Brownie Cake
There’s something deeply comforting about the rich aroma of a freshly baked brownie cake wafting through the house. The first cut reveals its fudgy, dense interior, making it hard to resist stealing a corner while it’s still warm. This brownie cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience—bringing back memories of family gatherings, cozy afternoons, and chocolatey indulgences that lift our spirits. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a moment to treat yourself, this brownie cake is the ultimate sweet escape.
Quick Recipe Overview Box
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty: Easy
- Key Ingredients: Dark cocoa powder, unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour
- Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Can be made gluten-free
Quick Answer: This brownie cake is a rich, fudgy dessert packed with chocolate flavor and made in just under an hour.
Why Make This Recipe
Why choose a brownie cake? This decadent dessert offers the best of both worlds: the crackly top and rich texture of brownies, transformed into a cake that’s perfect for celebrations or a simple family dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar or served simply with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Plus, who wouldn’t love a recipe that can go from mixing bowl to serving plate in under an hour?
How to Make Brownie Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dark cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper. This will help ensure your brownie cake slides out easily when it’s done. - Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined. The mixture should begin to look shiny and smooth. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Allow the butter and sugar mixture to cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, allowing the sweet aroma to fill your kitchen. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This step ensures there are no lumps and that your brownie cake has a beautiful uniform texture. - Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a tougher cake. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this stage. - Pour into Prepared Pan
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. - Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be set, while the center remains fudgy. - Cool and Serve
Allow the brownie cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares to serve.
Troubleshooting Tip
If your brownie cake looks a bit too dry, it could be due to overmixing or baking too long. Next time, keep an eye on it towards the end of baking, as every oven can vary.
Why This Recipe Works
The Science
The combination of fat from the butter and structure from the flour creates a tender yet rich dessert. The sugar not only sweetens but also helps in forming that coveted crackly top. Using dark cocoa powder offers a deeper flavor profile, while the addition of baking powder contributes slight leavening for texture without compromising that fudgy interior.
Expert Insight
For the best results, choose high-quality cocoa powder, as it significantly impacts the flavor. The quality of your chocolate chips also matters; using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips will enhance the overall richness, balancing perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
How to Serve Brownie Cake
Present your brownie cake with a dusting of powdered sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. For a gourmet touch, consider drizzling with caramel or chocolate sauce, or topping with fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness.
How to Store Brownie Cake
Store any leftover brownie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.
Tips to Make Brownie Cake
- Don’t overmix: Gentle mixing is key to keeping that lovely fudgy texture.
- Customize your blend: Feel free to mix in chopped nuts or different chocolate types for added flavor and crunch.
- Double the batch: This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings; just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a delicious gluten-free brownie cake.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative to create a dairy-free option.
- Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this brownie cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The brownie cake can be made a day ahead of time, and the flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, you can use an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch pan; however, the baking time may vary. Start checking for doneness at about 25 minutes.
Is this brownie cake suitable for frosting?
While this cake is rich on its own, if you’d like to frost it, a light ganache or whipped cream would complement the flavors nicely.
People Also Ask
What makes brownies fudgy versus cakey?
Fudgy brownies typically have more fat and less flour, giving them that dense and chewy texture, while cakey brownies have more flour, making them lighter.
Can I replace sugar with a sweetener?
You can replace granulated sugar with a suitable sugar substitute, but be sure to follow the package instructions for the correct measurements.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
Conclusion
There’s no going wrong with this decadent brownie cake that promises to satisfy your deepest chocolate cravings. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat. With easy preparation and delicious results, this brownie cake will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy every luscious bite!
Brownie Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Substitute with gluten-free blend if needed
- 1 cup dark cocoa powder Choose high-quality for better flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional) Use semi-sweet or dark for richer flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the sugar until well combined.
- Allow the butter and sugar mixture to cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.