What happens when you combine the flavor of brownies with the light, fluffy texture of a cake? You get a Chocolate Brownie Cake, a rich, decadent dessert that's sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.
Made with a box of chocolate cake mix and a box of brownie mix, this recipe is topped with a homemade chocolate ganache. Prepare to amaze and satisfy your family and guests with this decadent treat!
Check out all the other easy dessert ideas for even more delicious recipes.
The best part about this recipe is it's made with just a few simple pantry ingredients; including chocolate cake mix and brownie mix. Yes, you heard that right!
With a little creativity and a few extra ingredients, you can transform these two pantry staples into a showstopping dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
Looking for more cake mix recipes? Try my Brownie Mix Mint Chip Cookies that also uses a box of brownie mix to create delicious cookies or my German Chocolate Cake recipe that's full of coconut flavor!
Table of Contents
- Mixing brownie and cake mix together
- What Size Cake Pan to Use?
- 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
- 📋Ingredients
- Top Tip
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Before You Begin!
- Storage Tips
- Freezing Tips
- 🔁 Thawing Tips
- What to add to brownie mix to make cake?
- What size pan for 2 boxes of brownie mix?
- More Recipes to Love
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Mixing brownie and cake mix together
Traditionally when you combine a brownie mix and cake mix together you're creating a dessert referred to as a "brookie," and it has become increasingly popular in recent years.
However, for this recipe we're baking a cake. An incredibly rich, decadent cake that's perfect for all the chocolate lovers in your life.
What we're creating is a cake mix hack. Which is using a box of cake mix as ingredients to create another delicious dessert.
What Size Cake Pan to Use?
For this recipe, I used a 10-inch, 10 cup capacity bundt pan. I've also used a 12 inch, 12 cup capacity bundt cake pan. Make sure you check out the link below in the Helpful Kitchen Tools section.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
Natural Wood Pedestal Serving Tray White, Candle Holder Tray Round Stand, Rustic Small Cake Stand 8 Inch for Dessert Cupcake, Decorative Display Risers for Birthday Party, Wedding
DAILY RITMO Acacia Round Tray Riser | Wooden Farmhouse Pedestal Stand for Decor & Display | Natural Wood Footed Rustic Circle Cake Stand 11 inchesCake Tester, Stainless Steel Cake Skewer, Kitchen Cake Tester Probe Skewer Pin Needle, Reusable Long Metal Baking Pick Sticks Tool, A Cake Tester for Home Bakery Muffin Bread (4)HISSF Cake Knife and Server Set,18/10 Stainless Steel Cake Pie Pastry Servers, Sweet Love Cake Serving Set Perfect For Wedding, Birthday,Home, Parties and Events
📋Ingredients
Top Tip
This recipe uses TWO cake mixes. Do not follow any of the directions on the back of the boxes and only add the ingredients I have listed below in the recipe card.
Substitutions and Variations
If you didn't want to make the homemade ganache, you can use a can of chocolate frosting.
You could also add chopped walnuts or pecans to the either the cake mix or on top of the chocolate ganache.
If you're a fan of coconut, add coconut to the ganache as well!
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1 | Prepare the Cake Mix
- Add the ingredients for the cake in a large bowl and using either a stand mixer or hand mixer, mix for a few minutes.
- Pour batter into prepared bundt pan that's been sprayed with non-stick baking spray and bake for 50-55 minutes.
Step 2 | How to Tell when Cake is Done
- Remember, all ovens bake differently. So test the cake after it has baked for about 45 minutes to see if it is done.
- If you start to see the sides of the cake pull away from the pan ever so slightly, test the cake with a cake tester or toothpick.
- Insert a cake tester/skewer into the cake and if it comes out with streaks of batter, you need to continue baking. If the skewer comes out clean, the cake is done.
- You can also use a toothpick.
- A few crumbs on the toothpick or cake tester is fine.
Step 3 | Cool the Cake
- When done baking, remove cake and allow to cool in pan for up to five minutes.
