Chocolate Brownie Cake Recipe

Chocolate Brownie Cake is an irresistible combination of two beloved desserts: the rich, fudgy goodness of a brownie and the light, airy texture of a cake. This unique dessert is a favorite in many households, including mine. Growing up, my family always had a sweet treat ready for special occasions, and this Chocolate Brownie Cake became a staple. The aroma of chocolate wafting through the house brings back fond memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the joy of sharing a delicious dessert with loved ones.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. Even though it combines two different dessert bases, it’s straightforward and quick to make. This makes it perfect for both novice bakers and those who are short on time but still want to impress their guests with a homemade dessert. The ganache topping adds a luxurious finish, making this cake suitable for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix

1 box fudge brownie mix

4 large eggs

1+1/4 cup water

1 cup oil

For the Ganache:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 (12oz) bag semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Instructions

Preparing the Cake

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Preparing the oven in advance ensures it reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the cake.

Prepare the Bundt Pan: Use baker’s spray to thoroughly coat a bundt pan. If you don’t have baker’s spray, you can use the traditional method of buttering the pan and then dusting it with flour. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the chocolate cake mix and the fudge brownie mix. Sifting helps to eliminate lumps and ensures a smoother batter. This step might seem trivial, but it makes a significant difference in the final texture of your cake.

Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add the eggs, water, and oil. Using a whisk, mix the ingredients together for about 2 minutes. The goal is to combine everything until the lumps are mostly gone and you have a smooth batter.

Pour the Batter: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Make sure to spread it evenly to ensure the cake bakes uniformly.

Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. The exact baking time can vary, so it’s a good idea to start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. You can use a toothpick or a cake tester to check—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.

Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps it set a bit, making it easier to remove from the pan. After 5 minutes, carefully turn the cake out onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely for at least 30 minutes before adding the ganache.

Preparing the Ganache

Heat the Cream: In a large microwave-safe bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Heat the cream in the microwave for about 2 minutes, or until it just begins to boil. Be cautious as it will be very hot.

Add the Chocolate: Once the cream is hot, carefully add the semi-sweet chocolate morsels. The cream may bubble up a bit, which is normal. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes without stirring. This allows the chocolate to melt gradually.

Mix Until Smooth: After the 5 minutes have passed, use a whisk to mix the chocolate and cream together. Whisk until the ganache is shiny and smooth, which should take about 1 minute. If there are still lumps, you can heat it slightly again and continue whisking.

Apply the Ganache: Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the ganache over the top. You can use a spatula to help spread it evenly if needed. This ganache adds a rich, glossy finish to your cake, making it not only taste incredible but also look stunning.

Variations and Substitutions

Chocolate Substitutions: If you prefer a different type of chocolate, you can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate morsels with milk chocolate or dark chocolate. This will change the sweetness and intensity of the ganache, allowing you to customize it to your taste.

Cake Mix Variations: While this recipe uses a standard chocolate cake mix, you can experiment with different flavors. A devil’s food cake mix or a chocolate fudge cake mix could provide deeper chocolate flavors.

Oil Substitution: For a slightly healthier version, you can substitute the oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. This will make the cake a bit lighter and reduce the overall fat content without compromising on moisture.

Additional Mix-Ins: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in some chocolate chips or nuts into the batter. Walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch that complements the soft, fudgy cake.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Brownie Cake is an indulgent, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and always a hit. The combination of the rich brownie and the light, fluffy cake, all topped with a luscious chocolate ganache, creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. It’s perfect for chocolate lovers and is sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress. It’s versatile enough to accommodate various substitutions and additions, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy the process of baking this delicious treat, and more importantly, savor every bite with friends and family. This recipe isn’t just about making a cake; it’s about creating memories and sharing love through the joy of baking.