Brownie Refrigerator Cake Recipe

Introduction

Brownie Refrigerator Cake is a delightful no-fuss dessert combining rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy, chocolate-studded topping. Chilled to perfection, it makes an ideal treat for warm days or any time you crave a sweet, indulgent bite.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Step 8: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
9. Step 9: While the brownies cool, prepare the filling by beating together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
10. Step 10: Fold the whipped heavy cream and half of the chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture.
11. Step 11: Once the brownies have fully cooled, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
13. Step 13: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter or the cream cheese filling.
• If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Ensure the brownies are completely cool before adding the filling to prevent it from melting or becoming runny.
• For a lighter version, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt in the filling.

Storage

Store the Brownie Refrigerator Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly. This cake is best enjoyed chilled but reheating is not recommended as it affects the creamy topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the brownie base a day ahead?

Yes, you can bake the brownie base a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Add the cream cheese filling just before serving to keep it fresh.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different but delicious creamy topping. Just be sure to sweeten and whip it like the original recipe.

Brownie Refrigerator Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 131 reviews

This Brownie Refrigerator Cake is a luscious dessert that combines a classic rich brownie base with a creamy chocolate chip cream cheese topping. Baked to perfection and chilled to set, this no-fuss cake offers a perfect balance of fudgy texture and smooth, sweet creaminess. Ideal for any celebration or as an indulgent treat, it’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cream Cheese 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. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and 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 combined smoothly. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and cocoa.
4. Make Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the brownies.
5. Bake Brownies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, indicating a fudgy texture.
6. Cool Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan at room temperature to prepare for the topping.
7. Prepare Filling: While cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Then gently fold in the whipped heavy cream and half of the chocolate chips to create a fluffy topping.
8. Assemble Cake: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top to cover the entire surface.
9. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the cream cheese layer for added texture and chocolate flavor.
10. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the topping to set and flavors to meld before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Ensure the brownies are completely cool before adding the cream cheese topping to prevent melting and separation.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the topping mixture.
• Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form to achieve a light, airy texture in the topping.
• For an extra rich flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
• Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Keywords: brownie refrigerator cake, cream cheese topping, chocolate chip dessert, chilled brownie cake, easy brownie recipe, dessert cake