Cookies and Cream Bundt Cake Recipe

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Wade Lockhart
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Why You’ll Love This Cookies And Cream Bundt Cake

Our Cookies and Cream Bundt Cake is a beginner-friendly recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes of active time. Using a simple box cake mix enhanced with crushed Oreo cookies and cream cheese, there’s no need for advanced baking skills. The one-bowl method minimizes cleanup, and the bundt pan bakes evenly in just 45-50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Say goodbye to complicated layer cakes!

While indulgent, this cookies and cream bundt cake incorporates Greek yogurt for added protein and moisture without extra fat, and you can swap in sugar alternatives for a lower-calorie version. Oreo cookies provide antioxidants from cocoa, balancing the creamy cheesecake swirl for a treat that’s satisfying yet not overly heavy ideal for those watching portions without sacrificing flavor.

Adapt this Oreo bundt cake effortlessly to dietary needs: gluten-free cake mix for celiacs, dairy-free cream cheese for vegans, or add nuts for keto-friendly crunch. It’s a crowd-pleaser for birthdays, potlucks, or holiday desserts, served plain, glazed, or with ice cream.

The iconic cookies and cream profile shines with chunks of real Oreos suspended in tender vanilla cake and a velvety cream cheese ribbon. Drizzled with white chocolate ganache, it delivers crunch, creaminess, and chocolate in every slice far superior to standard bundt cakes. Your guests will rave about this standout cookies cream bundt cake!

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Essential Ingredients for Cookies And Cream Bundt Cake

Gather these precise ingredients for the perfect cookies and cream bundt cake. This recipe serves 12-16 and uses common pantry items for foolproof results:

Main Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 (15.25 oz) box white or vanilla cake mix
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies (about 12 cookies, filling removed)

Cream Cheese Swirl:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 1 cup additional crushed Oreos
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
Pro tip: Use full-fat ingredients for best flavor, and finely crush Oreos in a food processor for even distribution. This lineup guarantees your Oreo bundt cake turns out moist, flavorful, and stunning every time.

How to Make Cookies And Cream Bundt Cake

Creating this delightful delicious cookies and cream bundt cake recipe is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to achieve bakery-worthy results in your own kitchen.

Preparing Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 10-12 cup bundt pan with butter or shortening, then dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This ensures your cake will release perfectly after baking. If you prefer, you can use a baking spray that contains flour for even easier preparation.

Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator 30 minutes before you begin baking to allow it to soften completely. Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and prevent lumps in your cream cheese swirl. Also, separate one egg for the yolk needed in the swirl mixture.

Crush your Oreo cookies in a food processor until you achieve fine crumbs. You’ll need one cup for the batter and an additional cup for the topping. If you don’t have a food processor, place cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Making the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined. This mixture creates a delightful contrast to the cake batter and mimics the cream filling in Oreos.

Set the swirl mixture aside while you prepare the cake batter. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you might want to refrigerate it briefly to maintain the right consistency for swirling into the batter later.

Mixing the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white or vanilla cake mix, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The batter should be smooth and well-combined.

Fold in one cup of the crushed Oreo cookies with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be gentle to maintain air in the batter while ensuring the cookies are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This ensures every bite contains those delicious chocolate cookie pieces.

Assembling and Baking

Pour about two-thirds of the cake batter into your prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Dollop the cream cheese mixture in a ring around the center of the batter, being careful not to touch the sides of the pan. Top with the remaining batter, spreading gently to cover the cream cheese layer completely.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched in the center. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even coloring.

Cooling and Glazing

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the cake set and prevents it from breaking apart when removed from the pan. Once completely cool, drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired and sprinkle with the remaining crushed Oreos.

For a simple glaze alternative, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cake and immediately add Oreo crumbs before the glaze sets.

Tips for the Perfect Cookies And Cream Bundt Cake

Creating the ideal cookies and cream bundt cake requires attention to a few key details. These professional tips will help you achieve consistent, impressive results every time you bake this delightful dessert.

