Name: Brownie Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour; 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp Baking soda; 2 tsp Baking powder; 1 tsp Salt; 1 3/4 cup White granulated sugar; 4 Large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup Oil (canola or vegetable); 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 1 cup Buttermilk, room temperature; 1 cup Hot water, steaming; 1 cup White granulated sugar; 2 Large eggs; 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup Oil; 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 1/3 cup All-purpose flour; 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tbsp Cornstarch; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1/2 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips; 8 oz Cream cheese, room temperature; 2 cups Unsalted butter, room temperature; 3 cups Powdered sugar; 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that hits all the right notes of rich, fudgy, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, this Brownie Cake is the answer to your cravings. Combining the decadent, chewy texture of brownies within the structure of a layered cake, it’s a delightful fusion that’s sure to blow your mind and win hearts at any gathering. Every bite delivers that classic chocolate intensity with a luxuriously creamy frosting that wraps it all up perfectly. This Brownie Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients are the backbone of the Brownie Cake’s luscious texture and deep chocolate flavor. Each one plays a pivotal role in creating the perfect balance between moist cake layers and rich brownie dollops sprinkled throughout the batter.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, giving the cake a tender crumb and the brownies their delightful density.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: A must-have for delivering that intense chocolate flavor in both the cake and brownie portions.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help the cake layers rise just right while maintaining a moist texture.
White granulated sugar: Balances bitterness and adds sweetness in both the cake and brownie batters.
Large eggs: Provide richness and help bind everything together for that fudgy yet airy effect.
Oil (canola or vegetable): Keeps the cake tender and moist without overpowering other flavors.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the chocolate’s natural aroma.
Buttermilk: Contributes to a tender crumb and subtle tanginess that lifts the overall flavor.
Hot water: Intensifies cocoa flavor by “blooming” the cocoa powder and helping evenly mix the batter.
Unsalted butter: Melted for richness, especially crucial in the brownie batter for that fudgy consistency.
Cornstarch: Keeps the brownies delightfully soft by preventing toughness in the batter.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Little pockets of melting chocolate magic throughout the brownies.
Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter: The trio that creates the dreamy chocolate cream cheese frosting crowned atop the cake.

How to Make Brownie Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping your cake pans with nonstick spray and parchment paper circles for easy removal. Mix your dry ingredients—flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar—in a large bowl. Separately, whisk together eggs, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk, then slowly blend in hot water. Be gentle with your eggs to avoid scrambling. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended, then pour this luscious batter evenly into your three pans, setting the stage for the rich brownie batter dollops.

Step 2: Whip Up the Brownie Batter

While the cake pans rest, it’s brownie time! Mix your dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt—in one bowl, and in another, beat sugar and eggs on high speed until gloriously fluffy. Gently fold in the melted butter, oil, and vanilla before combining with your dry ingredients. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand to ensure those gorgeous chunks stay intact. Using a cookie scoop, dot the brownie batter evenly across each cake pan. Don’t hesitate to swirl it gently with a knife, creating gorgeous marbled pockets in your cake.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake your Brownie Cake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it. After baking, patience is key: let the cakes sit for about 10 minutes in their pans before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the cakes and brownies to set perfectly, ensuring they won’t crumble when you frost them.

Step 4: Craft the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

While your Brownie Cake layers cool, whip up the frosting magic. Sift powdered sugar with cocoa powder to keep the frosting silky smooth. Beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, then gradually add the sugar-cocoa mixture, blending on low to avoid a mess. A dash of vanilla pull the flavors together beautifully, making your frosting decadently creamy and irresistibly chocolaty.

Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Level the domed tops of each cake layer with a serrated knife for even stacking. Start with your first cake layer, spreading a generous cup of frosting, then top with the second layer and repeat. Flip the final cake layer carefully with the bottom facing up for a smooth finish. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 15 minutes to lock it all in. Finally, frost the entire cake generously, transforming your kitchen into a haven of chocolate bliss.

How to Serve Brownie Cake

Garnishes

Take your Brownie Cake to the next level with fresh raspberries or strawberries on top—these berries provide a bright contrast to the rich chocolate flavors. A light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, while a handful of chocolate shavings or curls make it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Serve slices of Brownie Cake alongside cool whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for that classic pairing. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich espresso complements the dense, chocolatey layers perfectly, elevating your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the Brownie Cake into smaller bite-sized squares for a decadent dessert platter, ideal for parties or potlucks. For a fun twist, drizzle caramel or berry sauce over individual servings, adding a pop of color and flavor. You can also serve slices with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for delightful crunch and texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Brownie Cake keeps beautifully when stored covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. Keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to maintain that moist, fudgy texture and creamy frosting freshness.

Freezing

If you want to save part of your Brownie Cake for later, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results before serving.

Reheating

For a warm treat, gently reheat brownies or slices of the cake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but avoid heating the frosting too much as it may become overly soft. You can also enjoy it cold straight from the fridge or at room temperature—the choice is yours!

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in the Brownie Cake?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tanginess. This helps maintain the cake’s tender crumb and flavor balance.

Is this Brownie Cake recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! While it has multiple components, the instructions break everything down clearly, making it a fun project even for home bakers new to layered cakes or brownies.

Can I make the cake and brownie batters ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the cake fresh for the fluffiest results. However, you can prepare the batters a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, just bring them back to room temperature before baking.

What kind of chocolate chips work best in the brownie batter?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal for balancing sweetness and richness, but feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.

How do I get smooth frosting without lumps?

Sift your powdered sugar and cocoa powder before mixing, and beat the cream cheese and butter thoroughly at room temperature. This ensures a silky, velvety chocolate cream cheese frosting perfect for spreading and piping.

Final Thoughts

This Brownie Cake is truly a joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. Its wonderful marriage of moist cake and fudgy brownies, all wrapped in creamy chocolate frosting, makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—you’re about to discover your new favorite chocolate indulgence that everyone will rave about!