Name: Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated for safety); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup sugar; 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Sweet dreams converge in this decadent cookie dough brownie cake that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of rich chocolate intertwine with creamy, soft cookie dough for an irresistible dessert experience.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves mesmerized by each delectable slice.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance between fudgy brownies and classic cookie flavor.

Chocolate chips scattered throughout add delightful texture and unexpected crunch.

Quick and Impressive Dessert
Perfect for beginner bakers with straightforward, step-by-step instructions that guarantee delicious results every time.
Combines two beloved desserts- brownies and cookie dough- creating an ultimate chocolate lover's dream with minimal complicated techniques.
Delivers stunning visual presentation that looks professionally made, yet requires simple home cooking skills to create an Instagram-worthy cake.
Can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or special celebrations without last-minute stress.

Brownie Base:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the rich brownie layers.
Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with brownie's moisture.
Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender brownie texture.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to the brownie.
Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise and become light.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity.

Cookie Dough Layer:

Butter: Creates creamy and smooth cookie dough base.
Brown Sugar: Provides rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Heat-Treated Flour: Ensures food safety for raw dough consumption.
Milk: Helps achieve perfect cookie dough consistency.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds sweet chocolate bursts throughout the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, classic flavor to cookie dough.

Ganache Topping:

Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, glossy chocolate coating.
Chocolate Chips: Melts to form rich, luxurious ganache layer.

Step 1: Whip Up Brownie Base

Crank oven to 350F (175C)

Grease three 8-inch round cake pans

Line pans with parchment paper

Grab a large bowl and whisk together:

Sugar
Oil

Mix in eggs and vanilla until smooth

In another bowl, combine:

Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Salt

Blend dry ingredients into wet mixture

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans

Bake 20-25 minutes until toothpick shows moist crumbs

Cool completely

Step 2: Craft Cookie Dough Filling

Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy

Add vanilla

Mix in heat-treated flour

Pour milk to create smooth consistency

Fold in mini chocolate chips

Step 3: Create Luxurious Ganache

Microwave heavy cream until steaming

Pour hot cream over chocolate chips

Let sit one minute

Stir until silky smooth

Step 4: Build Decadent Layers

Place first brownie layer on serving plate

Spread half cookie dough over brownie

Add second brownie layer

Cover with remaining cookie dough

Top with final brownie layer

Pour ganache over entire cake

Allow drips down sides

Step 5: Finish With Flair

Chill cake 30 minutes

Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips

Optional: Drizzle additional ganache

Prevent Overmixing Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to keep brownies tender and avoid tough texture.
Heat-Treat Flour Safely: Microwave flour for 1 minute, stirring every 15 seconds, to eliminate potential bacteria and make cookie dough safe to eat unbaked.
Achieve Smooth Ganache: Let chocolate sit in hot cream for exactly one minute before stirring to create a silky, glossy chocolate coating without breaking the emulsion.
Control Ganache Consistency: Allow ganache to cool slightly before pouring over cake to get perfect drip effect and prevent total cake coverage.
Chill for Perfect Layers: Refrigerate cake between adding cookie dough layers to help maintain distinct, clean layer separation and prevent mixing.

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Let chilled cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the ganache and cookie dough for optimal texture and flavor.
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent the ganache from separating or the brownie from becoming dry.

Sip Creamy Milk to Balance Chocolate Richness
Cool, velvety milk cuts through the intense chocolate layers, creating a harmonious flavor connection that enhances the cake's sweet complexity.
Mix Kahlúa or Baileys Irish Cream for an adult dessert pairing that amplifies the rich, indulgent brownie and cookie dough textures.
Select a ruby port or dessert wine with dark fruit notes that echo the chocolate's deep flavor profile, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
Brew a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to contrast the cake's sweetness, providing a sophisticated and balanced flavor interaction.

Gluten-Free Variation: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Use certified gluten-free cocoa powder and chocolate chips to ensure complete gluten-free compatibility.
Vegan Cookie Dough Brownie Cake: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs. Use coconut oil instead of butter. Select dairy-free chocolate chips and replace milk with almond milk. Substitute heavy cream in ganache with full-fat coconut cream.
Lower-Sugar Option: Utilize monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar. Choose dark chocolate with higher cocoa percentage for reduced sugar content. Consider adding unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture while cutting sugar amounts.
Nut-Friendly Version: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into cookie dough layer. Sprinkle roasted nuts on top of ganache for added crunch and nutty flavor enhancement. Select almond flour as potential flour substitute for extra nutty undertones.

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

Grilling Techniques and Innovations
Recipe Development and Testing
Culinary Education and Workshops
Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking.

Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.