A brownie cake is a great dessert option for those who love chocolate but want something more substantial than a cupcake. It is also easy to make and looks very impressive, especially when made using a bundt pan!
Typically, cakes require some form of leavening (either baking soda or baking powder) to rise. However, brownies do not have leavening and so they are denser and more fudgy than a traditional cake. That is the reason why a brownie cake is often preferred over a regular cake for special occasions.
To create a brownie cake, you will need the same ingredients as you would to make a traditional chocolate cake. However, the brownie batter needs to be mixed with a bit more liquid (water or milk). It is also important that you don’t over mix, which will cause the batter to become tough.
The key to a successful brownie cake is to prepare the ingredients ahead of time. The cake layers can be baked up to a month in advance and stored at room temperature until the day you are ready to assemble and frost. To do so, simply bake each layer as directed in (3) 6-inch, (3) 8-inch or (2) 9-inch pans and then chill before assembling. When you are ready to frost, do so right after applying the crumb coat and before adding the ganache.
A brownie can be topped with any type of frosting, but a classic chocolate buttercream or brown butter cream cheese frosting are ideal choices. A ganache is another excellent choice and can be easily made by simply heating heavy cream and mixing in some chocolate chips.
If you are making a single cake, it is recommended that you use a bundt pan to help ensure the cake turns out evenly and does not stick. The pan should be lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray before the batter is poured in. When the cake is finished baking, allow it to cool for about 10 – 15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate or another cooling rack.
Once the brownie cake is cooled, it can be topped with a variety of garnishes such as fresh fruit, nuts or candy sprinkles. Then, it is ready to be served! Enjoy! brownie cake