Layered Brownie Dessert

Name: Layered Brownie Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12-15 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 2 cups sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup baking cocoa; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup chopped walnuts; FILLING:; 11 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 cups confectioners' sugar; 2 cups whipped topping; TOPPING:; 2 cups cold whole milk; 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix; Whipped topping and chopped walnuts

A tasty brownie is the base for layers of cream cheese and chocolate pudding in this make-ahead dessert. —Muriel Ledeboer, Oostburg, Wisconsin

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chopped walnuts
FILLING:
11 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 cups whipped topping
TOPPING:
2 cups cold whole milk
1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
Whipped topping and chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder; add to creamed mixture just until moistened. Fold in nuts.
Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, 20-25 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping; spread over brownies.
In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix 2 minutes. Let stand until soft-set, about 2 minutes. Spread over filling. Refrigerate 1 hour or until serving.
Cut into squares; garnish with whipped topping and nuts.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 545 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.

Originally published as Layered Brownie Dessert in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2004

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Jaimie

Feb 19, 2019

I've attempted this recipe two times and each time the brownie layer is just basically a lump of coal. I wish I knew what could make this better, but I'm at a loss.
msmarilynk

Jun 8, 2017

Easy to make, hard to eat: The brownie tasted great but it turned out like a rock. I followed recipe exactly and baked the brownie for the minimum time. It wasn't done then, so I increased the time (less than five minutes). Then the brownie was overdone. It was edible, not really a rock, but very difficult to work with. I had to use a carving knife to slice through it. The brownie was also very thin. It was even hard to spread in the baking pan because the batter was so thick and dense. The contributor/editor ought to check to ensure the recipe is correct. People enjoyed the dessert, didn't complain about the brownie, and no one asked for the recipe. The pudding didn't set up well, so the dessert was hard to serve once the brownie was cut. I found the topping a little bland and overly sweet.
Gramma Amy

Mar 19, 2017

Made this according to the recipe and took to a gathering of friends. I got requests for the recipe. the only thing I will experiment with next time I make it is the brownie layer.... it was a little too chewy for our taste... and I found it difficult to cut through the desert into the squares. I will perhaps try baking it a little less time to see if that helps. But the layers of cream cheese and pudding was a tasty addition for a nice layered desert for the chocolate lover!!
plantpar1954

Jul 28, 2016

Thanks
dschultz01

Mar 7, 2016

Very good dessert, although kind of messy. The brownie batter ended up very thick and paste-like, and made for a very tough brownie. If I made this again, I would use a different brownie recipe.
love_derek02

Jan 27, 2015

This dessert has been brought to our church potluck several times, and it is always a big hit.
becky66

Jun 22, 2014

I got a lot of compliments on this dessert - loved the brownie base - a nice alternative to traditional graham cracker or shortbread crusts that I have made with other layered desserts. I did leave out the nuts, since I knew there were several in the group I was serving that didn't care for them. I have also made this using pistachio pudding. Wonderful recipe!
sleepycat

May 11, 2012

Very refreshing, easy, and inexpensive layered dessert. Everyone enjoyed it. Nice chewy brownie layer.
imnneka

Nov 20, 2009

I made this dessert over the summer for our family Fourth of July gathering and several of my relatives are still calling and asking me to make it for them again!