- Run a knife along the edges of the cake pan to help release the cake and then carefully turn the cake out onto a cooling rack.
- Do not try to pour the glaze on top of the cake while it's warm.
Step 4 | Prepare the Homemade Chocolate Glaze
- Place heavy whipping cream in a microwave safe bowl and heat on high for two minutes or just until the heavy cream begins to boil.
- I like to use my batter bowl because it makes it easy to pour the glaze over the cake.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and carefully add the chocolate morsels.
- The mixture may bubble up, this is okay! Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes and then begin to whisk until shiny and smooth, about 1 minute.
- At first it may look like the glaze is not going to get smooth.
- But keep stirring and it will come together.
Step 5 | Pour the Glaze
- Pour over cooled cake and allow the glaze to drizzle down the sides of the cake.
- You may not want to pour all the glaze on top of the cake. It is very rich.
- I saved the extra and we used it on top of ice cream a few days later.
Before You Begin!
If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.
Storage Tips
It's best to store any leftover in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent the ganache from melting.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze the cake for up to one month.
First wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight freezer bag before placing it in the freezer.
🔁 Thawing Tips
When ready to eat and enjoy the cake, allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving the next day.
What to add to brownie mix to make cake?
Brownie mix doesn't typically contain leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, which help cakes rise and become fluffy. Therefore, adding 1-2 teaspoons of baking powder to the brownie mix can make it more cake-like.
Additionally, adding ⅓ cup of oil or melted butter can make the cake more moist and tender. Once you have added these ingredients, prepare the mix according to the package instructions and bake as directed.
The result will be a delicious chocolate cake that has the rich flavor of brownies with a lighter, fluffier texture.
What size pan for 2 boxes of brownie mix?
A standard box of brownie mix typically requires an 8-inch or 9x9 inch square baking pan, while two boxes will require a larger pan, such as a 9x13 inch rectangular baking dish.
Be sure to check the instructions on the back of the brownie mix box for recommendations on pan size and baking time, as these can vary depending on the brand and type of mix used.
More Recipes to Love
Ready for More Cake Mix Recipe Hacks? Try my Chocolate Sugar Cookies or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake.
You might even enjoy this Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe.
Easy Cake Mix RecipesMore Information
📖 Recipe Card
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Chocolate Brownie Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix; 15.25 ounce size box
- 1 box fudge brownie mix; 18.3 ounce size box
- 4 eggs
- 1 ¼ cup water
- 1 cup oil
For the Homemade Chocolate Glaze
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate morsels
Instructions
For the Cake
- Heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add the ingredients for the cake in a large bowl and using either a stand mixer or hand mixer, and mix until everything is combined.
- Pour batter into prepared bundt pan that's been sprayed with non-stick baking spray and bake for 50-55 minutes.
- When done baking, remove cake and allow to cool in pan for up to five minutes.
- Run a knife along the edges of the cake pan to help release the cake and then carefully turn the cake out onto a cooling rack.
- Cool for 30 minutes more.
For the Homemade Chocolate Glaze
- Place heavy whipping cream in a microwave safe bowl and heat on high for two minutes or just until the heavy cream begins to boil.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and carefully add the chocolate morsels.
- The mixture may bubble up, this is okay!
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes and then begin to whisk until shiny and smooth, about 1 minute.
- At first it may look like the glaze is not going to get smooth. But keep stirring and it will come together.
- Pour over cooled cake and allow the glaze to drizzle down the sides of the cake.
- You can serve it right away or allow the glaze to cool.
Video
Notes
chocolate-brownie-cake-homemade-ganache
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2018 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Maria says
Thank you for sharing your Chocolate Brownie Cake recipe at the Senior Salon Pit Stop party this week. I’m excited to be featuring it at the party tomorrow. Sharing on Facebook and pinned.
Hugs,
Maria @ kraftyplanner.com
Cara ~ Vintage Style Gal says
I have never made a bundt cake before, but I have been wanting to try one. We like brownies, and who wouldn't love more chocolate? Thank you for sharing with Whimsy Home Wednesday.
