Rich & Creamy Oreo Chocolate Cake

### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Oven and Pans:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

#### 2. **Make the Cake Batter:**
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Gradually add the hot water (or hot coffee) to the batter, stirring until it’s fully incorporated. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine!

#### 3. **Bake the Cake Layers:**
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 4. **Make the Oreo Frosting:**
While the cake layers are cooling, prepare the Oreo frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and crushed Oreo cookies, and mix until the frosting is smooth and fully combined. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

#### 5. **Assemble the Cake:**
Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the Oreo frosting on top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, gently pressing down to ensure it’s even. Use the remaining Oreo frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake. Be sure to smooth out the frosting for a neat finish.

#### 6. **Decorate the Cake:**
For the finishing touch, crush a few more Oreo cookies and sprinkle them over the top of the cake for added texture and decoration. You can also place whole Oreo cookies around the edges of the cake for a more dramatic presentation.

#### 7. **Chill and Serve:**
Allow the cake to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set the frosting and make slicing easier. Serve the cake chilled or at room temperature for a rich, creamy, and indulgent dessert experience!

### **Tips:**
– **Oreo Varieties:** Feel free to use different flavors of Oreo cookies (such as Golden Oreos or Mint Oreos) for a fun twist on the flavor. The frosting will still be creamy and delicious, with a slight variation in taste.
– **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the cake and frosting a day ahead and assemble it the next day. Just make sure to store the components separately in the fridge.
– **Extra Moisture:** If you like an even more decadent cake, consider adding a simple syrup (made with sugar and water) to the cake layers before frosting. This will make the cake extra moist.

### **Conclusion:**
Rich & Creamy Oreo Chocolate Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers and Oreo fans alike. With moist layers of chocolate cake, a creamy Oreo-infused frosting, and the crunch of Oreo cookies on top, this cake is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch everyone fall in love with its indulgent, creamy goodness!