Homemade Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cake Recipe
This Homemade Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cake Recipe combines everything you love about brownies and chocolate cake in one easy dessert. It has a rich, fudgy center but bakes into a cake you can slice and serve.
Servings: people
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 9-inch cake pan
Ingredients
Brownie cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chopped
- 1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips (half semi-sweet, half milk)
Chocolate Ganache
- 6 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped (60–70% cocoa recommended)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Brownie Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, and lightly grease the sides.
- In a small saucepan or using the microwave over low heat, melt the butter and dark chocolate together, stirring gently until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup dark chocolate
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter-chocolate mixture and the hot coffee. Stir until thick, smooth, and fully combined.1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined and slightly glossy.2 cups granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fold in the flour just until combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.1 cup chocolate chips , 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and not clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then invert carefully. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Ganache Frosting
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.6 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
- Heat the cream in a small saucepan until just steaming. Do not boil.3/4 cup heavy cream
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently from the center outward until smooth.
- Stir in the butter, vanilla, and salt until fully incorporated.1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 pinch salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Let the ganache sit at room temperature for around 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a soft, spreadable consistency. It will thicken as it cools.
- Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula or the back of a large spoon for swirls.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing and better structure.
- Stop baking as soon as moist crumbs appear to keep the cake fudgy.
- For best results, let the ganache cool slightly before spreading to avoid a runny finish.
- Use an offset spatula for clean edges and smooth sides of the cake.
- Slice with a warm knife for neat layers and clean presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a brownie and a brownie cake?
A brownie is usually baked thinner and eaten by hand, while a brownie cake is thicker, sliceable, and served like a layer cake.How should I store this brownie cake?
Store the cake covered at room temperature for one day or in the refrigerator for up to four days.Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be baked a day ahead. Add the ganache the day you plan to serve for best texture.Can I freeze chocolate brownie cake?
Yes, freeze the unfrosted cake tightly wrapped. Thaw at room temperature, then add ganache.Is this cake more fudgy or cakey?
This recipe leans toward fudgy brownies with moist crumbs, sitting between a regular brownie and a rich chocolate cake.