Fall Cookie Cake

Get ready to FALL in love with this festive Fall Cookie Cake recipe! This delicious dessert is perfect for any celebration, from cozy family gatherings to lively parties. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, it’s sure to become a new favorite. The combination of soft cookie texture and delightful frosting makes this cake a standout treat that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe takes just 25 minutes of prep time and 16 minutes of baking, making it a quick dessert option.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of brown sugar and chocolate chips creates a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Versatile Decoration: Use assorted gel food coloring for a fun and colorful frosting that can match any occasion or theme.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 14 slices, making it ideal for potlucks, birthday parties, or holiday celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Fall Cookie Cake, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment on hand can make all the difference in achieving the perfect bake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a light texture.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan helps distribute heat evenly for consistent baking results.

Ingredients

To make your Fall Cookie Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 + 1/2 sticks aka 12 TBSP)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (150 grams)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

For the Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick) softened to room temp.
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (180 grams)
• 1-2 TBSP heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp salt
• assorted gel food coloring (for colorful frosting)

How to Make Fall Cookie Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
1. The unsalted butter.
2. Light brown sugar.
3. Granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add:
1. The large egg.
2. Pure vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour.
2. Cornstarch.
3. Baking soda.
4. Salt until fully mixed.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in:
1. Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 16 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting While Cooling

While the cake cools, prepare your frosting by beating together:
1. Softened butter.
2. Powdered sugar.
3. Heavy cream or whipping cream.
4. Vanilla extract.
5. Salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake

Once completely cooled, frost your Fall Cookie Cake with your prepared frosting and add extra chocolate chips on top for garnish.

Enjoy your delicious Fall Cookie Cake!

How to Serve Fall Cookie Cake

Serve your Fall Cookie Cake warm or at room temperature for the best experience. This delightful dessert can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation.

A La Mode

• Scoop a generous portion of vanilla ice cream on top of a slice for a classic combination. The warm cake with cold ice cream creates a delicious contrast.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream to each slice. This light topping enhances the cake’s sweetness without overpowering it.

Seasonal Fruit Garnish

• Top with fresh fruits like sliced apples or pears. Their natural sweetness and crunch complement the cake beautifully.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch. This adds richness and visual appeal to your dessert.

Festive Sprinkles

• Decorate with colorful sprinkles to give your Fall Cookie Cake a festive look. This is especially fun for parties or celebrations.

How to Perfect Fall Cookie Cake

To ensure your Fall Cookie Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cake tender and avoid toughness.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding frosting, preventing it from melting off.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Fall Cookie Cake

Pair your Fall Cookie Cake with these delicious side dishes that enhance its charm and flavor profile.

1. Cinnamon Apples: Sauté sliced apples in butter, cinnamon, and sugar for a warm side that complements the cookie cake perfectly.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A cozy drink that matches the fall theme, making it an excellent pairing for dessert.
3. Roasted Nuts: Serve a bowl of mixed roasted nuts as a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie cake.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your slice for added sweetness and richness; it’s easy to prepare!
5. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a refreshing side dish that balances sweetness.
6. Hot Chocolate: Offer mugs of rich hot chocolate alongside the cake; this comforting drink pairs well with sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Fall Cookie Cake, avoid these common errors for the best results.

• Bold butter usage: Using cold butter instead of softened can affect the cake’s texture. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for a light and fluffy cake.
• Bold measuring flour: Not measuring flour correctly can lead to a dense cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Bold over-mixing: Mixing the batter too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep your cookie cake tender.
• Bold ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Bold skipping chilling time: Not allowing the batter to chill may prevent proper spreading during baking. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Fall Cookie Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fall Cookie Cake

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.
• Bold Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the perfect Fall Cookie Cake.

What makes Fall Cookie Cake different from traditional cookies?

Fall Cookie Cake combines the best of both worlds—it’s soft like cookies but baked as one large cake, making it perfect for sharing.

Can I customize my Fall Cookie Cake?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even swap out chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips.

How do I store leftovers of my Fall Cookie Cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup with regular flour.

Final Thoughts

This Fall Cookie Cake is not just a delightful dessert; it’s an exciting way to celebrate fall flavors! With its soft texture and rich taste, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins!