Craving a rich, fudgy chocolate treat but short on time? This easy chocolate brownie cake recipe is your answer! Forget complicated baking techniques and lengthy ingredient lists; this recipe delivers intense chocolate flavor and a delightful, moist texture with minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight dessert, a casual gathering, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to indulge!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or espresso powder for added richness
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your brownie cake slides out effortlessly.
Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is smoothly incorporated before moving to the next step.
Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough brownie cake.
Optional mix-ins: This is where you can get creative! Fold in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a teaspoon of espresso powder for an extra layer of depth.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked brownies are fudgier.
Cool and serve: Let the brownie cake cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or serve it as is – the rich chocolate flavor speaks for itself.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Brownies:
- Room temperature eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough brownie cake. Mix until just combined.
- Toothpick test: The toothpick test is your best friend! It ensures your brownie cake is baked through without being dry.
- Cooling time: Allowing the brownie cake to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when you cut it.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Brownie Cake: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delightful twist.
- Mint Chocolate Brownie Cake: Add ½ cup of crushed Andes mints along with a few drops of peppermint extract.
- Salted Caramel Brownie Cake: Drizzle a salted caramel sauce over the cooled brownie cake for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your serving and the inclusion of optional ingredients. However, a general estimate per serving (assuming a 9x13 inch pan cut into 16 squares) would be around 250-300 calories, with a significant amount of fat and sugar. This is a treat best enjoyed in moderation!
This easy chocolate brownie cake recipe is a perfect example of how delicious and satisfying homemade cooking can be, even with minimal time and effort. Enjoy this simple yet decadent dessert and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!