Brownie Refrigerator Cake Recipe
This luscious Brownie Refrigerator Cake is a decadent no-bake dessert that combines fudgy brownies with layers of creamy cream cheese, instant pudding, and whipped topping. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat that requires chilling rather than baking after the brownie base is prepared.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and No-Bake Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Brownie Base
- 1 brownie mix (9×13 pan size)
- 1 additional extra-large egg
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container whipped topping (8 oz)
Pudding Layer
- 1 package chocolate instant pudding (3 oz)
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding (3 oz)
- 3 1/2 cups milk
Topping
- 1 container whipped topping (8 oz)
- 1 Hershey bar (for shavings) or chocolate syrup
- Prepare the Brownies: Follow the brownie mix package instructions and add one extra large egg to the batter for a fudgier texture. Pour the batter into a 9×13 inch pan and bake as directed. Allow the brownies to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and one container of whipped topping. Whip until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled brownie base.
- Prepare the Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chocolate and vanilla instant pudding mixes with 3 1/2 cups of milk until the mixture thickens. Spread this pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the Final Topping: Spread the remaining container of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer to create a smooth top layer.
- Garnish and Chill: Garnish the top with chocolate shavings made from the Hershey bar or drizzle chocolate syrup over the cake. Refrigerate the entire cake for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use extra-large eggs to ensure proper texture.
- Make sure the brownies are completely cooled to prevent melting the cream cheese layer.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for the creamiest consistency.
- Chill the cake for a minimum of 2 hours; overnight chilling intensifies the flavors.
- Optional: substitute chocolate syrup with dark chocolate shavings for a richer garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: brownie refrigerator cake, layered brownie dessert, no bake cake, chocolate pudding dessert, whipped topping dessert