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No-Bake Fudgy Brownie Refrigerator Cake

Close-up of a tall slice of brownie refrigerator cake showing five distinct layers: dark brownie, light mousse, white creamy layer, and repeating.
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You create this rich, layered brownie refrigerator cake using store-bought brownies, cream cheese, and chocolate pudding. This easy make-ahead chocolate dessert sets perfectly in the fridge.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (18.25 ounce) box fudgy brownie mix, prepared and cooled (or 1 box store-bought brownies)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brownies according to the package directions or use your store-bought brownies. Cool them completely, then cut them into uniform squares or break them into rough pieces suitable for layering.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set this aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold milk and the instant chocolate pudding mix for about two minutes until it thickens. Let this mixture stand for five minutes.
  4. Gently fold half of the thawed whipped topping into the thickened chocolate pudding mixture until just combined.
  5. To assemble your brownie refrigerator cake, line an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch square dish with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
  6. Create the first layer by arranging half of the brownie pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
  7. Spread the entire cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie layer.
  8. Top the cream cheese layer with half of the chocolate pudding mixture.
  9. Add the remaining brownie pieces as the next layer.
  10. Spread the remaining chocolate pudding mixture over the brownies.
  11. Top the entire cake with the remaining whipped topping.
  12. Cover the dish and chill the brownie refrigerator cake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
  13. Before serving this decadent chilled chocolate treat, sprinkle the top with chocolate chips if you are using them. Lift the cake out of the dish using the plastic wrap overhang before slicing.

Notes

  • If you use store-bought brownies, ensure they are dense and fudgy for the best texture in this layered brownie icebox cake.
  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute the milk in the pudding layer with heavy cream or use a chocolate cream cheese layer instead of plain cream cheese.
  • This dessert that sets in the fridge travels well; keep it chilled until serving time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/brownie-refrigerator-cake/