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Ultimate No-Bake Brownie Refrigerator Cake

Close-up of a decadent slice of brownie refrigerator cake showing rich layers of chocolate cake, mousse, and whipped cream.

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You can make this rich, layered Brownie Refrigerator Cake without turning on your oven. It combines fudgy brownie layers with creamy fillings for an impressive, make-ahead dessert perfect for parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (18.25 ounce) box fudgy brownie mix, prepared and cooled
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or shavings for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brownies according to package directions using a 9×13 inch pan. Cool the brownies completely, then cut them into uniform squares or slices.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant chocolate pudding mix for two minutes until slightly thickened. Let this mixture stand for five minutes.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Gently fold the prepared chocolate pudding into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.
  5. Fold half of the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture to create a lighter filling.
  6. To assemble the Brownie Refrigerator Cake, line a 9×13 inch baking dish with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang.
  7. Arrange half of the cooled brownie pieces in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared dish.
  8. Spread half of the cream cheese-pudding filling evenly over the first layer of brownies.
  9. Top the filling with the remaining brownie pieces, arranging them to cover the layer.
  10. Spread the remaining cream cheese-pudding filling over the second brownie layer.
  11. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set.
  12. Before serving, spread the remaining half of the whipped topping over the top layer of the cake.
  13. Sprinkle the top evenly with chocolate chips or shavings. Use the plastic wrap overhang to lift the cake out of the dish before slicing and serving this easy refrigerator dessert.

Notes

  • For a quicker assembly, you can use store-bought, pre-made fudgy brownies instead of baking your own.
  • If you want a firmer layer, use a stabilized whipped cream or a cream cheese frosting instead of plain whipped topping.
  • This make ahead chocolate cake tastes best when chilled for a full 8 hours.

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