Brownie Cake Recipe

Every now and then, you stumble upon a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and this Brownie Cake Recipe is exactly that. It combines the rich, fudgy goodness of a classic brownie with the light, creamy decadence of a buttercream frosting, creating an irresistible treat that’s both comforting and celebratory. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because life deserves a little sweet indulgence, this Brownie Cake Recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying those chocolate cravings with style and soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this unforgettable Brownie Cake Recipe, you’ll want to gather simple yet high-quality ingredients that each bring their unique magic to the mix. From the buttery base to the creamy frosting and rich cocoa, every component plays an essential role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Danish Creamery European Style Unsalted Butter (340 grams, melted): Adds deep, creamy richness and helps achieve a fudgy texture in the brownie layer.
• Granulated sugar (300 grams): Sweetens the cake while assisting in creating a tender crumb.
• Light brown sugar (300 grams, lightly packed): Introduces a subtle molasses flavor and moisture for chewy, delightful bites.
• Large eggs (6, room temperature): Act as the glue that holds everything together and provide structure to the cake.
• Vanilla extract (1 Tbsp): Enhances the chocolate notes and adds aromatic warmth.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (80 grams, spooned and leveled, preferably dutch processed): Delivers that unmistakable deep chocolate flavor and intense color.
• Fine sea salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and amplifies the chocolate taste.
• All-purpose flour (210 grams, spooned and leveled): Provides structure and body without weighing down the brownie.
• Danish Creamery Unsalted Butter (227 grams, room temperature): The base for the luscious cream cheese frosting, ensuring smoothness and richness.
• Cream cheese (227 grams, room temperature): Brings tangy creaminess that cuts through the sweetness for perfect frosting balance.
• Powdered sugar (720 grams, spooned and leveled): Sweetens and thickens the frosting, giving it that silky finish.
• Tiny pinch of salt: Enhances depth of flavor in the frosting.
• Heavy whipping cream (60 mL, room temperature, reserving 1 Tbsp for chocolate buttercream): Adds lightness and helps achieve the ideal frosting consistency.
• Vanilla bean paste (2 tsp): Boosts vanilla flavor with beautiful flecks throughout the frosting.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (20 grams, spooned and leveled, dutch processed): Gives the chocolate buttercream a rich, smooth chocolate kick.

How to Make Brownie Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line your baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Make sure your eggs and dairy are at room temperature—it makes mixing a breeze and results in better texture.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted Danish Creamery European Style Unsalted Butter with both sugars until smooth and glossy. Beat in the room-temperature eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition to build a rich, velvety batter. Add the vanilla extract to infuse warmth into every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, fine sea salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. This gentle fold is the secret to a tender, fudgy brownie texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 4: Bake the Brownie Layer

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow the brownie to cool completely in the pan—patience here is key for the frosting to sit perfectly.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the brownie cools, beat the room-temperature Danish Creamery Unsalted Butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, tiny pinch of salt, and vanilla bean paste, mixing well after each addition. In a small bowl, stir the cocoa powder into the reserved heavy whipping cream, then fold this chocolate cream mixture gently into your frosting for that dreamy chocolate buttercream finish.

Step 6: Assemble the Brownie Cake

Once the brownie has fully cooled, gently spread your luscious cream cheese chocolate buttercream over the top. Use an offset spatula to create swirls or smooth it out elegantly—either way, it’s going to look and taste incredible!

How to Serve Brownie Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Brownie Cake Recipe, consider sprinkling the top with a dusting of cocoa powder or a scattering of mini chocolate chips. A few fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint also add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.

Side Dishes

Serve your brownie cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent pairing. For a fresh twist, a bowl of mixed berries complements the dense chocolate flavor beautifully and keeps your plate vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking mini brownie cakes into elegant layers with frosting between for a stunning dessert tower. Or cut into bite-sized squares and skewer with decorative picks for a fun party treat. You can even drizzle warm caramel or chocolate ganache over slices for a dramatically luscious finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover brownie cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed locks in moisture and ensures every bite stays fudgy and fresh.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Brownie Cake Recipe longer, freeze it wrapped well in plastic and then a layer of foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For a cozy treat, warm a slice gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to soften the frosting and awaken the chocolate aroma without melting the cream cheese layer completely.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dutch processed?

Yes, you can substitute regular cocoa powder; however, dutch processed offers a smoother, less acidic flavor that enhances the richness of the brownie and frosting.

Is it necessary to bring eggs and dairy to room temperature?

It’s highly recommended because room-temperature ingredients mix more evenly, resulting in a better texture and uniform bake.

Can I make this Brownie Cake Recipe gluten-free?

You can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, but make sure they contain xanthan gum or another binder to achieve a similar texture.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar slightly and consider adding a touch more cream cheese or heavy cream to keep the consistency creamy without losing flavor balance.

Can I store the frosted brownie cake in the fridge?

Yes, refrigerate it covered to prolong freshness. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the perfect Brownie Cake Recipe in your baking arsenal, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create some magic in the kitchen. This cake isn’t just dessert—it’s a celebration of chocolate and creamy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Go ahead and treat yourself, because a little indulgence like this is always well deserved!

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