If you love the deep flavor of brownies but still enjoy the soft texture of cake, this chocolate brownie cake brings the best of both worlds together in one dessert. It’s rich, fudgy, moist, and full of real chocolate flavor — the kind of treat that feels indulgent without being complicated to make. It bakes up beautifully with a soft center and slightly crackly top, just like a perfect brownie should.
One of the nicest things about this cake is how versatile it is. Sometimes it’s served plain as an afternoon treat, other times it’s warmed and topped with ice cream for a cozier dessert, and on special occasions, it gets drizzled with melted chocolate or ganache for an extra elegant finish. No matter how you serve it, this is a dessert that never disappoints.
Why This Recipe Works
The texture of this cake comes from the balance between cocoa powder and melted chocolate — the cocoa gives it an intense flavor, while the melted chocolate keeps it moist and soft inside. The batter is thick and rich, more like a brownie than a traditional cake, but it rises just enough to have a gentle, tender crumb.
Because the recipe is so adaptable, you can keep it simple or dress it up depending on your mood — perfect for both everyday baking and special occasions.
Ingredients
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All-purpose flour
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Unsweetened cocoa powder
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Baking powder
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Unsalted butter
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Dark chocolate, melted
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Milk (whole or plant-based)
Optional Add-ins
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Chocolate chips
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Chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8-inch baking pan so the cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
Melt the butter and dark chocolate together until smooth, then let it cool slightly so it blends properly with the eggs later.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder to remove any lumps and ensure even mixing.
Step 4: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
Beat the eggs with the sugar until light and slightly creamy. This helps with moisture and texture. Stir in the vanilla, then gently mix in the melted chocolate.
Step 5: Combine
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk until just combined. If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes — a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not fully clean, so the center stays fudgy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool before slicing so it sets properly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Time & Servings
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Prep Time: ~20 minutes
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Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
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Serves: 8–10
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Brownie Cake
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Deep chocolate flavor without being overly sweet
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Soft center with a brownie-style texture
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Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
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Versatile topping and serving options
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Works for everyday baking or special occasions
Ingredient Notes
Butter – unsalted gives you full control of flavor
Cocoa powder – choose a rich, unsweetened variety for best results
Dark chocolate – higher cocoa percentage = deeper flavor
Chocolate chips – optional, but they create little melty pockets inside
Variations
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Nutty version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans
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Extra indulgent: Pour warm ganache over the top
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Hint of spice: Add a little cinnamon or espresso powder
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Fruit pairing: Serve with raspberries or strawberries
Serving Ideas
This cake works beautifully in more than one way:
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Plain, dusted with powdered sugar
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Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
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Drizzled with chocolate sauce or ganache for a dessert-style finish
Storage
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Room temperature: 2–3 days covered
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Fridge: up to 5 days (keeps moist)
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Freezer: up to 2 months — thaw overnight and warm slightly before serving
FAQ
Is this more like a cake or a brownie?
It’s a balanced mix — fudgier than a cake, softer than a brownie.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Why is slightly underbaking better?
It keeps the center soft, moist, and brownie-like rather than dry.
Final Touch
This chocolate brownie cake is the kind of dessert that feels special without being complicated — rich, moist, and full of chocolate flavor. Whether you enjoy it simply as-is or serve it warm with ice cream or a chocolate drizzle, it always delivers that comforting, homemade sweetness that makes people smile.
