Brownie Cake Recipe

If you have a craving for something decadently rich yet delightfully tender, this Brownie Cake is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the fudgy, dense allure of brownies with the light fluffiness of a chocolate cake, it creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Every bite bursts with deep cocoa goodness, perfectly complemented by a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s both silky and indulgent. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this Brownie Cake is an irresistible dessert that brings joy and comfort to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the key to baking an unforgettable Brownie Cake. Each component plays a crucial role—from the cocoa powder that delivers intense chocolate flavor to the buttermilk that ensures tenderness and slight tang, creating a balanced and moist texture throughout the layers.

• 2 cups All-purpose flour: The structural backbone of the cake, providing stability without heaviness.
• 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and that deep brown color every brownie cake needs.
• 1 tsp Baking soda: Helps with leavening, ensuring the cake rises just right for a tender crumb.
• 2 tsp Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for perfect lift and fluffiness.
• 1 tsp Salt: Enhances all the sweet and chocolate flavors, making them pop.
• 1 3/4 cup White granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its tender crumb.
• 4 Large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure, moisture, and richness to the cake layers.
• 1 cup Oil (canola or vegetable): Adds moisture and keeps the brownie cake delightfully soft.
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• 1 cup Buttermilk (room temperature): Introduces a subtle tang and keeps the texture moist and tender.
• 1 cup Hot water (steaming): Enhances the cocoa, intensifying its chocolaty punch while making the batter smooth.
• 1 cup White granulated sugar (for brownie batter): Balances the bitterness of cocoa for the brownie dollops.
• 2 Large eggs (for brownie batter): Enrich the brownie texture, making it chewy and fudgy.
• 1/4 cup Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel to the brownie part.
• 1/4 cup Oil (for brownie batter): Keeps the brownie chewy and moist.
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract (for brownie batter): Adds warmth and depth to the brownie flavor.
• 1/3 cup All-purpose flour: The base for the brownie batter, lending density and chewiness.
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers a concentrated chocolate hit in the brownie dollops.
• 1 TBSP Cornstarch: Helps achieve the perfect brownie texture, balancing softness and structure.
• 1/4 tsp Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness and chocolate in the brownie batter.
• 1/2 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Small pockets of melty chocolate gems within the brownie curds.
• 8 oz Cream cheese (room temperature): The star of the frosting, providing tang and creaminess.
• 2 cups Unsalted butter (room temperature): Makes the frosting rich, smooth, and spreadable.
• 3 cups Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect consistency.
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the frosting an extra chocolate boost and beautiful color.
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract (for frosting): Brings harmony and rounds out the frosting’s flavor.

How to Make Brownie Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick spray and parchment circles for easy removal. Mix the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar—in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk. Then, carefully fold in the steaming hot water, being mindful not to cook the eggs. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until blended; overmixing can cause toughness. Pour the batter evenly into your pans and set aside while you create the brownie batter.

Step 2: Crafting the Brownie Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Using a mixer, beat sugar and eggs on high for five minutes until light and thick. On low speed, incorporate vanilla, oil, and melted butter, followed by the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips gently with a spatula for those magical melty spots in your brownie cake. Portion the brownie batter evenly onto the cake pans in dollops using a cookie scoop, then delicately swirl the batter with a knife to create beautiful marbling.

Step 3: Baking and Cooling

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the dollops comes out with moist crumbs—perfectly fudgy but fully cooked. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to ensure your Brownie Cake layers are set without collapsing or breaking.

Step 4: Making the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Sift powdered sugar and cocoa powder together to avoid lumps, then beat cream cheese and butter on high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar mixture, mixing on low to combine, then whip on high after all is incorporated. Finish with a splash of vanilla for extra depth. The result is a luxurious frosting that perfectly balances sweetness with tang and rich chocolate notes.

Step 5: Assembling the Brownie Cake

Trim the domed tops off the cakes with a serrated knife to create even layers. Place the first layer on your serving plate and spread a generous cup of frosting over it. Repeat with the second layer, then invert the final layer so the flat side faces up for a polished finish. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to seal in crumbs, then chill the cake for 15 minutes to set. Finish frosting the entire cake smoothly or with your favorite piping technique for a stunning presentation.

How to Serve Brownie Cake

Garnishes

A Brownie Cake already speaks chocolate loud and clear, but a few garnishes can elevate it even more. Consider sprinkling extra chocolate chips or curls on top for texture. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a bright contrast. A dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel can make this cake look as fabulous as it tastes, inviting everyone to dive in.

Side Dishes

Pair your Brownie Cake with simple accompaniments that complement its rich flavor. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melts perfectly alongside each slice. Freshly whipped cream adds lightness, balancing the dense chocolate. For a somewhat unexpected touch, serve with a small bowl of espresso or bold black coffee to sharpen the chocolatey notes while cleansing the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

This Brownie Cake is a stunning centerpiece on its own, but serving it creatively can bring even more joy. Try layering it with fresh fruit between sections or creating mini individual brownie cakes in ramekins using the same batter. For parties, serving bite-sized brownie cake squares with dollops of frosting on top allows guests to enjoy this decadence in dainty portions. No matter how you serve it, the experience will be memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your Brownie Cake in an airtight container or cake dome at room temperature for up to two days to preserve its moist texture. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is best, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Before serving, allow chilled cake to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted or fully frosted Brownie Cake layers by wrapping them tightly in plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months without sacrificing quality. When ready to enjoy, thaw layers overnight in the fridge before decorating or slicing. This makes prepping ahead for celebrations a breeze.

Reheating

If you like your Brownie Cake slightly warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the cake and brings out its fudgy qualities, especially when paired with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. Avoid overheating or the frosting may melt too much.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. This ensures your Brownie Cake stays tender and rises properly.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but it will still be deliciously rich and moist.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely. You can bake the layers up to two days early and keep them covered in the fridge, or freeze them as described above. Assemble and frost close to serving time for maximum freshness.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You could try substituting with an equal amount of mascarpone or softened butter for a different but still luscious frosting, though it won’t have quite the same tang.

How do I know when the brownie dollops are done baking?

Look for moist crumbs on a toothpick inserted into a brownie dollop; it shouldn’t come out wet with batter but still tacky. This balance ensures the fudgy texture you want in a Brownie Cake.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about a Brownie Cake—the way it brings together the deepest chocolate flavors with a tender crumb and creamy frosting. Baking this cake is like giving a hug to your taste buds, and sharing it feels like spreading joy. So go ahead and dive into this recipe; your kitchen and loved ones will thank you for the delicious indulgence!

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