Cookie Dough Cake

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 3 (8-inch) round baking pans. Alternatively, if you only have 1 or 2 (8-inch) round baking pans, each layer can be baked one and a time.

2. Step 2

   To make the cakes, cream together the sugar and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

3. Step 3

   Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.

4. Step 4

   In another large bowl, mix together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Step 5

   Add the vanilla extract to the milk. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the milk mixture, blending after each addition until smooth. Do not overbeat.

6. Step 6

   Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

7. Step 7

   Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a tester inserted into the cake comes out clean.

8. Step 8

   Cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Remove cake layers from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.

9. Step 9

   To prepare the cookie dough buttercream frosting, combine the confectioners' sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla in the large bowl of an electric mixer.

10. Step 10

    Beat at medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until creamy. If necessary, add more milk until the frosting achieves the desired consistency.

11. Step 11

    Roll the refrigerated cookie dough into tiny balls and divide into 3 portions for the separate layers.

12. Step 12

    Place the first cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Top with some of the buttercream frosting and sprinkle with 1/3 of the cookie dough balls. Flatten slightly.

13. Step 13

    Repeat the process with the remaining layers, reserving the final 1/3 of the cookie dough balls for garnish.

14. Step 14

    Use the remaining frosting to evenly coat the top and sides of the cake. Refrigerate to set.

15. Step 15

    To make the chocolate ganache, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and whipping cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Cool for 5 minutes.

16. Step 16

    Pour the ganache mixture on top of the chilled cake and allow to drip down the side of the cake. Decorate with the remaining 1/3 of cookie dough balls in a circle around the top of the cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve.