Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream with this Brownie Cake! A rich, fudgy masterpiece that combines the best of two worlds – the density of brownies and the elegance of a cake. Each bite is filled with deep chocolate flavor, a luscious texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s perfect for every occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself.
About The Recipe
If you’re like me and love desserts that are rich, chocolatey, and oh-so satisfying, this Brownie Cake is about to become your favorite. This isn’t your ordinary cake – it’s dense like a brownie, with a crackly top and a moist center that melts in your mouth.
Creating this recipe was a delightful challenge. I wanted a dessert that had the structure of a cake but retained all the decadence of a classic brownie. After several tweaks and taste tests, this recipe emerged as a winner. It’s easy to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and guarantees rave reviews every time.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and fun to create. The best part? You can easily customize it with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to make it your own.
Reasons You Will Love This Brownie Cake
- Incredibly Rich and Fudgy: Every bite is packed with intense chocolate flavor and a perfect balance of sweetness.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy items are required – just pantry staples like butter, chocolate, eggs, and flour.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite toppings like nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or weekend indulgence, this cake fits the bill.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This cake tastes even better the next day, making it a stress-free dessert for parties or gatherings.
Equipment Needed
To make the perfect Brownie Cake, you’ll need the following tools:
- A mixing bowl for combining the ingredients.
- A whisk for stirring the batter.
- An electric mixer to whip the egg whites to perfection.
- An 8-inch round springform cake tin for baking.
- Baking or parchment paper to line the tin.
- A cooling rack to cool your cake evenly.
Gather these tools, and you’re ready to create your masterpiece.
Ingredients for Brownie Cake
For the Cake:
- 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter
Adds richness and helps create the fudgy texture we love. - 300 grams (2 cups) dark chocolate (45-70% cocoa), broken into pieces
The star of the show! Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. - 200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
Sweetens the cake and enhances the chocolate flavor. - 4 large eggs
Provides structure and contributes to the cake’s moist texture. - 70 grams (1/2 cup) plain flour or all-purpose flour, sifted
A small amount ensures the cake holds together while staying tender. - 40 grams (1/2 cup) cocoa powder, sifted
Intensifies the chocolate flavor. - Pinch of salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste. - 35 grams (1/4 cup) chocolate chips (optional)
Adds bursts of extra chocolate in every bite. - 30 grams (1/4 cup) walnuts, roughly chopped (optional)
For a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.
How to Make the Perfect Brownie Cake
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
- Grease an 8-inch round springform cake tin with butter and line the bottom with baking or parchment paper.
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) standard / 150°C (300°F) fan-forced.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine the butter and dark chocolate pieces.
- Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
- Separate your eggs carefully, ensuring no yolk mixes with the whites.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg whites and sugar.
- Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes or until the mixture is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Add the egg yolks to the slightly cooled chocolate mixture and stir gently until combined.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently to avoid overmixing.
- Carefully fold in the whipped egg whites in batches, ensuring you retain as much air as possible.
- If desired, gently fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- The cake will have cracks on the surface – this is perfectly normal!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Leave the cake to cool in the pan on a cooling rack.
- Once completely cooled, remove it from the tin and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Dust with cocoa powder or top with your favorite frosting for an extra indulgent touch.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate with 45-70% cocoa for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when folding the egg whites into the batter to maintain a light, airy texture.
- Cracks Are Normal: The cake’s crackly top is part of its charm, giving it an authentic brownie look.
- Chill for Fudginess: For an even denser texture, refrigerate the cake before serving.
FAQs and Troubleshooting
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This can happen if the egg whites are overwhipped or underfolded. Be sure to fold gently and bake the cake long enough.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and a high-quality dairy-free chocolate for equally delicious results.
How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Milk chocolate can be used, but the cake may turn out sweeter and less intense in flavor. Adjust the sugar if needed.
This Brownie Cake is everything you need for a dessert that’s easy, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every decadent bite!