If you’re in the mood for an unforgettable dessert that merges the best parts of chocolate cake and gooey brownies, the Chocolate Brownie Cake is about to become your new go-to treat. Imagine a rich, fudge-like crumb swirled with melty chocolate chips and crowned with a silky chocolate ganache that pools in all the right places. Every bite delivers pure chocolate bliss — and thanks to a few smart shortcuts, this showstopper bundt cake is surprisingly easy to pull off. The Chocolate Brownie Cake is truly indulgence made simple, and whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself, it never fails to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is half the fun! Each one plays a key role in delivering the decadence, texture, and knockout chocolate flavor that make this cake so special.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation for a soft, moist crumb with just the right level of chocolate flavor.
- Fudge brownie mix: Brings dense, fudgy richness and amps up the chocolate intensity for that classic brownie touch.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and ensure the cake holds together while staying moist.
- Water: Keeps the batter fluid and helps everything blend smoothly—plus it keeps the cake from being too dense.
- Vegetable oil: Makes the cake extra tender and gives it a luscious, rich mouthfeel you can’t get with butter alone.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (for the batter): Melts into delicious pockets of chocolate throughout the cake that make every bite delightful.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a perfectly silky ganache that cascades over the finished cake.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache): Melted with cream, they create that irresistibly glossy, decadent finish.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then grab your bundt pan and give it a generous coating of butter or nonstick spray—really get into every curve and crevice. This step makes unmolding your Chocolate Brownie Cake so much easier and helps guarantee that flawless, showstopping shape.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, fudge brownie mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Give everything a good stir until no dry streaks remain—you want a smooth, cohesive batter. Once combined, fold in one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for that extra hit of chocolate with every forkful.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes. The secret to perfect texture? Insert a toothpick into the deepest part of the cake—it should come out mostly clean, but a few moist crumbs are exactly what you want.
Step 4: Cool and Unmold
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This step makes the cake less fragile and helps it release easily. Then gently invert the pan onto a wire rack and lift it away—admire those lovely ridges! Let the cake cool completely before adding the ganache.
Step 5: Whip Up the Ganache
Meanwhile, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it’s just beginning to simmer. Pour it over the remaining 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then stir slowly until velvety and smooth. That’s your luscious ganache—thick, shiny, and absolutely essential for the most delicious Chocolate Brownie Cake experience.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Slowly pour the ganache over the cooled cake, letting it flow down the sides and collect in the curves of your bundt. Give it a few minutes to set, and then slice in. Pure chocolate heaven!
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Cake
Garnishes
This cake already oozes style, but a little flourish never hurt! Try a cloud of whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, or some chocolate shavings spiraled over the ganache. For a pop of color and flavor, add fresh berries or a sprig of mint on each slice.
Side Dishes
You can never go wrong with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream—it pairs beautifully with the warm, rich flavors of Chocolate Brownie Cake. Or, keep things light and fresh with sliced strawberries, raspberry sauce, or even a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a bit of crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your inner pastry chef and serve individual slices with a swirl of ganache on the plate, a spoonful of berry compote, or even a drizzle of salted caramel. Mini bundt pans make adorable party servings, and for birthdays, try adding candles or festive chocolate curls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the Chocolate Brownie Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cake stays decadent and moist, and the ganache keeps its shine!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Slice the cake and wrap individual pieces in plastic, then tuck them into a freezer bag. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temp before indulging again.
Reheating
If you love your cake warm, microwave a slice for 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to melt those chocolate chips slightly and make everything gooey and rich again. Pair with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While the classic combo is all about chocolate, you can experiment with mixes like red velvet or even devil’s food for a twist—but for the ultimate Chocolate Brownie Cake, stick to chocolate for both.
Can I make this without a bundt pan?
Yes! You can use a 9 x 13 inch pan or two 9 inch round pans. Adjust your baking time and start checking for doneness after about 30 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Look for a toothpick to come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Because of the brownie mix, avoid waiting until it’s bone dry—a little gooeyness is what makes Chocolate Brownie Cake so delicious!
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you choose cake and brownie mixes without any animal-derived additives, this recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly and perfect to share with friends and family who don’t eat meat.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even peanut butter chips are all tasty additions. Fold them in with the chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for bake-me-happy joy in cake form, you can’t go wrong with this Chocolate Brownie Cake. The ease, the wow factor, and that chocolate overload make it a true favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share a slice—or two—with someone who loves chocolate as much as you do!
Print
Chocolate Brownie Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of this Chocolate Brownie Cake that combines the best of both worlds – a rich chocolate cake and a fudgy brownie in one heavenly dessert. Topped with a luscious chocolate ganache, this cake is a true showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 box fudge brownie mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan. Mix cake mix, brownie mix, eggs, water, oil, and 1 cup chocolate chips. Pour into pan.
- Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool, then invert onto a rack.
- Make Ganache: Heat cream, pour over 1 ½ cups chocolate chips, let sit, then stir until smooth. Pour over cake and let set.
Notes
- Enhance with whipped cream or ice cream
- Store covered at room temp for 3 days or refrigerated for a week
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
