5 from 5 votes

Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake

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This Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake with funfetti is a totally decadent treat! Layers of brownies and edible funfetti cookie dough are topped with a delicious chocolate ganache & more sprinkles!

A tall slice of cookie dough brownie layer cake with the rest of the cake in the background.

 

Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake

So in marriage, one of the things we have to learn to do is share. Problem is, sometimes sharing isn’t easy. And sometimes sharing means someone else loses – as in loses something. As is loses the nail clippers that you both share. And sometimes that seems to happen over and over and over.

When that happens, there’s only one thing to do.

Not share any longer. 🙂

Close up of a cookie dough brownie layer cake on a white cake plate.

After going through countless nail clippers, we finally argued (jokingly) the other day about who keeps losing them. And of course we blame each other. And of course I’m right. I always put them back where they are supposed to go.

But he thinks the same thing of himself. He thinks it’s all my fault.

Close up of a cookie dough brownie layer cake with a few slices removed to show layers.

So when he came home the other day and saw two new nail clippers on the kitchen counter, he immediately started to tell me that one would be for me and one for him – as if that wasn’t why I’d gotten two to begin with.

And I one up-ed him. I was prepared with masking tape for us to label ours with our names so that there could be no confusion about whose is whose. Then time would tell who loses the clippers. Oh yes.

A tall slice of cookie dough brownie layer cake on a small white plate.

We then ran off to hide our clippers in different spots in the house where the other person can’t find them. That way, we can determine who is the one responsible for losing them by seeing who loses theirs first. It’s very scientific.

Of course I’m sure he’d rather grow claws than have to come and get my nail clippers and admit that he lost the battle! It may take some time, but I am sure that some day soon I will report my victory. 🙂

We gotta have a little fun, you know?

A cookie dough brownie layer cake on a white cake stand.

Like this cake – this cake is super fun! I mean, look at all those sprinkles! Don’t they just scream fun and happy?

I loved the peanut butter version of this cake so much, I decided to make a funfetti version. I have a bit of a funfetti addiction, so it was only natural that it would happen.

A slice of cookie dough brownie layer cake with a bite removed to show layers with the rest of the cake in the background.

This cake is fairly simple to put together. The only baking required is for the brownies. I used a from scratch brownie, but you could definitely use a box mix if you prefer. You’d probably need two boxes to get enough batter for 3 brownies.

The brownies are filled with layers of the best cookie dough ever – cake batter! I used my beloved Funfetti Cake Mix, but you could use a white or yellow make mix too. The cookie dough is eggless, so no need to worry about baking. Just mix everything together!

Overhead view of a tall slice of cookie dough brownie layer cake on a small white plate.

They layers are held together with chocolate ganache and it makes a wonderful, rich combo!

I finished the cake off with more ganache on top, some chocolate icing and sprinkles. I even pressed sprinkles into the sides of the cookie dough layer. Is there such a thing as too many sprinkles? No? Ok, good. Because they are an early celebration of the day I win the toe nail clipper battle. 🙂

A tall slice of cookie dough brownie layer cake with the rest of the cake in the background.

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A tall slice of cookie dough brownie layer cake with the rest of the cake in the background.
5 from 5 votes

Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake

Author Lindsay
Servings 12 -14 Slices
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
This Cookie Dough Brownie Layer Cake with funfetti is a totally decadent treat! Layers of brownies and edible funfetti cookie dough are topped with a delicious chocolate ganache & more sprinkles!

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Ingredients
 

Brownies

  • 1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Hershey’s Special Dark)
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Cookie Dough

  • 1 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • boxes (15.25 oz each) dry funfetti cake mix (heat treated)
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (heat treated)
  • 3-4 tbsp milk
  • 4-5 tsp sprinkles
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips

Chocolate Ganache

  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided)

Chocolate Frosting

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp water (or milk)
  • Sprinkles (for topping, if desired)

Instructions
 

  • Line the bottoms of three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides. Preheat oven to 350℉.
  • Mix together the oil, sugar and vanilla extract.
  • Add eggs and mix until well combined.
  • Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
  • Slowly add dry ingredients to the egg mixture until well combined.
  • Pour the batter evenly into the 3 pans and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
  • Remove brownies from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then remove to cool on wire rack.
  • While brownies cool, make cookie dough.

To Make the Cookie Dough:

  • Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Mix in vanilla extract.
  • With the mixer on low speed, add 1 entire box of dry cake mix, plus 1 1/2 cups from another box of cake mix and mix until combined.
  • Add 1 cup flour and mix until combined.
  • Add milk and up to an additional 1/3 cup of flour to preferred thickness.
  • Stir in sprinkles and chocolate chips. Dough will be thick. Set aside.

