If you’re searching for the ultimate chocolate lover’s showstopper, look no further than this Chocolate Brownie Cake. It’s the decadent fusion of two favorites—fudgy brownies and rich chocolate cake—all tucked beautifully in a Bundt pan and finished with a luscious ganache drizzle. Each slice delivers the perfect mix of gooey, moist, and deeply chocolatey satisfaction, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether it’s for a casual family dessert or a special celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is deliciously straightforward and calls for kitchen-staple ingredients, yet each one packs a punch to create an unforgettable Chocolate Brownie Cake. The secret is the combination of cake and brownie mixes, which guarantees indulgent texture and flavor every time. Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chocolate fudge cake mix: Lays the soft, tender foundation and ensures a rich, fluffy cake texture.
- Fudge brownie mix: Brings intense chocolate flavor and that signature fudgy density that makes each bite irresistible.
- Large eggs: The binding hero—eggs give structure and moisture, resulting in a cake that’s cohesive and tender.
- Water: Hydrates the batter to the perfect consistency so it bakes up moist, not dense.
- Vegetable oil: Adds richness and makes the cake velvety instead of crumbly (don’t skimp on it!).
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets throughout the cake—little bursts of chocolate in every slice.
- Heavy cream (for ganache): The silky base that helps create a glossy, pourable ganache for finishing.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (for ganache): When mixed with cream, they yield that irresistibly shiny, rich topping.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan—be sure to get into every nook and cranny so your Chocolate Brownie Cake slips out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix, fudge brownie mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk and mix for about 2 minutes until smooth and well blended. This unique combination is what gives the cake its signature hybrid texture: light yet indulgently fudgy.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, taking care not to overmix. These little morsels will melt and create deliciously melty chocolate pockets throughout your cake—a one-way ticket to chocolate heaven!
Step 4: Fill the Pan and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top for even baking. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The aroma at this point is pure happiness!
Step 5: Cool and Unmold
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes (this helps it hold its shape), then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key—the cake will be easier to handle and won’t fall apart when garnishing.
Step 6: Make the Ganache
While your Chocolate Brownie Cake cools, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering (don’t let it boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let it sit for a couple of minutes, then stir until silky smooth and glossy.
Step 7: Glaze and Set
Drizzle the ganache over the cooled cake, letting it cascade gloriously down the sides. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing—you want every piece to have that perfect chocolatey crown.
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Cake
Garnishes
For a classic finish, dust the top with a little powdered sugar or sprinkle with extra chocolate chips. Fresh berries bring a pop of color and a tart contrast, while a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms every slice into a true dessert event.
Side Dishes
This cake is unbelievably rich, so pairing it with something light like fresh fruit, a crisp fruit salad, or a tangy berry coulis can really balance things out. For the full treat-yourself experience, serve with homemade coffee or an espresso.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the cake box! Try slicing your Chocolate Brownie Cake and layering it in parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries for a stunning trifle. You can also cut small cubes and skewer them with fresh strawberries for bite-sized party treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once it’s cooled, wrap your Chocolate Brownie Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Its moist crumb holds beautifully without drying out, so you can savor it over several days.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, you’re in luck—this cake freezes wonderfully! Freeze unglazed slices or the whole cake (well-wrapped) for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh ganache just before serving for best results.
Reheating
To refresh a slice, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate chips get just gooey enough, making it taste like it was just baked. Serve it warm with a cold scoop of ice cream for an out-of-this-world treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake or brownie mix for this Chocolate Brownie Cake?
Absolutely! While chocolate fudge and fudge brownie mixes yield the richest results, feel free to experiment with what you have—any chocolate-based mixes will work and bring their own unique spin to the cake.
What makes this Chocolate Brownie Cake so moist?
The combination of oil, eggs, and water, along with the inherent fudginess of the brownie mix, ensures each bite is utterly moist and tender. Mixing just until blended and not overbaking also helps preserve that luscious texture.
Do I have to use a Bundt pan?
Not at all! While a Bundt pan delivers that iconic shape and makes the ganache drizzle even more stunning, you can use a 9×13-inch pan or two round pans—just adjust the baking time accordingly and keep a close eye on doneness.
Can I make the ganache ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the ganache, let it cool, then refrigerate. Warm gently in the microwave or over low heat to restore its pourable texture before drizzling over the cake.
How do I make this Chocolate Brownie Cake nut-free?
Simply ensure your cake and brownie mixes, as well as chocolate chips, are labeled nut-free. Add-ins like nuts are totally optional and easy to skip—deliciousness guaranteed either way!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chocolate Brownie Cake enough—it’s fudgy, fabulous, and so easy that you’ll want to make it for every occasion. If you’re a chocolate fan or just love bringing smiles to the table, give it a try. You’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
PrintChocolate Brownie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of a Chocolate Brownie Cake, a rich and moist dessert that combines the best of both worlds – chocolate fudge cake and fudge brownie. Topped with a luscious ganache, this Bundt cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (18.25 oz) chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 box (18.3 oz) fudge brownie mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, brownie mix, eggs, water, and oil. Mix until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the Bundt pan and bake for 50–55 minutes. Let it cool before inverting onto a wire rack.
- Make the Ganache: Heat cream until simmering, pour over chocolate chips, let sit, then stir until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For extra richness, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- The cake can be made a day ahead—just cover tightly once cooled.
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