Pan Preparation

The most common issue with bundt cakes is sticking. Always grease every nook and crevice of your pan thoroughly, paying special attention to the center tube. Using butter or shortening with a dusting of flour provides better release than spray alone. For intricate pan designs, consider using a pastry brush to ensure complete coverage.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for the appropriate time 10-15 minutes. Removing it too soon may cause it to collapse, while waiting too long can make it stick. When removing the cake, place a wire rack on top of the pan and flip both together in one confident motion.

Achieving the Right Texture

Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily and create a smoother batter. This is particularly important for the cream cheese swirl, which should be free of lumps. If you’ve forgotten to take ingredients out of the refrigerator, you can gently microwave the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds to soften it.

Don’t overmix the batter once you’ve added the crushed Oreos. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Fold the cookies in gently just until combined to maintain the tender crumb structure.

Testing for Doneness

All ovens heat differently, so begin checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time is complete. Insert a wooden toothpick into the thickest part of the cake, avoiding the cream cheese swirl if possible. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

The internal temperature of a fully baked cake should reach 210°F (99°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. This ensures the structure has set properly while maintaining moisture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is opening the oven door too frequently while baking, which can cause the cake to fall. Try to check on the cake through the oven window instead. Another issue is overbaking, which results in a dry cake. Set your timer and check for doneness at the earliest suggested time.

When adding the cream cheese swirl, don’t press it into the batter too deeply. This helps maintain distinct layers rather than having the swirl disappear completely into the cake. The goal is a beautiful ribbon of cream cheese running through the cake when sliced.

Variations and Substitutions

This versatile cookies and cream bundt cake recipe adapts easily to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Experiment with these variations to create a personalized version that suits your tastes and requirements.

Dietary Adaptations

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute a high-quality gluten-free cake mix for the regular white or vanilla mix. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, including the Oreos, are certified gluten-free. Many brands now offer gluten-free sandwich cookies that work perfectly in this recipe.

To make this dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative in the swirl and replace the sour cream with full-fat coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt substitute. Select dairy-free white chocolate for the topping if desired. These substitutions may slightly alter the texture but will still deliver delicious results.

For a lower-sugar version, use a sugar-free cake mix and substitute your preferred sugar alternative for the granulated sugar in the cream cheese swirl. Keep in mind that sugar-free cookies may have different texture properties, so test a small batch first if making this substitution.

Flavor Variations

Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter along with the crushed Oreos. The extra chocolate intensifies the richness and creates pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake.

For a minty twist, use mint-filled chocolate sandwich cookies instead of traditional Oreos. You can also add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cream cheese swirl for a refreshing cookies and mint cream variation.

Create a peanut butter lovers’ version by adding ½ cup of peanut butter to the cream cheese swirl. The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and cream creates an irresistible flavor profile reminiscent of classic candy bars.

VariationSubstitutionsBaking Time
Gluten-FreeGF cake mix, GF sandwich cookies45-50 minutes
Dairy-FreeDF cream cheese, DF yogurt, DF white chocolate45-50 minutes
Chocolate LoverAdd ½ cup mini chocolate chips45-50 minutes
Mint VersionMint sandwich cookies, ½ tsp peppermint extract45-50 minutes
Peanut ButterAdd ½ cup peanut butter to swirl45-50 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Your cookies and cream bundt cake makes a stunning presentation with minimal effort. These serving suggestions will help you showcase this beautiful dessert and create memorable dining experiences for family and friends.

Presentation Ideas

Place the cooled bundt cake on a decorative cake stand to elevate its visual appeal. The ridged pattern of a bundt cake is naturally beautiful and needs little embellishment. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or the Oreo crumble topping provides the perfect finishing touch.

For special occasions, consider garnishing with whole sandwich cookies placed around the perimeter of the cake. You can also pipe whipped cream rosettes into the center depression of the bundt cake for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Accompaniments

A scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors of the cake perfectly. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the moist, tender crumb of the cake. For a more sophisticated pairing, serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate a drizzle of chocolate sauce over their slice. You can also serve with a side of fresh berries, particularly strawberries or raspberries, which provide a bright, fruity contrast to the rich, chocolatey cake.