To Assemble Cake:

  • Once the brownies are cool, it’s time to put the layers together. You can pile the cookie dough onto the brownies, stack the layers and leave messy layers, or use the method I used for having clean edges/sides of the cake.
  • Place half of chocolate chips in a metal bowl.
  • Microwave half of the heavy cream until it starts to boil. Remove from microwave and pour over chocolate chips.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap for 5-7 minutes.
  • Whisk chocolate and cream until smooth.
  • Using one of the same 8-inch cake pans that you baked the brownies in, put parchment paper or saran wrap in the bottom and up the sides of the pan. You will use it to lift the layers out of the pan.
  • Place the first brownie into the bottom of the pan.
  • Add about 3 tbsp of chocolate ganache on top of the brownie and spread into a thin layer. This will help the cookie dough stick to the brownie.
  • Put half of the cookie dough into the pan and spread evenly on top of the brownie.
  • Remove the first two layers from the cake pan and place on it's serving dish.
  • Repeat steps 7-10 with the second brownie and remaining cookie dough. Then remove from pan.
  • Put another 3 tbsp of chocolate ganache on top of the cookie dough layer from the first section of cake and spread thinly.
  • Place the second section of cake onto the first.
  • Put another 3 tbsp of chocolate ganache on top of the cookie dough layer on top (the fourth layer) and spread thinly.
  • Top with remaining brownie. Press sprinkles into sides of cookie dough, if desired.

To Finish Off the Cake:

  • Place remaining chocolate chips in a metal bowl.
  • Microwave remaining heavy cream until it starts to boil. Remove from microwave and pour over chocolate chips.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap for 5-7 minutes.
  • Whisk chocolate and cream until smooth.
  • Allow to sit for a few minutes until it just starts to thicken, then pour over the top of the cake.
  • Place cake in refrigerator and make the chocolate icing.
  • To make the icing, beat the shortening and butter together until smooth.
  • Slowly add the powdered sugar and cocoa and mix until smooth.
  • Add water or milk and mix until smooth.
  • Remove cake from fridge, and pipe icing onto the top edge of the cake. Top with sprinkles.

Nutrition

Calories: 1660kcalCarbohydrates: 203gProtein: 13gFat: 93gSaturated Fat: 40gPolyunsaturated Fat: 19gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 807mgPotassium: 460mgFiber: 8gSugar: 149gVitamin A: 1262IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 147mgIron: 6mg

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Enjoy!

Categories: 

Cakes and Cupcakes, Recipes, Sweets and Treats,
5 from 5 votes

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142 Comments

  1. Hi Lindsay, I´m from Germany and I would like to do this cake, but I don`t understand what shortening is 😀 And I couldn´t find a funfetti dry cake mix in any shop, how can I replace it??? And can I use normal chocolate bars and crush them instead of chocolate chips???

  2. I just had to tell you I made this for my daughter’s birthday and it was AMAZING! Here it is: https://imgur.com/NGMcSuK I can’t wait to try the peanut butter version 🙂

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com says:

      OMG, you made a big version! I love it! It looks awesome!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

  3. Just made this cake last night to surprise my husband for his birthday. I am too excited togive itto him. Thank you for suchs great idea. How should I store it. Fridge or counter?

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com says:

      Awesome! So glad you like it! I store it in the fridge, but let it sit out for maybe 20 minutes before serving.

  4. How far in advance can you make this and would you leave it in the fridge until a few hours before serving

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com says:

      I’d probably refrigerate it for a few hours once it’s all put together so that the cookie dough firms up a bit. Then take it out maybe 20 minutes before serving, so it isn’t too hard.

  5. Oh my goodness Lindsey, your cakes are always out of this world amazing! I love every single yummy layer in here – pinning and dying to have a piece! Haha too funny about your nail clipper story – that happens to me and my husband too! Good call on getting a set for each of you – so smart 🙂

  6. Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says:

    I can’t even handle these layered cakes you keep cranking out. They are always gorgeous and I want to live inside one. Please. Cuz then I can eat my way out. 🙂

  7. Oh my god, I need this cake in my life.

  8. OMG I want all this minus the chocolate frosting. Maybe I’ll make this for my birthday.

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com says:

      You could easily replace the chocolate icing with vanilla. 🙂

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com says:

      Thanks Ami!

  9. I am definitely craving a slice of this amazing cake! Anything containing cookies, chocolate, brownies and sprinkles is an instant winner in my books.. this cake is wickedly delicious. Pinned!

  10. Ashley @ ashleymarieskitchen says:

    Wow that cake looks amazing! I wish I had a slice right now 🙂

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com says:

      Thank you Ashley!

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com says:

      Thanks Laura! We are definitely always right. 😉

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com says:

      Aww, thank you Sharon! 🙂

  11. Rachel @the dessert chronicles says:

    Wow this cake is incredible!! So impressed. Cake batter and brownie?! I could seriously go for a piece of this right now as I search for any remnants of dessert in my fridge.

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com says:

      Thanks Rachel!