Cookies and Cream Cake Roll Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love that classic cookies and cream flavor, you are in for a real treat with this Cookies and Cream Cake Roll Recipe. This dessert is the perfect combination of a light, fluffy cake swirled with creamy, dreamy filling studded with crunchy cookie bits. Each slice offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s not just a cake; it’s a show-stopping, fun-to-make dessert that will impress your guests or be a perfect indulgence for a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Cookies and Cream Cake Roll Recipe lies in a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a spectacular bite. Every element, from the flour to the vanilla extract, plays a special role in delivering that moist texture, delicious sweetness, and irresistible cookies and cream flavor.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of your cake, providing a tender crumb texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your cake rise just enough to be light and fluffy.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors perfectly.
• 4 large eggs, room temperature: Key for structure and richness, beating them well creates a nice airy cake.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without being overwhelming.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• 1/4 cup whole milk, warmed: Keeps the batter smooth and the cake moist.
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Adds moistness and tenderness to the cake crumb.
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped into soft peaks for a luxuriously light filling.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream filling delicately for a smooth finish.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the creaminess of the filling.
• 10-12 crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos): The star ingredient for that classic cookies and cream taste inside the filling.
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping): Whipped for an additional creamy topping layer.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for topping): Added to the topping cream for extra sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping): Enhances the topping’s flavor.
• 4-5 crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for topping (optional): Adds a beautiful crunchy finish and extra cookie goodness.

How to Make Cookies and Cream Cake Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake will bake evenly and release easily when it’s time to roll. Having all ingredients measured out and at room temperature helps everything come together smoothly.

Step 2: Beat Eggs and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar vigorously until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your batter, giving the cake its fabulous light texture that’s essential for rolling.

Step 3: Add Vanilla, Milk, and Oil

Gently mix in the vanilla extract, warmed milk, and vegetable oil to the egg-sugar mixture. This combination keeps the cake moist and flavorful without weighing down the delicate crumb you worked hard to build.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold in the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt mixture, taking care not to overmix. Overmixing would deflate all that lovely air whipped into your eggs and make the cake dense rather than light and tender.

Step 5: Bake the Batter

Pour your batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Pop it into the oven for about 12 minutes until the cake springs back when lightly touched and edges pull away just slightly from the pan.

Step 6: Flip and Cool the Cake

Once baked, immediately invert the cake onto a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake up in the towel from the short end while it is still warm. This pre-shaping prevents cracking later.

Step 7: Make the Cookies and Cream Filling

While the cake cools completely (about 30 minutes rolled in the towel), whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and gently fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for that iconic cookies and cream burst inside your cake roll.

Step 8: Unroll and Fill the Cake

Once the cake has cooled fully, gently unroll it and spread the cookies and cream filling evenly across the surface. Be generous but careful not to overfill to keep rolling neat and easy.

Step 9: Re-roll the Cake Tightly

Re-roll the cake roll tightly without the towel, smoothing out any filling that peeks out. This second roll seals in all those delicious flavors and ensures clean, uniform slices.

Step 10: Prepare Topping (Optional)

Whip together the additional heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to a fluffy consistency and spread or pipe it on top of the rolled cake. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for an irresistible final touch.

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Cake Roll Recipe

Garnishes

The beauty of this dessert is in its simplicity, but a few tasteful garnishes elevate it further. Scatter crushed cookies on top, or dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for classic elegance. Fresh berries or mint leaves add a fresh note and lovely color contrast, making your cake roll look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Serving this cake roll alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce transforms it into a luxurious dessert experience. A hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate pairs beautifully for a cozy treat, especially on chilly days when dessert doubles as comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, slice the roll into neat pieces and plate with artistic swirls of whipped cream or chocolate drizzle. You can also serve it in smaller, bite-sized rolls as fancy finger food at parties. Alternatively, refrigerate slices in individual glass jars layered with more whipped cream and cookie crumbs for a chic dessert parfait twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, the Cookies and Cream Cake Roll Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It maintains its freshness for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every last bite.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of the cake roll by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When properly wrapped, they can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture when ready to eat.

Reheating

This cake roll is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not typically recommended as it may affect the texture of the whipped cream filling. However, if you prefer it slightly warm, leave the slices out at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie in the filling?

Absolutely! While chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos are traditional for that iconic cookies and cream taste, feel free to experiment with any crunchy cookie you love for a fun twist.

Is it necessary to warm the milk before adding it?

Warming the milk helps it blend more smoothly into the batter, ensuring a better texture for your cake roll. It’s a small step that makes a noticeable difference.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake up immediately after baking while it’s still warm and pliable is key. Using a powdered sugar-dusted towel helps prevent sticking and cracking when you roll it up the first time.

Can I make this cake roll gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the cake’s structure.

What is the best way to crush the cookies for the filling?

The easiest method is to place the cookies in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or heavy pan to achieve small, even pieces that mix well into the cream without making it grainy.

Final Thoughts

This Cookies and Cream Cake Roll Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in cake form. It’s fun to make, stunning to look at, and utterly delicious every single time. Whether for a birthday, a casual weekend treat, or a special celebration, I highly encourage you to try it out and make some sweet memories with every slice.

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