Brownies are a classic dessert and one of the most popular homemade treats in North America. They are also widely served in restaurants, ice cream parlors and coffee houses. Often, brownies are topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a tasty treat that is rich and chocolatey. Brownies can be baked in a number of different shapes, sizes and styles, and they are often enjoyed with a glass of milk or cup of hot coffee. In addition to being a common household dessert, they are also commonly served at parties, potlucks and holiday celebrations.
This delicious brownie cake recipe combines two boxes of brownie and chocolate cake mix into a fudgy, rich, chocolatey cake that is drizzled with chocolate ganache. It’s sure to impress your guests and family, but it’s really quite simple to make. You’ll love the fact that this cake is freezer-friendly, too.
First, prepare your pans by spraying (3) 6-inch or (2) 8-inch cake pans with baking spray and lining them with parchment paper circles. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie and chocolate cake mixes with the eggs, water, oil and mayonnaise. Beat or whisk the batter until well combined and smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips, then pour it into your prepared pans.
Bake the brownie cake according to the package instructions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting and drizzling with the chocolate ganache.
To make a larger cake, this recipe can be made in (2) 9-inch or (3) 6-inch pans. The bake times will vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cake as it is baking to ensure that you don’t overbake it.
You can easily make this brownie cake ahead of time and freeze it for later. To do so, follow the directions for making the cake, but instead of adding the frosting when it is warm, wrap the layers individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air before sealing. Allow the layers to thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
This dessert can be served as-is, but it’s also delicious layered with my favorite chocolate buttercream frosting, or a store bought variety. For a fun twist, try decorating the top of this cake with lots of candy.
The Difference Between a Cake and a Brownie
While cakes and brownies share many common ingredients, they cannot be used interchangeably. The main difference is that cakes contain a leavening agent, such as baking soda or baking powder, while brownies typically have no leavening or only a very minimal amount of it (depending on the recipe). The leavening agent is what makes the batter light and fluffy, and the texture of a cake soft and airy when it is cooked. Brownies are denser after baking and more like a cookie bar, while cakes are lighter and more fluffy and can be shaped into all sorts of fun forms.