Have you ever found yourself caught between a craving for cake and a longing for the dense, chocolatey goodness of brownies? This brownie cake recipe gives you the best of both worlds, merging the deep richness of a classic brownie with the soft, delicate texture of cake. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just indulging in a well-deserved treat, this brownie cake recipe is here to deliver all the warm, chocolatey flavors you love in an irresistibly tender bite.
How My Grandmother Taught Me This Recipe
Every time I make this brownie cake recipe, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where I first learned the magic of baking. My grandmother was a firm believer that baking wasn’t just about following a recipe; it was about creating memories, passing down traditions, and savoring the little joys in life. She taught me how to measure each ingredient with care, insisting that every spoonful mattered.
As I stirred the cocoa and butter mixture on the stovetop, she’d stand beside me, sharing stories of her own childhood and how she came to love baking. This brownie cake recipe, she said, was her way of blending the rich flavors of a brownie with the softness of a cake—a combination she knew would be cherished for generations. Now, every time I take a bite, it’s like a warm hug from her, and I hope it brings the same joy to others.
Why We Love This Brownie Cake Recipe
There’s so much to adore about this recipe, from its straightforward ingredients to the rich, fudgy flavor it brings to the table. Here’s what makes it shine:
- Rich and Chocolatey: With a generous amount of cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips, this cake delivers intense chocolate flavor in every bite.
- Easy Ingredients: This recipe calls for simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Adaptable for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday, or just a cozy weekend at home, this cake suits any event.
Ingredients for the Best Brownie Cake Recipe
Make sure to have the following ingredients on hand for this brownie cake recipe. Each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and chocolate flavor:
- Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups (or reduce to 1 ¼ cup if you prefer it less sweet)
- Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup
- Cocoa Powder: ½ cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Large Eggs: 2
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Milk: 1 cup
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup (optional but recommended)
How to Make Brownie Cake Recipe
Follow these steps for a foolproof brownie cake that combines all the richness of a brownie with the fluffiness of a cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your cake releases perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, and cocoa powder. Stir gently until the butter melts and the ingredients come together in a smooth mixture. Once melted, After that, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. This will help ensure an even rise for your cake.
Step 4: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the slightly cooled chocolate mixture. Stir in the eggs and vanilla, mixing until everything is well incorporated. Next, alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the chocolate mixture, stirring gently after each addition. This gradual mixing helps keep the batter light and prevents overmixing.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter and gently fold them in. These chips will add delightful bursts of chocolate throughout the cake.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips for Perfect Brownie Cake Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs and butter helps the ingredients blend smoothly, leading to a more even texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you’ve added the flour, stir just until combined.
- Customize Your Brownie Cake Recipe: Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, extra chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor.
How to Store Brownie Cake
To keep your brownie cake fresh and moist, store it correctly:
- Room Temperature: Place the cake in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week if you prefer a slightly denser, fudgier texture.
FAQs About Brownie Cake Recipe and Cocoa Powder
Can you turn brownie mix into a cake? Yes! Adjusting the ingredients can help achieve a more cake-like texture. Increase the liquid or reduce the fat to create a lighter, more cake-like consistency.
What is the difference between cake and brownie?
Cake has a lighter, airier texture, whereas brownies are denser and fudgier due to a higher fat-to-flour ratio.
What is the difference between cake-like brownies and regular brownies?
Cake-like brownies use more flour and a leavening agent, which gives them a softer, spongier texture compared to traditional brownies.
What does cocoa powder do in brownies?
Cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor and provides the dry bulk that gives brownies their chewy texture.
Can you substitute cocoa powder for chocolate in brownies?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the fat and sugar to ensure a balanced flavor and texture.
How does cocoa powder affect cake?
Cocoa powder brings a deep chocolate flavor without adding extra fat, allowing the cake to be rich yet light.
Bake Your Perfect Brownie Cake Recipe Today
Give this brownie cake recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to rate the recipe if it brought some chocolatey joy to your day.
More Brownies recipes you will love!
Delicious Brownie Sundae Recipe
The Best Brownie Cake Recipe with Cocoa Powder
Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups or reduce to 1 ¼ cup if you prefer it less sweet
- Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup
- Cocoa Powder: ½ cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Large Eggs: 2
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Milk: 1 cup
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup optional but recommended
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your cake releases perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, and cocoa powder. Stir gently until the butter melts and the ingredients come together in a smooth mixture. Once melted, After that, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. This will help ensure an even rise for your cake.
Step 4: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, add the slightly cooled chocolate mixture. Stir in the eggs and vanilla, mixing until everything is well incorporated. Next, alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the chocolate mixture, stirring gently after each addition. This gradual mixing helps keep the batter light and prevents overmixing.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
- Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter and gently fold them in. These chips will add delightful bursts of chocolate throughout the cake.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before slicing.