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Brownie Refrigerator Cake Recipe

4.7 from 65 reviews

This Brownie Refrigerator Cake is a delicious no-bake dessert featuring a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a creamy sweetened cream cheese and whipped cream layer, finished with chocolate chips. The cake is chilled to set, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert that combines the indulgence of brownies with a light, creamy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

  • 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

Cream Cheese Filling

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8×8 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then stir 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 ensure even distribution.
  4. Make brownie batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Bake the brownies: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  6. Cool brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  7. Prepare cream cheese filling: While the brownies cool, in a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
  8. Fold in whipped cream and chocolate chips: Gently fold the whipped heavy cream and half of the chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture to create a light and fluffy filling.
  9. Assemble cake: Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top of the brownie layer.
  10. Garnish and chill: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours 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 chocolate chips with chopped nuts or other toppings if preferred.
  • For easier slicing, chill the cake overnight and use a sharp knife warmed under hot water.
  • This dessert can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance the flavors.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for best texture and flavor.

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