If you have a serious sweet tooth and are looking for a dessert that combines the fudgy richness of brownies with the nostalgic charm of cookie dough, this Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a beautifully layered masterpiece with a dense brownie base and topping, sandwiching a soft, chewy cookie dough center dotted with melty chocolate chips. It’s an indulgent treat that feels like a celebration in every bite, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create incredible taste and texture. Each component plays its part, from the deep chocolatey brownie base to the soft, buttery cookie dough layer nestled inside.
- Boxed or homemade brownie mix: The foundation of the cake, providing that fudgy, rich chocolate flavor everyone loves.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to both the brownie and cookie dough, ensuring the right consistency.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture to make the cake tender.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to both the brownie and cookie dough layers.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with the chewy texture, especially in the cookie dough layer.
- Brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cookie dough.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, making the cookie dough unmistakably delicious.
- Baking powder (optional): Lightens the cookie dough slightly without compromising texture.
- Chocolate chips: The star of the cookie dough layer, these add melty bursts of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the brownie batter
Start by mixing your brownie ingredients following either the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Aim for a smooth and rich batter, which will serve as the dense chocolatey base. Pour half of this into a greased cake pan and spread evenly to create a strong foundation for the cookie dough layer.
Step 2: Make the cookie dough layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually sift in the flour, baking powder if using, and a pinch of salt, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips to infuse that classic cookie dough charm that will steal the show between the brownie layers.
Step 3: Layer the cookie dough over the brownies
Gently and carefully spread the cookie dough mixture over the brownie layer in the pan. Take your time to create an even layer without blending it into the brownie base. This separation is key to achieving the signature two-texture experience—the soft, chewy cookie dough peeking through the decadent brownie.
Step 4: Add remaining brownie batter
Pour the remaining half of your brownie batter over the cookie dough layer, trying to cover it as evenly as possible. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, ensuring an even bake and a beautifully balanced stack of flavors.
Step 5: Bake and cool
Bake the assembled layers according to the brownie recipe’s instructions, usually around 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—there should be moist crumbs but not wet batter clinging to it. Let the cake cool completely in the pan to set the layers well before slicing into this divine treat.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dessert even further, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top or drizzle with melted chocolate. A few extra chocolate chips scattered right before baking can add a rustic and inviting look. For an over-the-top touch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side will complement the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can serve it with fresh berries to balance sweetness with a pop of tartness. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk is also a classic pairing that contrasts delightfully with the buttery, chocolatey layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut this treat into petite squares for a part-perfect dessert platter or layer it on a dessert board alongside cookies and fruit for a stunning party centerpiece. You can also use this cake recipe as a base to create dessert parfaits by layering crumbs with whipped cream and chocolate sauce in glasses for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to keep the cake moist. Stored properly, it will stay fresh at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or up to 5 days refrigerated.
Freezing
This Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and foil before placing in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to revive that soft, gooey texture. If frozen, let them thaw first and then heat for the same short burst. Avoid overheating to preserve the moistness and prevent the chocolate chips from becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whether you choose a boxed mix or your favorite homemade brownie batter, the Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe works wonderfully with either option. Just follow your usual brownie recipe and layer as described.
Is it safe to eat the cookie dough layer raw?
This recipe uses eggs in the cookie dough layer, which will be baked, so it’s safe once fully cooked. If you’re worried about raw eggs, you can use pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute that works well in baking.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough or brownie layers?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a delightful crunch. Stir nuts directly into either the cookie dough or brownie batter before layering to customize the texture and flavor.
How thick should the cookie dough layer be?
About half to three-quarters of an inch thick is ideal. This thickness allows the cookie dough to maintain its chewy texture without overpowering the brownie layers on top and bottom.
Can I make this recipe in a different pan size?
While a standard 9-inch cake pan works best for balanced layers, you can use other sizes. Just adjust baking time accordingly—a smaller pan might need more time, while a larger one less. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe is a game-changer that brings two beloved treats together in a way that feels both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this layered dessert will earn rave reviews and cozy smiles. You owe it to yourself to give it a try and discover just how magical the marriage of cookie dough and brownie truly is.
Print
Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Cookie Dough Brownie Cake, combining rich, fudgy brownies with a luscious layer of classic cookie dough. This cake features a triple-layered structure with a brownie base, a creamy cookie dough middle, and a final brownie layer on top, baked to perfection for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 batch of good-quality boxed or homemade brownie mix (follow package or recipe instructions)
- Amount of all-purpose flour as per brownie recipe
- Eggs as per brownie recipe
- Unsalted butter as per brownie recipe
- Granulated sugar as per brownie recipe
- Salt, a pinch as per brownie recipe
Cookie Dough Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare brownie batter: Mix the brownie ingredients following the package or homemade recipe instructions until you have a smooth and rich batter. This forms the base for your layered cake.
- Pour base brownie layer: Grease a cake pan and pour half of the prepared brownie batter into it. Spread evenly to create a solid foundation for the cookie dough layer.
- Make the cookie dough layer: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating well. Gradually incorporate the flour, baking powder (if using), and salt, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips to add that classic cookie dough texture.
- Layer the cookie dough over brownies: Carefully spread the cookie dough mixture evenly over the brownie layer in the pan. Take care to create an even layer without blending it into the brownie base to preserve the distinct layers.
- Add remaining brownie batter: Pour the remaining brownie batter on top of the cookie dough layer, gently smoothing it out with a spatula to cover the cookie dough completely for an even bake.
- Bake the layered batter: Bake the assembled layers in the oven according to the brownie recipe’s baking time, typically around 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating moist fudgy brownies.
- Cool before slicing: Allow the cake to cool fully in the pan to set the layers firmly. Once cooled, slice into 9 servings and enjoy the addictive combination of fudge brownie and cookie dough flavors.
Notes
- Use a good-quality brownie mix or a trusted homemade brownie recipe for best results.
- The baking powder in the cookie dough is optional but helps give a slight lighter texture to the dough layer.
- Be careful when layering to keep the brownie and cookie dough layers distinct for the best texture contrast.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before cutting to prevent the layers from mixing or crumbling.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
