Brownie cake is a luscious treat that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the delightful fluffiness of cake. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice that’s perfectly moist, with a crackly top and a heart that melts in your mouth. This recipe uses velvety cocoa powder and creamy butter, along with a splash of vanilla and a hint of coffee to elevate the chocolate flavor. Topped with a glossy ganache or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, this brownie cake is sure to be the star of any dessert table, leaving everyone craving more!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Indulge in rich, fudgy goodness that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- Guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Dessert |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 8-10 |
| Best Served: | Warm with ice cream |
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – provides structure to the cake.
- Cocoa powder – adds rich chocolate flavor.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens and enhances the chocolate taste.
- Brown sugar – adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Baking powder – helps the cake rise for a light texture.
- Salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Unsweetened applesauce – a great substitute for eggs, adds moisture.
- Vegetable oil – keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract – adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate chips – for extra chocolatey goodness and texture.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to whip up a delicious brownie cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownie cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly gooey.
Step 2: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect 1 cup of unsalted butter, 2 cups of sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir it gently until it’s completely melted and smooth.
Step 4: Mix in Sugar and Eggs
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the sugar until well combined, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget the vanilla extract!
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 7: Pour into Pan
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Pour the brownie batter into the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the brownie cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your decadent delight!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use high-quality chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it should be just combined for a fudgy texture.
- Let the brownie cake cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges.
- Experiment with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
How to Serve
Delight in your brownie cake with these fun serving suggestions:
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo.
- Drizzle with rich chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Add fresh berries for a fruity twist.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Sprinkle with sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Layer with peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty kick.
- Enjoy with a side of caramel sauce for a sweet contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your brownie cake fresh:
- Allow it to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place it in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
For long-term storage:
- Cool the brownie cake completely.
- Wrap in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your brownie cake again:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick fix.
FAQs
What makes brownie cake different from regular brownies?
Brownie cake combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the lightness of a cake. It often has a more cake-like structure while still delivering that intense chocolate flavor you love. This makes it perfect for celebrations or as a dessert centerpiece!
Can I use gluten-free flour for this brownie cake?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 baking blend for the best results. Your brownie cake will still be delicious and moist, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I store leftover brownie cake?
To keep your brownie cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze individual slices for up to three months!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to my brownie cake?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or even caramel swirls to the batter. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if you add a lot of extra ingredients to ensure it bakes evenly.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new favorite indulgence, the brownie cake! It’s simple, rewarding, and oh-so-decadent. Picture yourself savoring each rich, fudgy bite, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream on the side. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner baker, and enjoy the delightful magic of this recipe. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Happy baking, my friend!
