Description
Assemble this rich, layered dessert using pre-baked brownies and a creamy, no-bake filling. This cake sets up perfectly in the refrigerator for an easy make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (18 ounce) package of pre-baked fudgy brownies, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the brownie layer: Line an 8×8 inch square pan with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang on the sides. Arrange the brownie cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Make the pudding layer: In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk and vanilla extract for two minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually beat in the cold heavy whipping cream and cocoa powder until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the cake: Gently fold the slightly thickened chocolate pudding into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Layer the cake: Carefully spread the cream cheese-pudding mixture evenly over the layer of brownie cubes in the pan.
- Chill: Cover the pan with the plastic wrap overhang and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the cake is firm.
- Serve: Before serving, lift the cake out of the pan using the plastic wrap overhang. Sprinkle the top evenly with chocolate chips. Cut into squares and serve cold.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought whipped topping for the heavy cream if you prefer a faster assembly.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate brownie cubes.
- Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake/Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 65