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Brownie Cake Recipe

Brownie Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 22 reviews

This decadent Brownie Cake combines rich, fudgy brownie layers with a luscious cream cheese and chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfectly moist and intensely chocolatey, this cake is a delightful treat for chocolate lovers and special occasions alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Cake Layers

  • 340 grams Danish Creamery European Style Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 300 grams granulated sugar
  • 300 grams light brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 80 grams unsweetened cocoa powder, spooned and leveled (dutch processed)
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 210 grams all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

Frosting

  • 227 grams Danish Creamery Unsalted Butter, room temperature
  • 227 grams cream cheese, room temperature
  • 720 grams powdered sugar, spooned and leveled
  • Tiny pinch of salt
  • 60 mL heavy whipping cream, room temperature (reserve 1 Tbsp for chocolate buttercream)
  • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 20 grams unsweetened cocoa powder, spooned and leveled (dutch processed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brownie Batter: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) convection. Grease and line an 11×15 inch sheet pan with baking spray and parchment paper with overhang, secured with binder clips for easy removal.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract on high speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Cocoa and Salt: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and sea salt to the mixture. Beat until fully smooth. Scrape down the bowl edges with a spatula.
  4. Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour and mix on low speed just until combined, ensuring no dry flour remains. Scrape edges as needed.
  5. Bake the Brownie Layers: Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes until edges are set and center feels soft but not wet. Cool fully on a wire rack for 30-60 minutes, then refrigerate 30-60 minutes before cutting.
  6. Make Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat room temperature butter on medium-high for 1-2 minutes until pale yellow. Add cream cheese and beat until combined. On low speed, add powdered sugar and salt until combined, then beat on medium-high 2-3 minutes until smooth and sugar dissolves.
  7. Add Vanilla and Cream: Pour in 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream (reserving 1 Tbsp) and vanilla bean paste. Beat on high for 1-2 minutes until fluffy.
  8. Make Chocolate Buttercream: Transfer about 1/3 of frosting into a separate bowl. Add cocoa powder and remaining 1 Tbsp heavy cream. Mix just until combined and smooth.
  9. Chill Frostings if Needed: If frostings are too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before assembling.
  10. Cut Brownie Circles: Using a 6-inch round cutter or knife and pan, cut four layers from the chilled brownie slab. Avoid the edges for more even texture.
  11. Assemble Cake Layers: Place first brownie layer on a flat surface. Spread a layer of chocolate frosting, then sprinkle chopped brownie scraps evenly. Top with vanilla cream cheese frosting, then add next brownie layer. Repeat layering with remaining cake layers and frostings.
  12. Chill and Finish: Refrigerate assembled cake for 30-60 minutes. Frost outside of cake with vanilla frosting. Dab chocolate frosting spots for soft marbling effect. Create swirls on top with an offset spatula or spoon and garnish with leftover brownie chunks.

Notes

  • You can use a pan of a similar size if 11×15 inches is unavailable; just ensure you can cut out four 6-inch circles.
  • Use Dutch processed cocoa powder for a smoother, richer chocolate flavor.
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and texture.
  • Refrigeration before cutting brownie layers helps achieve clean, neat slices.
  • Reserve some heavy cream separately for adjusting frosting consistency; add as needed.
  • For best results, assemble and chill cake to let flavors meld before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: brownie, brownie cake, chocolate buttercream, fudgy brownie cake, vanilla buttercream

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/brownie-cake-recipe/