A decadent dessert with layers of rich brownie, fluffy cookie dough, and silky chocolate ganache—this cake is every sweet tooth’s dream come true.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever stood at the crossroads of choosing between brownies and cookie dough—this cake is the answer. It layers the best of both worlds: a fudgy, chocolatey brownie base, a soft cookie dough filling (no eggs, so it’s safe to eat!), and a glossy ganache topping that ties it all together. It’s show-stopping, indulgent, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to impress.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Cake:

• 1½ cups vegetable oil

• 3 cups granulated sugar

• 3 tsp vanilla extract

• 6 large eggs

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ¾ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

For the Cookie Dough Filling:

• 3 sticks (1½ cups) unsalted butter, room temperature

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 3½ cups confectioners’ sugar

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ tsp salt

• 3 tbsp milk

• 2½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Ganache Frosting:

• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chips)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup light corn syrup

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• Extra chocolate chips (for garnish)

Directions

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (includes cooling/chilling)
Servings: 12

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs and beat until well blended.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
4. Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
5. While the brownies cool, make the cookie dough filling: Cream butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
6. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar, then add flour, salt, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
7. Spread the cookie dough filling evenly over the cooled brownie layer.
8. For the ganache, place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat cream and corn syrup until just simmering.
9. Pour hot cream over chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth, then stir in vanilla.
10. Pour ganache over the cookie dough layer and smooth it out. Garnish with extra chocolate chips.
11. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares and serving.

Serving Ideas

• Serve cold for clean layers, or at room temperature for a softer, gooey bite.

• Add a scoop of vanilla or cookie dough ice cream on top for an over-the-top treat.

• Great for potlucks, birthdays, or bake sales—this cake always draws a crowd.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder in the brownie layer.

• Don’t skip chilling—it firms up the layers and makes slicing much easier.

• For added texture, mix mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough filling.

• Want a shortcut? Use a boxed brownie mix for the base—just make sure it’s rich and fudgy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat the cookie dough layer safely?
Yes! This dough is egg-free and uses heat-treated flour (or you can microwave flour for 1–2 minutes to make it safe to consume).

Can I make this dessert in advance?
Absolutely. You can make the full cake up to 2 days ahead. Store it covered in the fridge and slice just before serving.

What if I don’t have corn syrup for the ganache?
You can substitute honey or just skip the corn syrup—it helps give the ganache a shiny finish but isn’t necessary for taste or texture.

Can this be made in round cake pans for a layer cake version?
Yes! Divide the brownie batter into two greased 8-inch round pans. Reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes and stack with cookie dough between.

How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let slices sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for a softer texture.

Final Thoughts

This cookie dough brownie cake is unapologetically rich and satisfying. With three indulgent layers and a crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that becomes a family favorite after just one bite. Make it once, and you’ll be asked to bring it to every gathering thereafter.