Cookies & Cream Cake

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Seeds from 1 vanilla bean (optional)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)
• 20 chocolate cookies (such as Oreos), crushed
• Additional whole chocolate cookies for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the cakes are baking, prepare the whipped cream frosting. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
7. Once the cakes are done, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. To assemble the cake, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream frosting over the top and sprinkle with half of the crushed chocolate cookies.
9. Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream frosting. Press the remaining crushed cookies onto the sides of the cake.
10. Garnish the top with whole chocolate cookies, arranging them in a decorative pattern.