The Best Brownie Cake Recipe with Cocoa Powder

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

Cake Flour: I do not recommend substituting cake flour in this brownie cake recipe. Cake flour helps achieve the delicate, tender texture that distinguishes this cake from a traditional brownie. Using all-purpose flour can result in a denser, more coarse crumb.

Leavening (Baking Powder): Baking powder cannot be substituted with baking soda in this recipe. They serve different purposes, and using one in place of the other can affect the texture and rise of the cake.

Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter provides the right balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter but be sure to halve the amount of salt called for in the recipe.

Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for this brownie cake recipe. It contributes the right amount of sweetness and moisture. Avoid substituting with brown sugar or cane sugar, as it will change the color and texture of the cake, making it denser and more crumbly.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is a key flavor component in this brownie cake recipe, complementing the rich chocolate flavor. Don’t skip it—its subtle sweetness is what makes the cake come alive.

Eggs: This recipe calls for large eggs, which provide structure and moisture. Eggs help bind the ingredients together, making the brownie cake fluffy and tender. Always use fresh eggs for the best results.

Milk: Whole milk is ideal for this brownie cake recipe as it adds richness and moisture. Lower-fat milk can be used, but the cake may not be as moist, and it might dry out faster.

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.

brownie cake recipe steo by step

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.
brownie cake recipe 1

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!

Easy Banana Brownies Recipe

Best Lemon brownies recipe

Delicious Brownie Sundae Recipe

brownie cake recipe

The Best Brownie Cake Recipe with Cocoa Powder

This brownie cake recipe combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the softness of cake, delivering a delicious chocolatey treat that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth in every bite!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

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

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together the sugar, butter, and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder to ensure an even rise.

Step 4: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Add the cooled chocolate mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Then, gradually mix in the dry ingredients and milk, stirring gently after each addition.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

  • Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter to distribute them evenly.

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before slicing.