Chocolate Brownie Cake

This Chocolate Brownie Cake is the best of both worlds — the rich fudginess of brownies combined with the light, tender crumb of cake. It’s deeply chocolatey, decadently moist, and topped with a glossy ganache that takes it over the top. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any time you crave a show-stopping chocolate dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Brownie Cake is incredibly easy to make yet tastes like it came from a bakery. It’s dense and fudgy like a brownie, but bakes up beautifully in a cake pan and slices like a dream. You only need a few basic pantry ingredients to create a dessert that’s guaranteed to satisfy every chocolate lover.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (for ganache)
• Heavy cream (for ganache)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or round cake pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
4. Add the melted cocoa-butter mixture, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix well.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. For the ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth. Pour the ganache over the cooled cake.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12-16 servings. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, and bake time is about 35-40 minutes. Allow extra time for cooling and adding the ganache.

Variations

• Add a swirl of peanut butter or caramel into the batter for extra decadence.
• Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for texture.
• Use a flavored extract like almond or coffee for a twist on the chocolate flavor.
• Top with fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Chocolate Brownie Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

What’s the difference between brownie cake and regular brownies?

A brownie cake is fluffier and bakes like a cake but has the rich, dense texture of a brownie.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Bake, cool, and add the ganache right before serving.

Can I use a cake mix for this recipe?

You can use a brownie mix as a shortcut but homemade gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I add frosting instead of ganache?

Absolutely — a chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting works well too.

Why is my cake dry?

Be careful not to overbake. Check for doneness at the minimum bake time; the center should have moist crumbs.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free 1:1 all-purpose flour substitute for best results.

What type of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder for a classic flavor. Dutch-processed will work too but may change the texture slightly.

Can I make this cake in a different pan?

Yes! You can use a bundt pan, round pan, or even a square baking dish — adjust baking time as needed.

How do I get the cake out of the pan cleanly?

Grease and flour the pan well, and let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before turning it out.

How should I serve this cake?

Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a real treat.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Brownie Cake is the ultimate chocolate dessert — fudgy, moist, and topped with a rich ganache that makes every bite irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight indulgence, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation!

Print