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Decadent Brownie Refrigerator Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

The Decadent Brownie Refrigerator Cake is an easy no-bake layered dessert that combines fudgy baked brownies with creamy cream cheese, instant pudding, and whipped topping layers. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent treat, it offers a rich chocolate flavor enhanced optionally with espresso powder and can be customized with your favorite garnishes like fresh berries or nuts. Refrigerated to set, this cake is a comforting and delicious dessert ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

  • 1 box Brownie Mix (opt for gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tbsp Espresso Powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature
  • Powdered Sugar (amount not specified, approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup)
  • 4 oz Whipped Topping (half of 8 oz container), thawed

Pudding Layer

  • 1 pkg Instant Pudding Mix (Chocolate or Vanilla)
  • 1 cup Milk (dairy or dairy-free alternative)

Finishing Layer

  • Remaining 4 oz Whipped Topping (thawed)

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Crushed nuts
  • Fresh berries
  • Caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare Brownies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and bake the brownie mix according to package instructions, about 25-30 minutes, optionally adding espresso powder to the batter to enhance chocolate flavor.
  2. Cool Brownies: Allow the baked brownies to cool completely in the pan to room temperature before assembling the cake.
  3. Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar (approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup) and continue beating until combined. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping (4 oz) until incorporated.
  4. Prepare Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and 1 cup milk until thickened, approximately 2 minutes.
  5. Assemble Cake: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Pour the pudding layer on top, smoothing it out evenly. Dollop and gently spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
  6. Chill: Cover the assembled cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.
  7. Serve: Slice the refrigerated cake into portions and garnish with fresh berries, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce as desired before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, choose a gluten-free brownie mix.
  • Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily for a smooth layer.
  • Espresso powder is optional but intensifies the chocolate flavor.
  • Allow brownies to cool completely to avoid melting the cream cheese layer.
  • Use non-dairy whipped topping and milk alternatives to make the dessert dairy-free.
  • Refrigeration time can be extended to overnight for best texture and flavor.
  • Customize garnishes to suit your taste for presentation and added texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Brownie Refrigerator Cake, no-bake cake, layered dessert, chocolate dessert, easy dessert, refrigerator cake, cream cheese cake, instant pudding recipe, gluten-free dessert

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/decadent-brownie-refrigerator-cake-recipe-2/