Brownie Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that truly steals the show, this Brownie Cake Recipe is it! Imagine rich, fudgy brownies layered with creamy chocolate and vanilla frosting. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to family gatherings and special celebrations. This cake has a way of bringing smiles to faces, making it an all-time favorite in my home.

What makes this brownie cake so special is its incredible texture. The combination of moist brownie layers and velvety frosting creates a dessert experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake never disappoints!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, baking this brownie cake is a breeze.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the rich chocolate flavor—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe with different flavors or toppings to suit your taste.
• Make-ahead option: Bake the layers in advance and frost them right before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Decadent delight: The combination of fudgy brownies and creamy frosting creates pure chocolate bliss in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create this delicious brownie cake. Don’t worry; most of these items are probably already in your kitchen!

For the Brownie Layers

• 1 1/2 cups (340g) Danish Creamery European Style Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) light brown sugar (lightly packed)
• 6 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (80g) unsweetened cocoa powder (spooned and leveled; I use Dutch processed)
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

For the Frosting

• 1 cup (227g) Danish Creamery Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 6 cups (720g) powdered sugar (spooned and leveled)
• Tiny pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup (60mL) heavy whipping cream (room temperature; reserving 1 Tbsp for just the chocolate buttercream)
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder (spooned and leveled; I used Dutch processed)

Variations

One of the best things about this brownie cake recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add nuts: If you love a little crunch, sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for added texture.
• Swirl in peanut butter: Create a delicious peanut butter swirl by adding dollops of peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking.
• Use different extracts: Swap out vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique flavor twist!
• Top with fruits: Fresh berries or banana slices on top add a refreshing burst that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

How to Make Brownie Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mixing these well ensures your brownies have that lovely sweetness throughout. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition. The eggs not only provide moisture but also help bind everything together.

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients! Sift together cocoa powder, flour, and sea salt into your wet mixture. Gently fold these ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of those wonderfully fudgy ones we crave.

Step 3: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the batter into greased round cake pans and smooth out the tops. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs attached. Allow them to cool completely in the pans before transferring them onto a wire rack—this step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture!

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While your brownies cool, whip up that luscious frosting! In another bowl, beat room temperature butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until everything is combined. Then mix in heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, cocoa powder, and that tiny pinch of salt until smooth. This fluffy frosting will elevate your brownie cake!

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Once your brownie layers are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top before adding another brownie layer. Repeat this process until all layers are stacked high! Finish by spreading more frosting over the top and sides of the cake—don’t forget to add extra brownie chunks on top if you like!

And there you have it—the ultimate Brownie Cake Recipe! Enjoy every bite of this decadent delight with friends and family or savor it all by yourself—no judgment here!

Pro Tips for Making Brownie Cake Recipe

Creating the perfect brownie cake is a delightful journey, and these pro tips will guide you to chocolatey success!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps them blend smoothly, creating a uniform batter that bakes evenly.

• Don’t Overmix Your Batter: Mixing just until combined keeps your brownies fudgy and moist. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to a cake that’s more caky than brownie-like.

• Check for Doneness Early: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy texture.

• Let It Cool Completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt into a puddle, allowing for beautifully presented layers.

• Store Properly: To keep your brownie cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment!

How to Serve Brownie Cake Recipe

Presenting your brownie cake is just as important as baking it! Here are some delightful ways to serve up this chocolate masterpiece.

Garnishes

• Fresh Berries: Adding a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on top adds a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.

• Chocolate Shavings: Grating some dark chocolate over the top not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the richness of the brownie cake perfectly. The cold ice cream contrasts deliciously with the warm cake if served right out of the oven!

• Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a lovely texture contrast while adding sweetness. Consider flavoring it with vanilla or almond extract for an extra touch.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can provide a light palate cleanser after indulging in rich chocolate. It’s colorful and nutritious too!

• Coffee or Espresso: For those who love a cozy pairing, serving your brownie cake with a cup of coffee or espresso enhances the chocolate flavors beautifully and makes for an inviting dessert experience.

Now you’re all set to impress your friends and family with this decadent brownie cake! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This brownie cake recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious chocolatey goodness throughout the week! Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or just want a sweet treat on hand, here’s how to store and preserve your cake.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the brownie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
• If the frosting becomes too soft in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Freezing

• Slice the brownie cake into individual portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• For a whole cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat it wrapped in foil for about 15-20 minutes.
• Enjoy warmed with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream for an extra treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful brownie cake recipe that might help you out!

Can I make this Brownie Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that it’s a blend meant for baking to achieve similar results.

How do I know when my brownie cake is done baking?

Your brownie cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. Remember, it’s okay if it looks slightly underbaked; it will set as it cools.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in this Brownie Cake Recipe?

You can substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese or whipped coconut cream. This way, you can maintain that luscious frosting texture while keeping it animal-derived gelatin-free!

How long does this Brownie Cake Recipe take to prepare?

This delicious brownie cake takes approximately 45 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of baking time. Just remember that cooling takes longer, so plan accordingly!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delicious brownie cake recipe as much as I do! It’s rich, fudgy, and topped with creamy frosting that makes every bite heavenly. Whether it’s for a celebration or just because you love chocolate (who doesn’t?), this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!