When you want a cake that looks stunning and tastes even better, Red Velvet Oreo Layer Cake is the ultimate celebration dessert. You get soft, moist red velvet cake layers with that classic hint of cocoa, stacked with a fluffy cookies-and-cream frosting and plenty of Oreo pieces in every bite.
Unlike basic red velvet cake, this version adds a bold, gourmet twist with Oreo crunch and creamy filling—perfect for birthdays, holidays, parties, or anytime you want a bakery-style cake made right at home.
Ingredients
Serves 12 (two 8-inch layers)
Red Velvet Cake Layers
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
Oreo Cookies-and-Cream Frosting
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 16 Oreo cookies, crushed (plus extra for decorating)
- 1–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
Optional Decorations
- Oreo halves for the top
- Red velvet crumbs (from trimmed cake edges)
- White chocolate shavings (optional)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Bake time: 25–30 minutes
- Cooling time: 60 minutes
- Assembly time: 20 minutes
- Total time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment circles.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, oil, buttermilk, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth and vibrant.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined (do not overmix).
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Cool fully before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Oreo Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and salt.
Fold in crushed Oreos. Add milk/cream a tablespoon at a time until spreadable.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a generous layer of Oreo frosting. Add the second layer on top and frost the top and sides.
Step 8: Decorate and Serve
Decorate with Oreo halves, cake crumbs, or extra crushed Oreos. Chill 20–30 minutes for cleaner slices, then serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slightly chilled for clean slices and firm frosting.
- Pair with cold milk or a vanilla latte for the perfect cookies-and-cream vibe.
- Add fresh raspberries on the side for a bright contrast.
- Turn leftovers into cake jars with extra frosting and Oreo crumbs.
- For parties, slice thinner pieces—this cake is rich.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice, 1/12 cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 610 |
| Protein | 6 grams |
| Total Fat | 34 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 14 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 72 grams |
| Sugars | 54 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 340 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Red velvet includes a small amount of cocoa for classic flavor without being overly chocolatey.
- Cream cheese adds richness and structure to the frosting.
- Oreos add sweetness and crunch—making this dessert more indulgent, so smaller slices go a long way.
Tips for a Perfect Layer Cake
- Use room-temperature buttermilk and eggs for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added—this keeps the cake tender.
- Chill the cake layers before frosting for easier assembly.
- Crush Oreos finely for smoother frosting, or keep them chunkier for extra texture.
- Use a serrated knife to level layers if needed for a straight stack.
Variations to Try
- Three-Layer Version: Bake in three 6-inch pans for a taller cake.
- Extra Oreo Filling: Add a layer of crushed Oreos between frosting layers.
- Chocolate Drip: Add a white or dark chocolate drip on top for a bakery look.
- Cupcakes: Bake as cupcakes for 18–20 minutes and pipe Oreo frosting on top.
- Less Sweet Frosting: Reduce powdered sugar slightly and add more cream cheese (texture will be softer).
This Red Velvet Oreo Layer Cake is a true celebration dessert—moist red velvet layers, fluffy cookies-and-cream frosting, and Oreo crunch in every bite. It’s impressive, delicious, and completely homemade, yet it tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.
Whether you bake it for a birthday or just because you want something unforgettable, this recipe guarantees a rich, creamy, cookies-and-cream slice every time.
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