powdered sugar for the icing. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option or substituting the Oreos with another type of cookie if needed. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and the ability to adapt it to your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans (two 8-inch rounds work well) by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
2. Step 2: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Step 3: Once the cakes are cool, you can start assembling your dessert. Place one of the cakes on a serving plate or cake stand. If desired, you can frost the top of this cake with a simple buttercream frosting to act as a glue for the Oreos. Arrange the Oreos on top of the cake. You can use as many or as few as you like, depending on the look you’re going for. For the red icing, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk and a few drops of red food coloring until you achieve the desired consistency and color. Drizzle this icing over the Oreos.
4. Step 4: Finally, place the second cake on top of the first, creating a sandwich. You can frost the outside of the cake with additional buttercream frosting if you wish, or leave it as is for a more rustic look. The key to this step is having fun and being creative with your presentation. Consider adding more Oreos around the base of the cake or using the red icing to draw patterns or write messages on top of the cake.

Handy Tips

• Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting, as this will help your cake mix come together smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
• For a more intense red color, use a high-quality food coloring. You can also experiment with different shades of red to find the one that suits your occasion best.

Heat Control

When baking the cake, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the temperature and the baking time. The ideal temperature is 350°F (175°C), and the cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This should take about 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on them as oven times can vary. It’s also important not to open the oven door too frequently, as this can cause the cakes to sink.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dessert comes from the Oreos on top. To maintain their crunch, it’s best to add them just before serving. If you’re preparing the cake ahead of time, consider adding the Oreos at the last minute to ensure they retain their texture. The contrast between the soft cake and the crunchy cookies is part of what makes this dessert so appealing, so it’s worth taking the extra step to preserve the texture of the Oreos.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a professional finish, make sure your cakes are completely cool before assembling the dessert. This will prevent any frosting from melting and make the cake easier to handle.
• Experiment with different types of cookies or even candy pieces for the topping to create unique variations of this dessert.
• Consider using a turntable to display your cake, especially if you’re adding a lot of decorative elements. This will make it easier for everyone to see the cake from all angles.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you won’t be serving it within this timeframe, consider freezing it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake can be stored for up to 2 months.
• When reheating, let the cake come to room temperature or warm it up gently in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cake to dry out.
• For the best results, store the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cake makes a wonderful gift, especially for birthdays or holidays. Consider packaging it in a decorative cake box or wrapping it in colorful plastic wrap and tying it with a ribbon. You could also add a personal touch by including a handwritten note or card. If you’re gifting the cake to someone who lives far away, you might want to consider shipping it. In this case, make sure to package it securely to prevent damage during transit. A nice touch could be to include a bag of extra Oreos on the side, allowing the recipient to enjoy them with their cake or save them for later.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding different spices to the cake batter, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to give it a unique flavor.
• Experiment with creative toppings beyond Oreos, such as M&M’s, chopped nuts, or even candy pieces.
• Swap out the red icing for a different color to match your occasion. Green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange for Halloween are all fun options.

Troubleshooting

• If your cake turns out too dense, it might be because the batter was overmixed. Try mixing the ingredients just until they come together for a lighter texture.
• If you’re having trouble getting the Oreos to stick to the top of the cake, you can try using a bit of frosting as glue or pressing them gently into the top of the cake.
• If the red icing is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of milk. The consistency should be smooth and easy to drizzle.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly and store it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Is it gluten-free? As written, the recipe includes gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need to be adjusted.

Conclusion

Making a cake with Oreo cookies on top and red icing drizzled over it is a fun and rewarding baking project that’s perfect for any skill level. With its combination of moist cake, crunchy cookies, and sweet icing, it’s a dessert that’s sure to please. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own, whether that means trying out different flavors, toppings, or presentation ideas. Baking is all about experimentation and having fun, so enjoy the process and share your masterpiece with loved ones. Happy baking!