Brownie Refrigerator Cake Recipe
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.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Make brownie batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- 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.
- Cool brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble cake: Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top of the brownie layer.
- 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