The Cookie Butter Cake is a dessert that speaks straight to the soul of a true Biscoff lover. With its irresistibly moist cake layers and rich, creamy frosting infused with the iconic cookie butter spread, every bite is an indulgence. The balance of sweet, spiced notes in the cookie butter pairs beautifully with the tender crumb of the cake, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration. Visually stunning with a golden cookie butter drip and delicate crumbs sprinkled on top, this cake not only satisfies the palate but also steals the show on any dessert table. Whether you’re an avid home baker or just starting your journey, this recipe is simple to follow yet impressive to serve. It’s the kind of treat that disappears fast and has guests asking for seconds and the recipe.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Cake Layers
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
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1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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1 cup buttermilk
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1/2 cup cookie butter spread
Cookie Butter Frosting
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1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
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1/2 cup cookie butter spread
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3–4 cups powdered sugar
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2 tbsp heavy cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Cookie Butter Drip (Optional)
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1/4 cup cookie butter
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2–3 tsp milk
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla and cookie butter.
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Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
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Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
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For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add cookie butter and beat again. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
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Frost the cooled cake layers, stacking evenly. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes.
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Add final frosting layer. For the drip, warm cookie butter with milk until pourable, then drizzle over the top edges. Decorate with crushed Biscoff cookies if desired.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 630 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
The Ultimate Cookie Butter Cake Guide: Rich, Sweet, and Unforgettable
Cookie Butter Cake has quickly risen to star status in the dessert world and for good reason. With its velvety texture, spiced caramel-like flavor, and stunning presentation, this cake is not just a treat for the tastebuds, but a showstopper for any occasion. Born from the popularity of the famous Lotus Biscoff cookie butter spread, this cake transforms that addictive, creamy spread into a dessert masterpiece. Whether you’re a longtime cookie butter fan or simply exploring new flavors in baking, this cake is a must-try.
This indulgent creation features multiple layers of soft, fluffy cake infused with cookie butter, paired with a luxuriously smooth frosting and finished with a dramatic drip made from the same delicious spread. It’s rich without being overly sweet, elegant without being difficult to make, and utterly irresistible from the first forkful to the last crumb. Let’s dive into the magic behind this popular recipe, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation.
What is Cookie Butter?
To appreciate Cookie Butter Cake, it’s helpful to understand what cookie butter actually is. Cookie butter is a spread made from crushed spiced cookies (commonly Biscoff or Speculoos), mixed with fat, sugar, and sometimes milk or oil to create a smooth, peanut butter-like consistency. It has a caramelized, cinnamon-rich flavor that’s both comforting and slightly exotic, making it incredibly versatile for use in baking, spreads, fillings, and even beverages.
The flavor profile of cookie butter is key to this cake. It brings an added depth and complexity that standard vanilla or butter cakes can’t match. Its signature warmth and sweetness are balanced with just the right hint of spice, elevating the cake from a simple dessert to a bakery-worthy creation.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
A Unique Flavor Experience
Cookie butter offers something you don’t get with chocolate, vanilla, or even fruit-based cakes it’s rich and aromatic with a subtle spice that tantalizes the palate. It evokes the cozy flavors of fall and winter but is delicious enough to enjoy year-round. Combined with a buttery cake crumb and fluffy frosting, it creates a flavor symphony that’s hard to beat.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, this cake is dressed to impress. The drip effect made from warmed cookie butter adds a gourmet touch, while a sprinkle of crushed cookies on top offers texture and visual appeal. Serve it at a party, bring it to a potluck, or make it as a weekend project whatever the occasion, it will leave your guests speechless.
Surprisingly Easy to Make
Despite its luxurious appearance, Cookie Butter Cake is surprisingly approachable, even for beginner bakers. The recipe uses common baking techniques and ingredients, with the cookie butter doing most of the heavy lifting in terms of flavor. The frosting is forgiving, the layers are moist and tender, and the drip is just melted cookie butter no advanced pastry skills required.
Variations and Customization Ideas
This cake is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own. Here are some ideas to help you personalize the recipe to suit your tastes or the occasion:
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Add Crunch: Stir crushed Biscoff cookies into the frosting between layers for added texture.
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Make it Chocolatey: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers or use chocolate cookie butter for a richer flavor.
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Go Mini: Turn the batter into cupcakes and top with cookie butter frosting and mini cookies.
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Add a Filling: Consider a surprise filling of whipped cream, caramel, or even cookie butter mousse for a twist.
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes, and ensure the cookie butter brand you use is vegan-friendly.
Tips for Perfect Results
Getting the perfect Cookie Butter Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are a few tips to ensure success every time:
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature to help them blend more easily and result in a smoother batter.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you’ve added your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
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Chill Before Dripping: If you’re doing a drip decoration, chill the frosted cake first so the warm cookie butter drip doesn’t melt the frosting.
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Use an Offset Spatula: For smooth, even frosting and a professional finish, an offset spatula is your best friend.
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Store Correctly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
What to Serve with Cookie Butter Cake
This cake is a star on its own, but if you’re planning a full dessert spread or looking for beverage pairings, here are some delicious ideas:
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Coffee or Espresso: The warm, spiced notes in cookie butter pair beautifully with a rich cup of coffee.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of classic vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side takes this dessert over the top.
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Chai Latte or Spiced Tea: The complementary flavors in chai or other spiced teas enhance the cookie butter profile.
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Berries: Serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
One of the great things about this cake is how well it keeps. Whether you need to make it ahead or preserve leftovers, here’s how to store it properly:
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Refrigeration: Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator, covered in a cake dome or airtight container. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
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Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before frosting. Frosted slices can also be frozen, though the texture of the frosting may slightly change upon thawing.
The Origin and Popularity of Cookie Butter Desserts
The cookie butter craze originated in Europe, where Speculoos cookies were a staple around the holidays. Eventually, enterprising bakers and food manufacturers began turning those spiced cookies into spreads, creating what we now know as cookie butter. Brands like Lotus Biscoff brought the trend to the U.S., where it became a cult favorite.
Cookie butter desserts have since exploded in popularity, appearing in everything from cheesecakes and brownies to milkshakes and ice cream. Cookie Butter Cake is the ultimate evolution a full-sized dessert that showcases the spread’s creamy, spiced charm.
Conclusion:
In a world full of cakes, Cookie Butter Cake stands out as a rich, flavorful, and beautifully unique dessert. It combines the comforting taste of spiced cookies with the elegance of a layer cake, wrapped in a luscious frosting and topped with a mouthwatering drip. It’s easy enough for a weekend bake but impressive enough for a celebration, and endlessly customizable to fit your style.
Whether you’re baking it for the first time or returning to a favorite, this cake delivers a decadent experience every time. From the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes to the last bite of its soft, spiced crumb, Cookie Butter Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a moment of joy worth savoring.