Brownie Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that will make your heart sing, this Brownie Cake Recipe is just the ticket! Rich, fudgy brownies layered with a dreamy whipped chocolate and vanilla cream cheese frosting will have everyone begging for seconds. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe brings joy to any occasion!
What I love most about this Brownie Cake Recipe is how easily it comes together. It’s an indulgent dessert that feels special without being overly complicated. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a dessert that’s both comforting and delightful?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, making this cake is a breeze.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves brownies! This cake is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake the cake in advance and frost it just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible taste experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need for our brownie cake:
For the Brownies
- 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 is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:
- Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Chips Galore: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for added gooeyness.
- Seasonal Flavors: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract or add a sprinkle of cinnamon!
- Fruity Twist: Top your finished cake with fresh berries or slices of banana for a fruity contrast.
How to Make Brownie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your cake pans ensures easy removal after baking. I recommend using parchment paper as well; it makes life so much easier when it comes time to slice into that glorious brownie cake!
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine your melted butter with both sugars until smooth. Then, add in those eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is key because incorporating air into the mix helps achieve that lovely fudgy texture we’re going for!
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, sift in your cocoa powder, flour, and sea salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps our brownies soft and chewy.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour your batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let them cool completely before frosting—patience pays off!
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the brownies cool, let’s whip up that luscious frosting! In another mixing bowl, beat together room-temperature butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing at low speed until fluffy. Then stir in vanilla bean paste and cocoa powder for rich flavor.
Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
Once your brownies are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top before adding the second layer. Finish by frosting the top and sides of the entire cake—don’t forget to reserve some brownie chunks to sprinkle on top for decoration!
And there you have it! A decadent Brownie Cake that’s perfect for any celebration or simply because you deserve something sweet today! Enjoy every delicious slice!
Pro Tips for Making Brownie Cake Recipe
Creating the perfect brownie cake is all about attention to detail and a little love in the kitchen! Here are some pro tips to ensure your brownie cake turns out absolutely delicious.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend smoothly, resulting in a more decadent texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined keeps your brownies fudgy rather than cakey. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a drier cake.
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. This means your brownie cake is perfectly baked!
- Chill before frosting: Allow the cooled brownie layers to chill for at least an hour before frosting. This helps the frosting set nicely and makes it easier to slice.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a hint of espresso powder to elevate the chocolate flavor. Get creative!
How to Serve Brownie Cake Recipe
Serving your brownie cake is just as fun as baking it! There are so many delightful ways to present this rich dessert that will wow your guests.
Garnishes
- Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light contrast to the dense brownie cake.
- Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch that enhances its chocolaty appeal.
- Fresh berries: Serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the richness of the brownie cake perfectly, creating a classic dessert duo.
- Fruit salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and brightness, providing a nice balance to the heavy chocolate flavors.
- Coffee or tea: A warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea can enhance the flavors of your brownie cake while offering comfort with every bite.
- Chocolate sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice can take this dessert over the top, making it even more indulgent.
Now you’re ready to impress friends and family with your delightful brownie cake! Happy baking!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Brownie Cake Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert any time. Whether you’re planning for a gathering or just want to keep some sweet treats on hand, here’s how to store and preserve your cake.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the brownie cake to cool completely before storing.
- Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Wrap individual slices of brownie cake in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped slices in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the brownie cake slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
If you have questions about this decadent dessert, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries regarding this Brownie Cake Recipe.
Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
Yes! While this Brownie Cake Recipe calls for Dutch-processed cocoa powder, you can substitute it with natural unsweetened cocoa powder if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that the flavor may vary slightly.
How should I store my brownie cake?
To keep your brownie cake fresh, follow the storing instructions provided. It can be stored at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for longer preservation.
Can I make this brownie cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Brownie Cake Recipe is great for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it properly until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream or a plant-based cream cheese alternative. They will give your frosting a creamy texture while keeping it delicious!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delectable Brownie Cake! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with rich chocolate flavors and delightful textures. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet, this recipe will surely impress. Don’t hesitate to share your creation—I would love to see how it turns out!
Brownie Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you’re in search of a delightful dessert that embodies the essence of indulgence, look no further than this Brownie Cake Recipe. Featuring rich, fudgy brownies layered with a luscious chocolate and cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether it’s for a family gathering or simply to satisfy your craving for something special, this recipe brings joy and celebration to any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and offers a comforting yet decadent flavor that makes it perfect for both casual weeknight treats and festive celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups melted Danish Creamery European Style Unsalted Butter
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- Heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and sugars until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt; fold until combined.
- Pour batter into pans and bake for about 25 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Beat room-temperature butter and cream cheese until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar.
- Assemble by layering brownies and frosting, topping with reserved brownie chunks if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
