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Brownie Refrigerator Cake: Decadent, No-Bake Layers of Fudge and Cream

Brownie Refrigerator Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers! 🍫 This rich, layered dessert combines a fudgy brownie base with creamy cheesecake-style layers, smooth pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. Best of all, it’s mostly no-bake—perfect for make-ahead desserts, parties, or a sweet treat after dinner.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Minimal baking: only the brownie base requires the oven.
  • Creamy, fudgy, and decadent layers that meld beautifully in the fridge.
  • Highly customizable with chocolate, peanut butter, coffee, or fruit twists.

Ingredients

Brownie Base:

  • 1 brownie mix (9Ă—13 pan size)
  • 1 extra-large egg

Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 container whipped topping (8 oz)

Pudding Layer:

  • 1 package chocolate instant pudding (3 oz)
  • 1 package vanilla instant pudding (3 oz)
  • 3 1/2 cups milk

Topping:

  • 1 container whipped topping (8 oz)
  • Chocolate shavings or syrup for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Brownies

  1. Preheat oven according to brownie mix instructions.
  2. Mix batter with an extra-large egg for added richness.
  3. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and bake 25–30 minutes.
  4. Cool completely before layering.

Step 2: Cream Cheese Layer

  1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar and fold in whipped topping.
  3. Spread evenly over the cooled brownie base.

Step 3: Pudding Layer

  1. Whisk chocolate and vanilla pudding mixes with milk until thickened.
  2. Pour over the cream cheese layer and smooth evenly.

Step 4: Whipped Topping & Garnish

  1. Spread remaining whipped topping over pudding.
  2. Garnish with chocolate shavings or syrup.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
  • Slice and serve chilled.

Variations

  • Oreo Brownie Cake: Use cookies-and-cream pudding and crushed Oreos.
  • Peanut Butter: Swirl melted peanut butter into the pudding and top with chopped Reese’s.
  • Mocha: Add espresso powder to the pudding and drizzle with caramel.
  • Strawberry: Swap chocolate pudding for strawberry and top with fresh berries.

Tips for Success

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth layer.
  • Chill each layer briefly before adding the next to maintain distinct layers.
  • Allow brownies to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese mixture.
  • Overmixing pudding can make it runny—mix only until thickened.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Wrap slices individually; store up to 2 months.
  • Let frozen slices thaw in the fridge overnight.

Pairing Ideas

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh berries
  • Salted caramel drizzle
  • Espresso whipped cream
  • Roasted nuts

Brownie Refrigerator Cake is the perfect dessert to make ahead for gatherings or to treat yourself. Rich, creamy, and oh-so-decadent, it’s guaranteed to impress every chocolate lover! 🍫💖