Desserts · Part 1 of 3: Ingredients
Ultimate Cookie Dough Brownie Cake

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 12
This Cookie Dough Brownie Cake is the ultimate chocolate indulgence. Layers of fudgy brownie, a thick disc of chewy cookie dough, and a glossy chocolate ganache come together in one stunning dessert.
The contrast of textures—dense brownie, soft cookie dough, and silky ganache—makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any day that calls for a serious chocolate fix.
Brownies and cookie dough are two of the most beloved desserts, and this cake brings them together in spectacular fashion. A rich, fudgy brownie forms the base, while a layer of eggless cookie dough adds a chewy, buttery surprise in the middle.
Topping it all is a smooth, glossy ganache that cascades over the sides. The result is a showstopper that looks as impressive as it tastes, yet comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Brownie Layers
- 1 box family-size brownie mix (for 9x13-inch pan)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Ganache
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 12 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
For topping
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Why this recipe works
The brownie layers are baked until just set, keeping them dense and fudgy rather than cakey. This gives the cake a moist, rich texture that holds up well to stacking and slicing. Using a family-size brownie mix ensures consistent results and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
The cookie dough layer is made without eggs, so it's safe to eat raw and maintains a soft, chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the brownie.
The ganache, made from just two ingredients, sets to a shiny, firm finish that drips elegantly down the sides. Each component is simple, but together they create a dessert that feels truly special.
Notes and substitutions
For the brownie layers, use a high-quality family-size mix that calls for a 9x13-inch pan. You'll need about 3 cups of prepared batter to fill two 9-inch round pans. If your mix makes less, you can use one 9-inch pan and cut the brownie in half horizontally, or bake the batter in one 9-inch round and one 8-inch round, then trim to fit.
The cookie dough is eggless, so it's safe to eat as is. Be sure to use heat-treated flour if you're concerned about raw flour, or simply use all-purpose flour as is—the risk is minimal.
For a gluten-free version, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Chill the cookie dough thoroughly before stacking to make it easier to handle.
- brownie mix: Use your favorite homemade brownie recipe (about 2 1/2 cups batter) for a from-scratch version.
- semisweet chocolate chips: Milk chocolate chips can be used for a sweeter cookie dough.
- heavy cream: For a dairy-free ganache, use full-fat coconut cream.
- all-purpose flour: For a gluten-free cookie dough, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Offset spatula
- Cooling rack
Up next · Part 2 of 3
5 steps · 45 min of cooking · what to look for at each stage
Step-by-step instructions (Part 2)