The Ultimate Brownie Cake Recipe

If you are a true chocoholic and love that fudgy, rich texture that melts in your mouth, then you are about to fall head over heels for The Ultimate Brownie Cake. This dessert is a decadent masterpiece that combines the deep, intense flavor of a classic brownie with the softness and creaminess of a fluffy cake, layered with luscious cream cheese and chocolate buttercream frosting. Every bite delivers pure bliss, making it perfect for celebrations or a cozy night in. Trust me, once you make The Ultimate Brownie Cake, it will become your go-to dessert for impressing friends and treating yourself equally.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for The Ultimate Brownie Cake are straightforward yet powerful—they come together to create layers of irresistible chocolatey goodness and silky frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the European style butter enriching the batter to the cream cheese adding tangy smoothness to the frosting.

• 340 grams Danish Creamery European Style Unsalted Butter (melted): This adds a luxurious richness and buttery depth to the brownie layers.
• 300 grams granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.
• 300 grams light brown sugar (lightly packed): Offers a caramel-like complexity and moisture to keep the brownies soft.
• 6 large eggs (room temperature): They provide structure and contribute to the cake’s fluffy lift.
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that balances the intense chocolate.
• 80 grams unsweetened cocoa powder (spooned and leveled, dutch processed preferred): Delivers deep chocolate flavor and that dark, irresistible color.
• 1 tsp fine sea salt: Crucial for balancing sweetness and intensifying flavor.
• 210 grams all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Provides just enough structure without making the cake dense.
• 227 grams Danish Creamery Unsalted Butter (room temperature, for frosting): Essential for a creamy, smooth frosting base.
• 227 grams cream cheese (room temperature): Adds a tangy contrast and silky texture to the frosting.
• 720 grams powdered sugar (spooned and leveled): Sweetens the frosting to perfect balance and adds smooth sweetness.
• Tiny pinch of salt (for frosting): Enhances the overall flavor, preventing the frosting from tasting overly sweet.
• 60 mL heavy whipping cream (room temperature, reserving 1 Tbsp for chocolate buttercream): Lightens the frosting and helps with spreading consistency.
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste: Intensifies the vanilla notes and adds beautiful specks to the frosting.
• 20 grams unsweetened cocoa powder (spooned and leveled, for chocolate frosting): Used to create the rich chocolate buttercream layer that pairs perfectly with the vanilla cream cheese frosting.

How to Make The Ultimate Brownie Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Greasing and lining an 11×15 inch sheet pan with parchment paper is key to easy removal, and using baking spray ensures nothing sticks. Combine the melted butter with both sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract using a mixer on full speed until the mix turns pale and fluffy—about five minutes. This whipping step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving that perfect tender crumb.

Step 2: Add Cocoa and Flour

Once your batter is pale and airy, stir in the cocoa powder and salt until smooth, scraping down the sides to ensure even mixing. Incorporate the flour gently on low speed, just until it disappears into the batter. Overmixing here can make your brownies tough, so be delicate. Pour the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes. Look for set edges and a slightly soft center—this guarantees that fudgy texture that is the heart of The Ultimate Brownie Cake.

Step 3: Cool and Chill the Brownie Layers

After baking, allow the brownie cake to cool completely at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to firm up. Then refrigerate for another 30-60 minutes—this chilling step makes cutting the perfect circles easier and keeps the layers intact for beautiful cake assembly.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

Beat your room temperature butter with a whisk attachment until it lightens to a pale yellow, about 1-2 minutes. Then add cream cheese and mix until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, beating on low until incorporated, then on medium-high to eliminate any grit. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla bean paste for luscious smoothness. Set aside about a third of the frosting to blend with cocoa powder and reserved heavy cream—this creates the rich chocolate buttercream swirl that complements the vanilla frosting perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble Your Ultimate Brownie Cake

Using a 6-inch round cutter, carefully cut out four even circles from the chilled brownie slab, avoiding the chewy edges if possible. Layer the first brownie round on a cake board or plate, spread a layer of chocolate frosting, then some chopped brownie chunks for texture. Follow with a layer of vanilla cream cheese frosting and repeat until all layers are stacked. Refrigerate the cake for 30-60 minutes, then frost the outside with the vanilla frosting. Finish with chocolate spots for a subtle marbled look, swirls on top, and a sprinkle of leftover brownie chunks for the final decadent touch.

How to Serve The Ultimate Brownie Cake

Garnishes

The Ultimate Brownie Cake is naturally stunning, but a few garnishes can elevate its presentation to wow factor. Try sprinkling coarse sea salt flakes to highlight the chocolate or adding fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to cut through the richness. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add elegance and extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake beside simple accompaniments that balance its richness. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is always a hit. Fresh fruit salads or a light citrus sorbet also provide a refreshing contrast to The Ultimate Brownie Cake’s dense chocolate layers.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try serving The Ultimate Brownie Cake as mini layered parfaits or alongside espresso shots for a decadent dessert platter. You can also slice it into bite-sized squares for decadent finger food at a party or use it as the base for an elaborate trifle layered with fruits and mousse.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Ultimate Brownie Cake keeps beautifully when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will even intensify overnight, so leftovers often taste better the next day. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best texture and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake fully frosted or just the brownie layers separately. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and refresh with a light re-frosting if needed.

Reheating

For that irresistible just-baked feel, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting might melt. This gentle warming brings out the fudgy texture and enhances the flavor of The Ultimate Brownie Cake perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch processed?

You can substitute regular cocoa powder, but Dutch processed offers a smoother, less acidic flavor and darker color that really shines in The Ultimate Brownie Cake.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, and you should get great results without compromising taste or texture.

Can I prepare the cake layers the day before assembling?

Absolutely. Baking and chilling the brownie layers a day ahead helps them firm up nicely and makes assembly easier.

What’s the best way to cut neat circles from the brownie slab?

Use a sharp 6-inch round cutter and twist gently without sawing. Chill the brownie slab well before cutting to minimize crumbling.

Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?

The cream cheese adds a lovely tang and softness to balance the sweetness, but you can substitute all butter if needed—just expect a slightly different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about The Ultimate Brownie Cake—its fudgy depth combined with creamy frosting creates a harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm chocolate hug. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a soul-satisfying dessert, this cake delivers every time. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try and make it your new favorite indulgence—you won’t regret it!

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