Brownie Refrigerator Cake

Think of this as a chocolate lasagna built on a brownies base. Layer upon layer of fudgy brownie, sweet cream cheese, silky pudding, and pillowy whipped topping make it a dessert that disappears fast at potlucks and parties.

Start with a pan of brownies, baked and fully cooled, because a warm base would melt everything stacked on top. Over that goes a sweetened cream cheese layer lightened with whipped topping, which adds a tangy richness that keeps the whole thing from being one-note sweet.

The pudding layer blends both chocolate and vanilla instant pudding with milk for a thick, set middle. Use slightly less milk than the box calls for so it sets firm enough to hold its layer instead of running. A final cloud of whipped topping and a scatter of chocolate shavings or a drizzle of syrup finish it off.

The fridge does the rest, chilling everything until the layers set into clean, distinct stripes.

Kitchen Tips

• Cool the brownies completely before layering, or the cream cheese and topping will melt and slide.
• Use a bit less milk in the pudding so it sets firm and the layers stay distinct.
• Chill several hours, ideally overnight, so it firms up enough to cut clean squares.

Variations

• Add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries between the brownie and cream cheese.
• Use all chocolate pudding for a deeper hit, or peanut butter pudding for a twist.
• Sprinkle chopped candy bars, toffee bits, or crushed Oreos over the top.