Cookie Dough Brownie Cake: The Indulgent Delight
Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, fudgy brownie layered with the nostalgic flavors of cookie dough, topped with a drizzle of chocolate ganache. The Cookie Dough Brownie Cake is a decadent dessert that blends two beloved treats into one irresistible slice. This recipe captures the essence of childhood with every bite, making it the ultimate treat for family gatherings or cozy evenings in.
Whether you’re fulfilling a sweet craving or crafting the perfect celebration cake, this indulgent brownie cake is worth making. With its ease of prep and kid-friendly appeal, it’s sure to bring smiles, laughter, and lots of happy memories to your kitchen.
Are you ready for the ultimate decadent duo?
Have you ever found yourself torn between the rich, gooey goodness of brownies and the irresistible charm of cookie dough? Picture this: a cozy Saturday afternoon, the smell of baking wafting through your home, and the warm satisfaction of indulging in a slice of Cookie Dough Brownie Cake.
This dessert not only satisfies that sweet tooth but also takes you back to simpler times—when you could sneak bites of raw cookie dough guilt-free. Have you ever wished for a time machine to relive those moments? This recipe is your ticket to that nostalgic delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Prep: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, whipping up this indulgent cake is a breeze.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for birthday parties or family dinners, this brownie cake appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of brownie and cookie dough together creates a taste explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Indulge Without Breaking the Bank: The ingredients are simple and budget-friendly, making this dessert an accessible treat anytime.
Perfect for Sharing: The recipe makes enough to slice up and share with friends and family, spreading happiness one gooey bite at a time.
Ingredients
To create this delectable Cookie Dough Brownie Cake, you will need:
For the Brownie Layers:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
For the Cookie Dough Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups heat-treated all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate ganache or frosting
- More mini chocolate chips
- Whipped cream or ice cream for serving
Gather these ingredients, and prepare yourself for the delicious adventure ahead. Each component adds another layer of flavor and nostalgia to this cake.
Timing
This Cookie Dough Brownie Cake balances speedy indulgence with a bit of lavish patience. The bake time will have you enjoying a slice in just about an hour, while the added refrigeration helps the layers meld into a perfect harmony of flavor and texture.
If you prefer a slower, luxurious experience, let the cake chill a little longer before slicing into it. However, the anticipation can be hard to bear when you know such a treat awaits!
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Baking the Brownie Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two round cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides generously for easy release later.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Finally, fold in the luscious semisweet chocolate chips for extra decadence. Divide the brownie batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely, filling your kitchen with the divine aroma of chocolate.
Step 2: Preparing the Cookie Dough Layer
To ensure your cookie dough is safe to eat, you’ll need to heat-treat the flour. Spread it out on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes, then let it cool.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and light. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract to achieve a silky consistency.
Gradually add the cooled heat-treated all-purpose flour along with a pinch of salt, mixing until fully incorporated. Finally, fold in those delightful mini chocolate chips and refrigerate the cookie dough for about 20 minutes to firm it up a bit before assembly.
Step 3: Assembling the Cake
Place one of the cooled brownie layers on a serving plate. Spread the chilled cookie dough generously over the top, allowing it to spill just slightly over the edges for that gooey, homemade look.
Carefully add the second brownie layer on top, pressing down gently to ensure they meld beautifully while still maintaining their shape.
Step 4: Optional Toppings
This is where creativity can really shine! Drizzle chocolate ganache or frosting over the top, sprinkle with extra mini chocolate chips or fun sprinkles. The frosting therapy, combined with the decadent layers, transforms this cake into a showstopper.
Once assembled, refrigerate the entire creation for at least 1 hour before slicing, allowing all those lovely flavors to intermingle and gain a richer taste.
Nutritional Information
Per slice, this indulgent masterpiece is approximately 450 calories (not accounting for optional toppings). It’s a delightful treat to share, perfect to enjoy in moderation. After all, every now and then, it’s essential to splurge a little!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re on the lookout for healthier swaps, here are a few suggestions:
Low-sugar: Substitute some of the granulated sugar in both the brownie and the cookie dough with a natural sweetener or reduce the sugar quantity by 25% for a less sweet, yet still satisfying dessert.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and opt for a dairy-free chocolate option.
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for the perfect way to enjoy your Cookie Dough Brownie Cake? Pair it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
It’s not only ideal for special occasions or holidays but also makes an everyday moment a bit more special. Perfect for a cozy movie night or a delightful picnic, this dessert will wow your guests any time of year!
Common Mistakes
When making your Cookie Dough Brownie Cake, avoid these pitfalls:
Overbaking the brownies: Keep a close eye on your baking time. Remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out mostly clean to maintain that fudgy texture.
Texture issues: Overmixing can lead to a denser brownie. Mix just enough to combine your ingredients.
Messes during assembly: Take care in layering your cake; if the brownie layers are hot, they might shift. Allow them to cool completely before assembling to keep your dessert looking pristine.
Storing Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (or want to prepare this cake ahead of time), storing it properly is key:
Freezing portions: Slice the cake into pieces and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. This way, a sweet treat is always ready for you!
Reheating instructions: For best flavor, let the refrigerated slices come to room temperature before enjoying. You can microwave a slice for about 10 seconds if you desire a little warmth, just enough to soften that gooey center.
Indulge in the Delights
There’s no time like the present to whip up this indulgent Cookie Dough Brownie Cake. With quick and simple steps, delicious layers, and the playful combination of flavors, it truly is a dessert that deserves a spot on your table.
So gather your ingredients, embrace the moments in the kitchen, and create something truly magnificent that will leave everyone craving more. You won’t regret it!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
Absolutely! You can use dark, white, or even milk chocolate based on your personal preference.
2. How long does the Cookie Dough Brownie Cake last?
In an airtight container in the fridge, it can last up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make the brownie layers ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the brownie layers a day in advance and store them wrapped tightly at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble.
4. What can I use instead of eggs in the brownie recipe?
You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup mashed banana for a vegan option.
5. Do I have to refrigerate the cake?
While you can leave it at room temperature for a short time, refrigerating the cake will help keep it fresh longer, especially with the creamy cookie dough layer.
6. Can I skip the cookie dough layer?
You can, but you’ll miss out on that gooey goodness that makes this dessert so special!
Print
Cookie Dough Brownie Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, fudgy brownie layered with nostalgic cookie dough, topped with chocolate ganache—a decadent dessert that blends two beloved treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups heat-treated all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
- Chocolate ganache or frosting (optional)
- More mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Whipped cream or ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two round cake pans with parchment paper and grease.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; then mix into the wet ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Divide batter in prepared pans and bake for 22–25 minutes. Let cool.
- Heat-treat flour for cookie dough by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking for 5 minutes. Let cool.
- Beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Mix in milk and vanilla.
- Gradually add heat-treated flour and pinch of salt, then fold in mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Assemble by layering one brownie, spreading cookie dough, then topping with the second brownie layer.
- Top with chocolate ganache or frosting, chill for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
For healthier alternatives, consider reducing sugar or using dairy-free options. Pair with ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
