If you are a chocoholic looking to indulge in the ultimate dessert experience, this Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Combining the fudgy depth of a classic brownie with the soft, tender crumb of a chocolate cake, topped generously with a silky ganache that melts in your mouth, every bite feels like a celebration. This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yet yields a decadent, crowd-pleasing masterpiece perfect for special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself and loved ones to something truly spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the long list intimidate you — each ingredient here plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, creating that dream combo of moist cake and rich brownie all in one. The simplicity of these staples lets the chocolate shine brilliantly in every bite.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): Provides the tender, fluffy cake base with deep chocolate notes.
- Fudge brownie mix (1 box, 18.3 ounces): Delivers that dense, fudgy texture that brownie lovers crave.
- Large eggs (4, room temperature): Essential for binding the batter and lending richness.
- Water (1¼ cups, room temperature): Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
- Vegetable oil (1 cup): Adds moisture and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Key to making the luscious ganache topping smooth and creamy.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces): Melting these into the cream creates the rich ganache that finishes the cake perfectly.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan generously with nonstick spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. This first step is important for a flawless final presentation.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix and fudge brownie mix thoroughly. Add the eggs, water, and vegetable oil, continuing to whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined. This blend of mixes creates the perfect balance of cakey and fudgy textures.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the surface lightly. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, signaling that fudgy richness.
Step 4: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set and become stable enough to remove. Then gently invert onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely before decorating. Patience now means a neater ganache finish later!
Step 5: Prepare the Rich Ganache
While the cake cools, heat the heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl until it just begins to simmer. Pour this hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then whisk until the mixture is glossy and silky smooth. The ganache should be thick yet pourable for drizzling.
Step 6: Drizzle the Ganache
Finally, generously drizzle the ganache over the fully cooled cake. Allow it to set for a few minutes so it hardens slightly but remains glossy and indulgent. This finishing touch brings the whole Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe together into one irresistible treat.
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to elevate presentation with fresh raspberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the ganache. Each addition adds a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor to complement the intense chocolatey richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to add a creamy contrast. Fresh berries or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce can also bring delightful complexity alongside the dense cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cake as the centerpiece on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of nuts, chocolate shavings, and assorted berries for a dramatic effect. For celebrations, add edible gold leaf or chocolate curls for a luxurious twist that wows every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The ganache keeps the cake moist, but refrigeration will extend freshness if needed.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooled unfrosted cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature and freshly prepare the ganache to drizzle over the cake for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy a slice warm, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the ganache beautifully and brings out the gooey brownie quality that makes this recipe so addictive.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake and brownie mixes instead of boxed ones?
Absolutely! While boxed mixes simplify the process, you can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake and brownie recipes to maintain the luscious texture and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Since it relies on boxed cake and brownie mixes, it is not naturally gluten-free unless you use gluten-free mixes specifically formulated for baking.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center: it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached, signifying fudgy but fully cooked cake.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can be swapped for vegetable oil, which will add richness but might slightly change the texture. Use an equal amount for best results.
How thick should the ganache be when drizzling?
It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still fluid enough to pour slowly over the cake. Too hot and it will be runny; let it cool slightly to achieve the right consistency.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that comes out perfectly every time and impresses without stress. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply craving the ultimate chocolate fix, this cake will deliver deep, fudgy, and silky goodness in every bite. Go on, treat yourself and watch it disappear in seconds!
Print
Chocolate Brownie Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 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 flavors of chocolate cake and fudge brownies into one irresistible dessert. Topped with a smooth, homemade chocolate ganache, this cake is perfect for special occasions or satisfying any sweet tooth craving with its moist texture and intense chocolate taste.
Ingredients
Dry Mixes
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1 box (18.3 ounces) fudge brownie mix
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1¼ cups water, at room temperature
- 1 cup (218 g) vegetable oil
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 generously spray a 10-inch Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, fudge brownie mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating the cake is perfectly cooked inside.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, giving it time to set before gently transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat the heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl until it just reaches a simmer. Immediately add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the hot cream and let sit for 5 minutes to melt the chocolate thoroughly.
- Whisk Ganache: After the resting period, whisk the cream and melted chocolate together until smooth, glossy, and fully combined into a silky ganache.
- Finish Cake: Drizzle the ganache evenly over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the ganache set slightly before slicing and serving to enjoy the rich, decadent finish.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help the batter mix more evenly and produce a better texture.
- Make sure not to overbake the cake to prevent dryness; check with a toothpick towards the end of baking time.
- For easier removal, let the cake cool slightly before turning it out of the Bundt pan.
- The ganache can be refrigerated for up to a week; warm slightly before serving if hardened.
- For extra flair, garnish with fresh raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
