Description
Assemble this rich, layered chocolate dessert without turning on your oven. This cake features fudgy brownies, a creamy cheese layer, and a smooth chocolate pudding topping, perfect for making ahead.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (18.3 ounce) package fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on box for baking)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the brownies according to the package directions. Let the brownies cool completely, then cut them into uniform squares suitable for lining the bottom of an 8×8 inch pan.
- Arrange the cooled brownie pieces in a single layer on the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and creamy. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant chocolate pudding mix for two minutes until it begins to thicken. Let it stand for five minutes.
- Gently fold half of the thawed whipped topping into the thickened chocolate pudding mixture until just combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the layer of brownies.
- Carefully spread the chocolate pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Top the cake with the remaining half of the whipped topping.
- Sprinkle the top evenly with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set firmly.
- Slice and serve cold directly from the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use store-bought fudge brownies for the quickest assembly time.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the middle layer.
- For easier slicing, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake/Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 45
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 35