Brownie Refrigerator Cake Recipe
This decadent Brownie Refrigerator Cake combines fudgy homemade brownies with creamy layers of cream cheese, whipped topping, and rich chocolate and vanilla pudding. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to prepare and requires no baking beyond the brownies, this chilled cake promises a luscious, multi-textured treat ideal for any occasion.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Brownie Layer
- 1 brownie mix (9×13 pan size)
- 1 extra-large egg (in addition to the mix instructions)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container whipped topping (8 oz)
Pudding Layer
- 1 package chocolate instant pudding mix (3 oz)
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix (3 oz)
- 3 1/2 cups milk
Topping and Garnish
- 1 container whipped topping (8 oz)
- 1 Hershey bar for chocolate shavings or chocolate syrup
- Prepare the Brownies: Follow the package directions for the brownie mix, adding an extra large egg to the batter to ensure a fudgier texture. Pour into a 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature before proceeding.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in one container of whipped topping (8 oz) until fully incorporated. Evenly spread this mixture over the cooled brownie base in the pan.
- Prepare the Pudding Layer: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate and vanilla instant pudding mixes with 3 1/2 cups of cold milk. Whisk until the mixture thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency (about 2 minutes). Spread this pudding layer carefully over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Add the Whipped Topping: Spread the second container of whipped topping (8 oz) over the top of the pudding layer, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula for a clean finish.
- Garnish and Chill: Use a Hershey bar to create chocolate shavings by scraping a vegetable peeler along the edge of the chocolate, or drizzle chocolate syrup over the top as preferred. Cover the pan and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow all layers to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Adding an extra egg to the brownie mix creates a moister, fudgier brownie base.
- Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- For a thicker pudding layer, chill the pudding mix in the refrigerator before spreading.
- You can substitute the Hershey bar for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor.
- This dessert can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: brownie refrigerator cake, no bake cake, layered dessert, chocolate pudding cake, cream cheese dessert, easy fridge cake