Brownie Cake Recipe
This decadent Brownie Cake combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the light, fluffy nature of chocolate cake, layered and frosted with a creamy chocolate cream cheese frosting. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a unique dessert that blends the best of both worlds.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Chocolate Cake
- 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
Brownie Batter
- 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
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
- 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
- Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick baking spray, line with 8-inch parchment paper circles, and spray again to ensure easy removal of cakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Cake: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 3/4 cup white granulated sugar. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients for Cake: In a small pan on stove over high heat, heat 1 cup water until steaming. In a separate bowl, mix 4 large eggs, 1 cup oil, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, and 1 cup buttermilk. Slowly add the hot water to the wet mixture to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Make Cake Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Set aside while preparing the brownie batter.
- Prepare Brownie Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.
- Beat Sugar and Eggs: In a mixing bowl using a mixer, beat 1 cup white granulated sugar and 2 large eggs on high speed for 5 minutes until thick and pale.
- Add Wet Ingredients to Brownie Batter: Reduce mixer speed to low and add 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/4 cup oil, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Mix until just combined.
- Combine Brownie Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the brownie batter and mix on low until just combined. Remove bowl from mixer and fold in 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips using a rubber spatula.
- Assemble Brownie Dollops: Use a cookie scoop to evenly distribute the brownie batter as dollops over the chocolate cake batter in each pan. Use a knife to lightly swirl the brownie batter into the cake batter.
- Bake the Cakes: Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350°F until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out with moist crumbs. Let pans cool for 10 minutes then transfer layers to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting Dry Ingredients: Sift together 3 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Set aside.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a stand mixer, beat 8 oz room temperature cream cheese and 2 cups unsalted butter on high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar mixture in two parts, mixing on low speed to combine. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and beat on high until creamy and slightly lighter in color.
- Trim Cake Layers: Use a serrated knife to level the domes off the cakes for even stacking.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the first cake layer bottom side down on your serving plate. Spread 1 cup of frosting evenly over it. Repeat with the second layer. Place the last layer upside down (bottom side up).
- Crumb Coat: Apply a thin, light layer of frosting over the entire cake. Freeze for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Final Frosting: Apply the remaining frosting evenly around and on top of the cake. Decorate as desired and serve once set.
Notes
- Allow all ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to come to room temperature for best mixing results.
- Be careful when mixing in hot water to avoid curdling eggs; add slowly and mix gently.
- Use parchment paper in pans to help easily remove delicate cake layers.
- The brownie batter dollops create a marbled effect; avoid over swirling to preserve texture.
- Let cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting frosting.
- For a firmer frosting, refrigerate the cake after assembling for 30 minutes before serving.
- If you prefer, substitute canola oil with vegetable or light olive oil for different flavor profiles.
- The frosting can be stored in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: brownie cake, chocolate cake, layered cake, chocolate dessert, cream cheese frosting, marbled cake, chocolate lover dessert