Occasions to Serve

This versatile cake works beautifully for numerous occasions. It’s impressive enough for birthday celebrations yet simple enough for casual family dinners. The make-ahead nature of this recipe makes it perfect for holidays when oven space is at a premium.

Potlucks and bake sales are ideal settings for this crowd-pleasing dessert. The bundt shape makes it easy to transport, and the familiar flavors appeal to virtually everyone. It also serves a generous number of people, making it practical for larger gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a cookies and cream Bundt cake from scratch?

Start with 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups sugar, 4 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 3 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 cup milk, and 20 crushed Oreos. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately, alternate adding to batter with milk. Fold in crushed Oreos gently. Grease a 10-cup Bundt pan with shortening and flour. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto rack. For glaze, mix 2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla, and crushed Oreos. Drizzle over cooled cake. This yields 12 servings and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes total. Pro tip: Chill Oreos before crushing for better texture. (98 words)

Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a Bundt pan for cookies and cream cake?

Yes, adapt for two 9-inch round pans or a 9×13-inch rectangular pan. Reduce bake time to 30-35 minutes at 350°F and check doneness with a toothpick. Greasing remains key—use non-stick spray and flour. Batter fits standard Bundt volume (about 8-10 cups), so no adjustments needed. Layers stack well for a tiered look with cookies and cream filling between. Frost tops with Oreo buttercream: beat ½ cup butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup cream, and 10 crushed Oreos. This swap works for beginners without losing moist crumb or cookie chunks. Slice and serve same day for best flavor. (102 words)

How should I store homemade cookies and cream Bundt cake?

Room temperature: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate up to 5 days in a sealed container to prevent Oreos from softening. Bring to room temp before serving for ideal texture. Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic then foil, or whole cake in double layers. Freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge. Avoid microwaving—defrost naturally to keep glaze intact. If humid, add rice grains to storage to absorb moisture. These steps maintain the cake’s signature crunch and creaminess without sogginess. Always label with date. (96 words)

What’s the best frosting for cookies and cream Bundt cake?

Oreo cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly: Soften 8 oz cream cheese and ½ cup butter, beat until smooth. Add 4 cups powdered sugar gradually, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 tbsp heavy cream, and 15 crushed Oreos. Whip on high 2 minutes for fluffiness. Spread or drizzle generously—it sets firm yet creamy. For simpler glaze, whisk 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tbsp milk, ½ tsp vanilla, and Oreo crumbs. Pipe rosettes on top with extra cookie halves for garnish. This adds 200 calories per slice but elevates flavor. Make ahead and chill; soften 30 minutes before use. Yields enough for one Bundt. (98 words)

Can I add mix-ins or make gluten-free cookies and cream Bundt cake?

Boost with ½ cup mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks folded in last—bake same time. For gluten-free, swap flour 1:1 with a blend like King Arthur’s measure-for-measure, adding ½ tsp xanthan gum if not included. Use GF Oreo alternatives like Kinnikinnick. Test doneness early as GF bakes faster. Dairy-free? Sub plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese. These tweaks keep the cake tender and cookie-loaded. Nutrition note: Original recipe is 450 calories/slice with 6g protein from eggs and milk. Experiment small batches first. Links to full GF recipe in comments. (92 words)

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Cookies And Cream Bundt Cake

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🍪 Enjoy the nostalgic crunch of Oreos enveloped in soft, vanilla-infused cake batter for a decadent treat that’s hard to resist.
🎂 Perfect for impressing guests with its gorgeous bundt shape and bold cookies-and-cream taste, ready with basic pantry staples.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

– 1 (15.25 oz) box white or vanilla cake mix

– 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

– 3 large eggs

– 1/2 cup vegetable oil

– 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies (about 12 cookies, filling removed)

– 8 oz cream cheese, softened

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1 egg yolk

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– 1 cup additional crushed Oreos

– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted

Notes

🍪 Chop Oreos into large chunks to ensure they stay crispy after baking.
🧴 Spray the bundt pan with baking spray containing flour for easy unmolding.
⏳ Let the cake cool completely before applying glaze to keep it pretty.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooling: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 435 kcal
  • Sugar: 39 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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