If you are a chocoholic who loves indulgent, fudgy desserts, this Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine the perfect marriage of a dense, luscious brownie texture combined with the light fluffiness of chocolate cake, all topped with a glossy, velvety ganache that melts in your mouth. This dessert not only satisfies your chocolate cravings but also makes for a stunning centerpiece perfect for celebrations or an everyday treat that feels extraordinary. It’s easier to make than you might think, bringing together simple ingredients into an irresistible showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, whether to build the texture, deepen the chocolate flavor, or create that silky ganache finish. These simple pantry staples come together to make a cake that’s anything but ordinary.
- Chocolate cake mix: Provides the light, airy base that offsets the dense brownie layers perfectly.
- Fudge brownie mix: Gives the cake its signature fudgy richness and chewy texture.
- Large eggs: At room temperature for the best batter consistency and structure.
- Water: Also at room temperature, to blend smoothly with the dry ingredients.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a neutral flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream: Essential for creating the luscious, smooth ganache topping.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts perfectly into the cream to create that rich ganache.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready the moment you finish mixing the batter. Next, generously spray a 10-inch Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray so the cake releases easily later without a single crumb clinging to the sides.
Step 2: Mix the Batter to Perfection
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and fudge brownie mix for that perfect texture balance. Add the eggs, water, and vegetable oil—all at room temperature—to create a smooth, cohesive batter. Whisk everything together until you get a silky mixture with no lumps. This step ensures that your cake will have a uniform texture and rich chocolate flavor all throughout.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the luscious batter into the prepared Bundt pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, signaling that fudgy perfection. Avoid overbaking so the brownie texture stays dense but not dry.
Step 4: Cool the Cake
Once out of the oven, allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting time helps it firm up a bit before you turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Patience here ensures the cake maintains its beautiful shape and luscious texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Rich Chocolate Ganache
While your cake cools, gently heat the heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl until it just reaches a simmer—avoid boiling. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the hot cream and let them sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. This quiet moment lets the chocolate melt beautifully. Then whisk everything into a smooth, glossy ganache that will soon crown your cake with decadence.
Step 6: Finish Your Masterpiece
Drizzle the warm ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down those Bundt pan ridges. Let the ganache set up slightly before slicing and serving, so every bite is perfectly luscious and rich. This final touch makes the Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe an exquisite treat to behold and devour.
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely contrast to the deep chocolate richness. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries bring a pop of color and a hint of tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully. Toasted chopped nuts also lend a wonderful crunch and nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic pairing. A hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte complements the chocolate notes perfectly, making it an ideal dessert after dinner or at a cozy afternoon gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the cake into individual mini Bundt cakes or even layer slices with extra ganache and fresh fruit to create a luscious trifle. You can also pop the drizzled cake into the refrigerator to set the ganache fully, then slice for clean, neat portions—perfect for serving guests with style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chocolate brownie cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will preserve the moist texture and keep the ganache soft and delightful.
Freezing
This chocolate delight freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It will stay fresh up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
If you want to warm up a slice, gently microwave it for 15 to 20 seconds. This slight warmth revives the fudgy brownie texture and softens the ganache without melting it completely, giving you that freshly baked feel every time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie and cake batter instead of mixes?
Absolutely! If you’re up for it, homemade versions can give you even more control over flavor and texture. Just make sure the batter consistency is similar so the cake bakes evenly and maintains that perfect fudgy-moist balance.
Is it necessary to use a Bundt pan?
A Bundt pan is recommended for its stunning shape and even baking properties, but you can also use a greased 9×13-inch pan. Just adjust baking time accordingly and remember the ganache drizzle will look a bit different.
How do I get the ganache to thicken properly?
The ganache thickens as it cools naturally. Using heavy whipping cream heated to just simmering ensures the chocolate melts smoothly. If it seems too thin after cooling for a bit, let it rest longer at room temperature or pop it briefly in the fridge before drizzling.
Can I substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate?
Yes! Using dark chocolate will make the ganache more intense and slightly less sweet, while milk chocolate will add a creamier, sweeter touch. Feel free to adjust based on your chocolate preference.
What is the best way to slice the cake to avoid crumbs?
Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between slices. Cutting when the ganache has set slightly but the cake is at room temperature gives cleaner slices without excessive crumbling.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe is one of those magical desserts that turns any day into a celebration. From the first bite to the very last crumb, you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create a fudgy, luscious masterpiece. Trust me, once you make this, it will become your go-to dessert for impressing friends, family, or simply treating yourself to some pure chocolate bliss. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Chocolate Brownie Cake combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the light, fluffy crumb of chocolate cake to create a truly indulgent dessert. Topped with a luscious homemade chocolate ganache, it’s perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a chocolate treat.
Ingredients
Cake and Brownie Batter
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1 box (18.3 ounces) fudge brownie mix
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1¼ cups water, at room temperature
- 1 cup (218 g) vegetable oil
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1 bag (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, fudge brownie mix, four eggs, 1¼ cups water, and 1 cup vegetable oil until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes after baking to set. Then transfer it carefully to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat the heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl until it’s simmering but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips and let sit for 5 minutes to melt the chocolate.
- Whisk Ganache: Whisk the cream and chocolate mixture until it is smooth and glossy with no lumps.
- Apply Ganache: Drizzle the ganache evenly over the cooled cake. Allow the ganache to set slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs and water to ensure the batter mixes evenly.
- You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate based on your preference.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding ganache to prevent it from melting or running off the cake.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
