*Fudgy Brownie Cake** Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your friends or indulge your deepest chocolate cravings, this Fudgy Brownie Cake is your ticket to dessert nirvana. It boasts the rich intensity and melt-in-your-mouth texture of your favorite brownies, transformed into a showstopping, multi-layer cake, complete with swoops of luscious fudge frosting and a glossy ganache drip. Bursting with deep chocolate flavors and just the right balance of sweetness, this is the cake that will have guests hovering around the table, sneaking just one more slice.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Fudgy Brownie Cake comes together with a handful of pantry staples and a few special touches. Every ingredient has a purpose—whether it’s building the cake’s crumb, infusing pure chocolate flavor, or lending the final, fudgy finish. Here’s what you’ll want ready before you start:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the crumb soft and tender.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and keeps it moist.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor; choose a good quality for the richest taste.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These leaveners help the layers rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Balances out all the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
• Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and contributes to the cake’s ultra-moist texture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb incredibly moist and fudgy—classic brownie appeal!
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts and rounds out all the flavors.
• Freshly brewed hot coffee: Enhances the cocoa’s depth (you won’t taste the coffee itself, promise).
• Unsalted butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy, velvety fudge layer between the cakes.
• Powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the fudge frosting to the ideal consistency.
• Heavy cream or milk (for frosting): Loosens the fudge for perfect spreadability and lushness.
• Chocolate chips (for ganache): Make the silkiest chocolate drip—choose semi-sweet for just enough bite.
• Chocolate chunks or mini chocolate chips (for decoration): Top your cake with extra chocolate love and textural crunch.

How to Make Fudgy Brownie Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping three 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt—whisking well means no lumps later! In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix until just combined—over-mixing will rob your cake of its delicate crumb. Finally, stir in the hot coffee. Don’t panic if the batter seems runny—that’s the secret to a super-moist Fudgy Brownie Cake. Divide evenly among your pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then flip them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Fudge Frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy and pale. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, a cup at a time, beating well after each addition until you get a thick, dreamy fudge base. Blend in the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla, and a pinch of salt until your frosting is fluffy and easy to swirl. This frosting is rich, chocolatey, and just the kind that lines the best layer cakes and brownies alike!

Step 3: Whip Up the Ganache Drip

For that classic bakery shine, heat the cream until it just begins to simmer—don’t let it boil! Pour the hot cream over a bowl of chocolate chips. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glistening. Set aside for about 10-15 minutes to allow the ganache to thicken slightly; you want it fluid but not watery, so it drips slowly down the sides of your Fudgy Brownie Cake without running away entirely.

Step 4: Assemble the Fudgy Brownie Cake

To assemble, anchor the first cake layer on your serving plate and smooth a generous spoonful of fudge frosting on top. Carefully stack the second layer and repeat, making sure each layer gets plenty of frosting. Top with the final cake layer, then slather the top and sides of your cake with the remaining fudge frosting, taking your time to achieve those rustic, swoopy patterns that make homemade cakes so inviting. Chill the whole cake for 20-30 minutes to make the ganache application easier.

Step 5: Decorate with Ganache and Chocolate

Once chilled, slowly pour the ganache onto the top of your cake, coaxing it over the edge so it forms those unmistakable chocolate drips. Pipe swirls of any leftover frosting around the perimeter and sprinkle chocolate chunks or mini chips over the top for the finishing touch. With every layer, every drizzle, your Fudgy Brownie Cake becomes more irresistible!

How to Serve Fudgy Brownie Cake

Garnishes

The beauty of a Fudgy Brownie Cake is in the details! Finish it with a classic shower of chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast, or even some crisp cacao nibs. For a special occasion, try a crown of fresh raspberries or a tuft of softly whipped cream—each garnish adds personality and something fun for the eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

This cake is a star all on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream will boost its indulgent factor even more. For a lighter twist, fresh berries or a citrusy compote cut through the richness and keep the whole dessert experience balanced. Even a simple cup of dark roast coffee or espresso is the ideal sidekick that complements those chocolatey layers.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve slices of Fudgy Brownie Cake with tiny pitchers of warm ganache for drizzling at the table, or offer miniature cuts for dessert platters at parties. You could also layer cubes of cake, dollops of frosting, and berries in parfait glasses for an easy, dramatic trifle. However you plate it, every slice has its moment to shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Fudgy Brownie Cake fresh and moist, store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, move the cake to the fridge, but let slices come to room temperature again before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Both frosted and unfrosted layers freeze beautifully! Wrap individual slices or whole layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake will keep its dreamy fudginess for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, or let individual pieces warm up at room temperature for pure cake bliss.

Reheating

If you love your cake warm (and who could blame you!), microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds. This softens the frosting and brings back that fresh-baked vibe. Just enough heat will nudge the chocolate chips or chunks into melty pockets while the cake stays dense and irresistibly fudgy.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural cocoa?

Absolutely! Dutch-processed cocoa will lend a darker color and a slightly richer, smoother chocolate flavor to your Fudgy Brownie Cake. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be a bit more mellow compared to natural cocoa, but still entirely delicious.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’re good to go—your cake will still turn out moist and tender!

Do I have to use the ganache drip?

Nope, but it does add a glossy, bakery-style finish! If you’re short on time or want to keep things simple, just slather on extra fudge frosting and decorate with chocolate chips. The cake will still be irresistible, ganache or not.

Can the frosting be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the fudge frosting up to three days ahead. Simply store it in the refrigerator, and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using. A quick whip with your mixer will bring it right back to fluffy, spreadable perfection.

How do I keep my cake layers from sticking to the pan?

Take a few minutes to grease and flour your cake pans well. For extra insurance, line the bottoms with parchment paper. Your Fudgy Brownie Cake layers will slip right out, intact and ready to frost!

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that’s part brownie, part chocolate cake, and completely unforgettable, you’ll want to make this Fudgy Brownie Cake on repeat. It’s a true crowd-pleaser for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you need a chocolate fix. Set aside an afternoon, gather your favorite people (or just your favorite fork), and treat yourself to a cake that always lives up to the hype!