If you’re looking for the ultimate dessert collision, the Cookie Dough Brownie Cake is hands-down the showstopper your sweet tooth has been craving. Imagine two thick, fudgy brownie layers sandwiching billows of creamy, safe-to-eat cookie dough, all crowned with a glossy pour of luscious chocolate ganache. With every forkful, you get the dense richness of brownies, the nostalgia-inducing comfort of cookie dough, and that final flourish of silky chocolate. This cake is ready to wow at birthdays, celebrations, or as an indulgent weekend project.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cookie Dough Brownie Cake plays an essential role, from deepening the chocolate flavor to making the dough irresistibly creamy. pull out your mixing bowls, because the magic truly happens when these simple staples come together!
- Brownie mix (1 box): Ensure deep, chocolatey foundation layers with your favorite brand; follow the box directions for maximum fudginess.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds creaminess and rich flavor to the cookie dough filling—room-temperature is key for smooth blending.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Provides that classic, caramel-y bite and keeps your cookie dough soft and chewy.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Gives extra sweetness and balances the richness of the filling.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Binds the dough, making it soft, and easy to spread between and over the brownie layers.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and aroma, giving the cookie dough its signature flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Lends structure to the edible dough—heat-treat before using for safety, as suggested in the notes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all flavors into perfect harmony and offsets the sweetness beautifully.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Scattered throughout the dough, these create tiny bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The foundation for silky ganache—don’t substitute here for best results.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup, for ganache): For a dreamy melt and a rich cap to your creation.
How to Make Cookie Dough Brownie Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Layers
Let’s start with the base! Whip up your brownie mix just as the package instructs, combining all required ingredients. Divide the batter evenly between two greased, parchment-lined 8-inch round cake pans. This ensures easy removal and neat layers later. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye so you catch that magical spot with moist crumbs on the toothpick. Give them time to cool fully in the pans—the wait is worth it for clean, sturdy cake layers!
Step 2: Mix the Dreamy Cookie Dough
While your brownies cool, grab a large bowl and cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it looks fluffy and irresistible. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract to make it even smoother. Now, add your heat-treated all-purpose flour and salt, blending just until combined (no over-mixing!). Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips by hand for pockets of extra chocolatey goodness throughout. You’re officially making edible cookie dough royalty.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Ready for the fun part? Place one completely cooled brownie layer onto a serving plate. Spread half of the cookie dough evenly over the top, going right out to the edges for that “wow” effect in every slice. Gently lay the second brownie round on top. Carefully smooth the rest of your cookie dough over the second layer, letting a bit cascade down the sides for dramatic flair.
Step 4: Pour On the Ganache
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream just until it starts to simmer. Then, pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips sitting in a heatproof bowl. Pause a couple of minutes so the chips get all melty, then stir slowly until you reveal a glossy, silky ganache. Let it cool slightly for a few minutes (so it’s pourable but not scorching), and pour the chocolate over your assembled cake, letting it drip artistically down the sides. Pop the whole cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, so everything firms up to sliceable, decadent perfection.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Brownie Cake
Garnishes
When it comes to finishing touches, this cake is a blank canvas for creativity. Try a sprinkle of more mini chocolate chips, a dusting of decorative sprinkles, or even a swirl of whipped cream on each slice. A handful of chocolate curls or a scattering of flaked sea salt can add an extra wow moment to both looks and flavor.
Side Dishes
Since Cookie Dough Brownie Cake is super rich and chocolate-forward, consider serving it with something that acts as a palate cleanser. A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream is classic, but fresh strawberries or raspberries also add a juicy, tart balance. For a simple gathering, a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk pairs perfectly!
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the cake whole for a dramatic centerpiece, or pre-slice into neat wedges and arrange on a platter, each with a drizzle of leftover ganache. Mini versions in cupcake form are adorable for parties, and for extra fun, try stacking cubes of leftovers onto skewers and dipping in melted chocolate as “cake pops.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftover Cookie Dough Brownie Cake, simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. Store in the fridge, where it will keep beautifully for up to 5 days—honestly, the flavors might even meld and improve with time!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this beauty! After assembling and chilling, wrap individual slices or the whole (well-set) cake in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. This locks in freshness and keeps the cake safe from freezer burn for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
While Cookie Dough Brownie Cake is amazing when cold or at room temperature, if you adore melty ganache, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds. The brownies will warm up and the ganache gets glossy, but don’t overdo it—the cookie dough layer is best just slightly chilled!
FAQs
Can I make this cake using homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Absolutely! You can use your go-to homemade brownie recipe if you prefer. Just make sure to divide the batter evenly between two pans and adjust the baking time as needed to create sturdy layers.
How do I safely heat-treat flour for the cookie dough?
Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Let it cool completely, then use as directed in the recipe. This quick step ensures your cookie dough is safe for everyone to eat raw!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownie or cookie dough layers?
Definitely! Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans are fantastic in the brownies, and you can switch up the cookie dough mix-ins with white chocolate chips, butterscotch bits, or rainbow sprinkles for a fun twist.
Is the cake sturdy enough to stack more than two layers?
While two layers strike the perfect balance between decadent and manageable, you can build a taller cake—just be sure to chill it well so the cookie dough and ganache provide enough structure to hold additional layers.
Can I make Cookie Dough Brownie Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free brownie mix and gluten-free all-purpose flour for the dough. Make sure your chocolate chips are also gluten-free, and you’ll have an equally delicious gluten-free version to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings pure joy to the table, look no further than Cookie Dough Brownie Cake. It’s the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into a celebration and has everyone asking for seconds. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people over, and enjoy every incredible layer of chocolatey goodness. You’re going to fall in love with this masterpiece!
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Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Cookie Dough Brownie Cake. Layers of rich brownie, decadent cookie dough, and luscious chocolate ganache come together to create a show-stopping treat that will impress any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Cookie Dough Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Brownie Layer: Preheat the oven, prepare and bake the brownie batter in cake pans.
- Cookie Dough Layer: Make the cookie dough, layer it on one brownie, then stack the second brownie.
- Ganache: Prepare the ganache, pour over the cake, and chill before slicing.
Notes
- Heat-treat the flour for safe consumption.
- Small slices are recommended due to richness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
