Red Velvet Oreo Cake – sweetydreamz

Red Velvet Oreo Cake is a rich, eye-catching dessert that layers moist red velvet sponge with cookies-and-cream cream cheese frosting. The subtle cocoa flavor of classic red velvet pairs perfectly with crunchy chocolate sandwich cookies for a bakery-style cake that’s ideal for celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist, Tender Crumb – Oil and buttermilk keep the cake soft for days.
Cookies-and-Cream Frosting – Creamy with a slight crunch in every bite.
Show-Stopping Appearance – Vibrant red layers with dramatic contrast.
Perfect Celebration Cake – Great for birthdays and holidays.
Balanced Sweetness – Tangy cream cheese offsets the sugar.
Easy Layer Cake – Straightforward mixing method.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Red Velvet Cake

2½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure.
1½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Adds extra lift.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
1 teaspoon cocoa powder – Adds mild chocolate notes.
1½ cups vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist.
1 cup buttermilk – Adds tang and tenderness.
2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients.
2 tablespoons red food coloring – Creates signature color.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Deepens flavor.
1 teaspoon white vinegar – Activates leavening.

For the Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened – Tangy base.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness.
4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
1 cup crushed Oreo cookies – Adds crunch and chocolate flavor.

For Decoration

Whole Oreo cookies – Decorative topping.
Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional) – Extra flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment.

Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder in a large bowl.

Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth.

Make the Batter
Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Bake the Cakes
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually. Mix in vanilla and crushed cookies.

Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting evenly on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides.

Decorate
Top with whole cookies and optional chocolate shavings or drizzle.

Serve
Slice with a sharp knife and serve at room temperature.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure smooth batter and frosting.
Don’t Overbake – Keeps the cake moist.
Crumb Coat First – Chill briefly for cleaner frosting.
Use Gel Food Coloring – Produces vibrant color without thinning batter.
Chill Before Slicing – Helps create neat layers.
Wipe Knife Between Cuts – For clean slices.

Nutritional Snapshot (Estimated)

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: ~520 per slice

Perfect Pairings

Cold Milk – Classic cookies-and-cream companion.
Hot Coffee – Balances sweetness.
Vanilla Ice Cream – Extra indulgence.
Fresh Berries – Bright contrast.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate Covered – Keeps fresh up to 4 days.
Bring to Room Temp Before Serving – Best texture and flavor.
Freeze Unfrosted Layers – Up to 2 months.
Store in Airtight Container – Prevents drying.

Creative Variations

Oreo Drip Cake – Add chocolate ganache drip.
Cupcake Version – Bake 18–22 minutes.
Mini Layer Cake – Use 6-inch pans.
Extra Crunch – Add cookie crumbs between layers.

Troubleshooting

Dense Cake – Overmixed batter.
Runny Frosting – Chill or add powdered sugar.
Dry Texture – Overbaked layers.
Uneven Layers – Level cakes before frosting.

Why This Recipe Works

The acidity of buttermilk and vinegar reacts with baking soda to create lift and tenderness. Oil ensures lasting moisture, while cream cheese frosting adds tang that balances sweetness. Cookie crumbs introduce texture contrast, making each bite layered and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Oreo Cake combines classic red velvet elegance with playful cookies-and-cream flavor. It’s visually stunning, richly textured, and perfect for sharing at celebrations. With simple techniques and bold flavors, this cake delivers bakery-quality results in your own kitchen.