Brownie Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers, combining the dense, fudgy goodness of brownies with the light, fluffy texture of a cake. Topped with a silky homemade chocolate ganache, this dessert is a rich and decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make yet impressive, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweetest cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Brownie Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream! The cake is incredibly moist, dense, and full of chocolatey goodness, while the homemade chocolate ganache adds a glossy, velvety finish. The combination of cake and brownie textures makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, dinner party, or simply because you need a sweet treat, this cake will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (any chocolate cake mix, preferably with pudding in the mix, such as Betty Crocker)
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18.3 ounces fudge brownie mix
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4 large eggs
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1 ¼ cups water
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1 cup vegetable or canola oil
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate)
For the Ganache:
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 cups chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Cake:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, brownie mix, eggs, water, oil, and mayonnaise. Stir or use an electric mixer to mix until well combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed.
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Lightly spray a 12-cup bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake:
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Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
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Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Ganache:
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While the cake cools, prepare the ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave until steaming (don’t boil).
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Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Cover the bowl with a plate for 2-3 minutes to let the chocolate soften.
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Whisk the cream and chocolate together until smooth and glossy.
Assemble:
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Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Serve & Enjoy:
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Slice and enjoy the decadence of this rich brownie cake topped with smooth, velvety chocolate ganache!
Servings and timing
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Servings: 16 servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 50 minutes
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Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
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Calories per serving: 450 kcal
Variations
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Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter for a little crunch and added flavor.
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Flavored ganache: Experiment with flavored ganache by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of coffee to the cream before pouring it over the chocolate chips.
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Frosting alternative: Instead of ganache, you can top this cake with whipped cream, buttercream frosting, or even chocolate mousse for a different texture.
Storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature. You can even heat it up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cake or brownie mix?
Yes, you can substitute the cake or brownie mix with any brand you prefer, as long as the mixes are for chocolate cake and brownie.
2. Can I make this cake without mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise helps keep the cake moist, but you can substitute it with sour cream, yogurt, or an extra egg if needed.
3. Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
Yes, you can use a regular 9×13-inch baking pan instead of a bundt pan. Just reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes and check with a toothpick to ensure it’s done.
4. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well. After it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
5. How can I make the ganache thicker?
If you want a thicker ganache, use less cream. Start with ¾ cup of heavy cream instead of 1 cup for a firmer consistency.
6. Can I use dark chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, dark chocolate will work wonderfully for the ganache, giving it a richer, slightly less sweet flavor.
7. How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
When the cake is done, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
8. Can I add other fillings to the cake?
Yes, you can add fillings like caramel, peanut butter, or chocolate ganache in between the layers of cake if using a multi-layered pan.
9. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be baked a day ahead and stored at room temperature. Simply pour the ganache on top when you’re ready to serve.
10. Can I make the cake without the ganache?
Yes, you can skip the ganache and dust the cake with powdered sugar or serve it with whipped cream for a simpler, lighter finish.
Conclusion
Brownie Cake is a decadent, indulgent dessert that brings together the best of both worlds—cake and brownies. Topped with a luscious homemade chocolate ganache, this cake is rich, fudgy, and irresistibly chocolatey. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this cake will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth. Try it today for a deliciously rich dessert!
Print
Brownie Cake
A rich and decadent chocolate cake that combines the best of brownies and cake, drizzled with a homemade chocolate ganache for the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for chocolate lovers!
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (any chocolate cake mix, preferably with pudding in the mix, such as Betty Crocker)
- 18.3 ounces fudge brownie mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate)
- For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, brownie mix, eggs, water, oil, and mayonnaise. Stir or mix with an electric mixer until well combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed.
- Lightly spray a 12-cup bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the batter evenly into the pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan before removing it to finish cooling on a cooling rack.
- While the cake cools, prepare the ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave until steaming.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Cover the bowl with a plate for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften.
- Whisk the cream and chocolate together until smooth and glossy.
- Once the cake is completely cool, pour the ganache over the cake.
- Serve and enjoy the decadence of this brownie cake!
Notes
- For extra richness, use dark chocolate chips for the ganache.
- This cake can be served warm with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the amount of chocolate chips in the ganache.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg