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Thick slice of homemade brownie cake with a crackly top and rich chocolate interior on a dessert plate.

Homemade Brownie Cake Recipe | Fudgy Chocolate Cake with Crackly Top & Rich Cocoa Flavor

This Homemade Brownie Cake is the ultimate fusion of gooey brownies and rich chocolate cake. With a dense, fudgy center and crackly top, it’s loaded with deep cocoa flavor and just the right amount of chew. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you crave a chocolate fix, this cake is easy to make and even easier to devour. Serve it warm with ice cream, drizzle with ganache, or enjoy it plain—every bite is pure chocolate bliss.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Celebration Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American-Inspired, Chocolate Dessert, Comfort Food
Servings 12 (depending on pan size)
Calories 455 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking pan (sheet, bundt, or round)
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup melted butter
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk or buttermilk

Optional Mix-ins

  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp espresso powder
  • ½ cup sour cream or yogurt

Toppings

  • Chocolate ganache or frosting
  • Sprinkles, nuts, or powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Prepare pan: Grease and line pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  • Make batter: Gradually add wet mixture to dry, stirring gently. Fold in melted chocolate and optional mix-ins.
  • Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35–45 minutes (sheet pan) or up to 1 hour (bundt pan). Toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
  • Cool: Let cake cool completely before frosting or slicing.
  • Finish: Top with ganache, frosting, or powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Make-ahead: Store at room temp for 2–3 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze slices for 2 months.
  • Reheating: Microwave slices for 10–15 seconds for gooey texture.
  • Avoid mistakes: Don’t overbake, use room-temp eggs and butter, and line pan with parchment for easy removal.
  • Variations: Add espresso powder for mocha flavor, swirl in peanut butter or caramel, or top with Oreos, pecans, or sea salt.
  • Nutrition: Cocoa adds antioxidants; customize for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with swaps.
Keyword birthday cake, Brownie cake, chocolate cake, fudgy dessert, potluck dessert