Brownie Refrigerator Cake Recipe

Introduction

Brownie Refrigerator Cake is a delightful no-fuss dessert that combines rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy, dreamy topping. This layered treat is perfect for make-ahead occasions and is sure to impress with its luscious texture and chocolatey flavor.

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
• 0.5 cup chocolate chips (divided)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan to prepare for the brownies.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract to combine well.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs.
7. Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
8. Step 8: While the brownies cool, prepare the filling: beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth in a medium bowl.
9. Step 9: Fold the whipped heavy cream and half of the chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture until evenly combined.
10. Step 10: Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer for extra texture and chocolate flavor.
12. Step 12: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving to let the flavors meld and the topping set firm.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra rich brownie, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
• Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor or white chocolate chips for contrast.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese to keep the topping light and fluffy.
• For a fresher taste, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter.

Storage

Store the Brownie Refrigerator Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve to maintain the creamy topping’s texture. When reheating, serve chilled or at room temperature; avoid microwaving as the cream cheese topping may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated to allow the flavors to blend and the topping to set.

Can I use whipped topping instead of fresh whipped cream?

While whipped topping can be used in a pinch, fresh whipped cream provides a lighter texture and better flavor that complements the cream cheese filling beautifully.

Brownie Refrigerator Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 143 reviews

This Brownie Refrigerator Cake combines rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy, sweet cream cheese topping studded with chocolate chips. The cake is baked to perfection, cooled, then layered with a luscious cream cheese and whipped cream filling before being chilled in the refrigerator. The result is a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful contrast between dense brownie and light, fluffy topping.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Base

• 0.5 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
• 0.5 cup chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan to ensure the brownies won’t stick.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by stirring in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and flavor.
4. Make the Brownie Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
5. Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
6. Prepare the Filling: While brownies cool, in a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream and half of the chocolate chips to create a light, fluffy filling.
7. Assemble the Cake: Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the brownie layer.
8. Add Toppings & Chill: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the cream cheese layer to add texture and extra chocolate flavor. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow it to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before adding the cream cheese topping to prevent melting.
• You can substitute the chocolate chips for chopped nuts or berries for variation.
• For easier slicing, chill the cake thoroughly and use a sharp knife warmed in hot water.
• This cake stores well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: brownie cake, refrigerator cake, cream cheese frosting, chocolate dessert, no bake topping, easy brownie recipe