Description
This Brownie Refrigerator Cake is a rich and decadent dessert featuring a moist cocoa brownie base topped with a creamy, fluffy cream cheese and whipped heavy cream mixture studded with chocolate chips. Baked to perfection and chilled to set, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors perfect for any occasion.
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 cream cheese, softened (approx. 8 oz)
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 0.5 cup chocolate chips, divided (1/4 cup for filling, 1/4 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan to prevent the brownie from sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt ensuring an even distribution of leavening and cocoa.
- Make Brownie Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the brownies tough.
- Bake the Brownie: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool the Brownie: Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan to ensure the filling spreads evenly and does not melt.
- Prepare the Filling: While the brownies cool, in a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Carefully fold in the whipped heavy cream and half of the chocolate chips (about 1/4 cup), blending gently to maintain the whipped texture.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the brownies to form the creamy layer.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer for an extra chocolatey finish and textural contrast.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent it from melting.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with chopped nuts for added crunch if desired.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the best texture and flavor.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated for a convenient dessert option.
- For easier slicing, dip the knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brownie refrigerator cake, cream cheese topping, chocolate chip dessert, no-bake frosting cake, easy brownie recipe
