Brownie Refrigerator Cake
Layer upon layer of chocolate goodness in this no-bake brownie refrigerator cake. Fudgy brownie base, silky cream cheese, rich pudding, and fluffy Cool Whip make this the ultimate chocolate dessert for any occasion.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (9x13 inch pan size) plus eggs, oil, and water called for on package
- 1 large egg extra, in addition to package requirements
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 16 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip) thawed, divided
- 3 ounces chocolate instant pudding mix
- 3 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
- 3.5 cups cold milk
- 1 bar Hershey bar or chocolate syrup for topping
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven according to brownie mix directions. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Prepare brownie batter following package instructions, adding 1 extra egg to the mix.
- Bake brownies until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, about 30-35 minutes. Cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping until well combined. Spread evenly over cooled brownies.
- In another bowl, whisk together chocolate pudding mix, vanilla pudding mix, and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Pour pudding mixture over cream cheese layer and spread carefully to cover completely.
- Spread remaining 8 oz whipped topping over pudding layer, extending to the edges of the pan.
- Top with chocolate shavings or drizzle with chocolate syrup. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight (8-12 hours) for best results.
- Cut into squares using a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe blade between cuts for clean slices. Serve cold.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer
- Use cold milk for pudding to ensure proper thickening
- Brownies must be completely cool before adding cream cheese layer to prevent sliding
- This dessert actually improves overnight as flavors meld together
- Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days
- For cleaner slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped between cuts