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Brownie Refrigerator Cake Recipe

4.6 from 117 reviews

This Brownie Refrigerator Cake is a luscious no-bake dessert featuring a rich brownie base topped with a creamy, fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream filling studded with chocolate chips. It’s perfect for make-ahead occasions, combining the fudgy texture of baked brownies with a chilled, creamy topping that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Filling and Topping

  • 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. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan to ensure the brownies don’t stick during baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, mixing thoroughly until smooth and creamy to create a rich base.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate, then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and chocolate.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  6. Spread Batter and Bake: Pour and spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick that should come out with moist crumbs.
  7. Cool Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to firm up for the topping.
  8. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: While the brownies cool, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
  9. Fold in Cream and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the whipped heavy cream and half of the chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture until evenly blended.
  10. Assemble Cake: Once brownies are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top of the brownies.
  11. Top with Remaining Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese layer for extra texture and chocolate flavor.
  12. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to set the filling and enhance flavors before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before adding the cream cheese filling to prevent melting and sliding.
  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
  • Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks for a fluffy, light filling texture.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Optional: Garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving for presentation.

Keywords: Brownie Refrigerator Cake, Cream Cheese Topping, No-Bake Dessert, Chocolate Brownies, Chilled Desserts