Lois says
Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Connie O says
I made this cake today for our dinner. It turned out great. I did use a sugar free cake mix and brownie mix. It didn’t make any difference.
Lois says
Thank you for letting us know!
Lemon says
Made this today! Easy and delicious. I sliced it in half and added a peanut butter fluff filling and chopped reeses! So delicious! Will definitely keep this as a go to recipe! Thanks
Lois says
That sounds amazing! Thank you for leaving a comment!
ColleenB.~TX. says
I large bundt cake is a bit much for just hubby and myself, so I make into cupcakes or will use my mini bundt cake pan and make individual bundt cakes; putting some in the freezer to have for another time or will share with our neighbor.
C says
Thank you! This is delicious!. Love the crunchy outside and tender crumb on the inside! That ganache is excellent.
Lois says
Thank you for the wonderful comment!
Mira says
Mistakenly purchased a supreme brownie mix, so it included chocolate chips, and used it to make this cake. This was a delightful mistake and will continue the recipe with this small adaption. Thanks for sharing!
Lois says
Thank you for the great comment!
Sundae says
I'm planning to make the Pumpkin Pinata cake (2 bundt cakes stacked together (bottom one upside down) with candy in the middle. Do you think this cake sturdy enough for this? Or is it too moist to hold up?
Lois says
I think it might the cakes might be too moist, but you never really know until you try, right? Let me know how it came out!
Donna Johnson says
Can I use a angel food cake pan instead of a bundt pan??I don’t have a Bundt pan.
Lois says
I sent you a personal email Donna. I hope you received it. I have never tried baking this recipe using an angle food cake pan. I would make sure whatever pan you use is about the same size that I refer to in the post above. Another reader recently sent me an email letting me know she made the recipe using a cupcake pan!
Tina says
This cake is everything you said it would be. Absolutely delicious!!! The glaze, oh my!!! The best chocolate cake by far! Do you know if it freezes well? Not that there’s that much left.
I was trying to share a picture with you but can’t. Will definitely make this again!
Joyce says
I tried this recipe and used a heart shape bunt pan - what a disater the batter overflowed all over my oven so bad that I had to shut the oven off to stop the dripping batter which was burning in the bottom of the oven - before my smoke alarm went off - please advise on the exact size of the correct bunt pan - this is a very large amount of liquid and ultimately batter
Very costly cake that had to be grow out 😢
Lois says
The correct size pan to use is mentioned and linked above in the "Helpful Kitchen Tools" section of the blog post---> https://amzn.to/2sHuNKA It's also linked in the recipe card.
I did a little research online this morning and most heart shaped bundt cake pans I found are 8 inches, which is clearly much smaller than the one I have linked to.
I'm sorry the cake overflowed for you. I hope you will try it again using the correct size pan.
ColleenB. - TX. says
My Nordic Ware heart shape pan is a 10 cup capacity.
Most pans will have printed on bottom of pan on how much batter it will hold. Always best to check first Before pouring in your batter.
Lois says
I agree! Thanks for the info regarding the size of the pans being printed on the bottom. I never noticed that before!
Mary S says
Can I use a regular cake pan in the correct size? I’d prefer not to have a Bundt cake as I want to frost it with buttercream.
Lois says
Yes, but don't overfill the pan. (You may have extra batter.) Be sure to leave about 1/2″ to 1/4″ of space at the top to give the cake room to grow. You'll also need to adjust your baking time.
Jason says
I’m excited to make this today for a Christmas get together tonight. I am using mint chocolate chips and plan on decorating with some red sprinkles for the Christmas-y vibe!
Lois says
That sounds yummy. Hope you enjoy the cake.
Karen says
My ganache was too runny. I followed the directions exactly- could you tell me what went wrong? Or suggestions how to fix it next time? The cake itself was great!
Lois says
Oh, I'm so sorry that happened! I did a little research online and found a few things: Sometimes depending on the type or brand of chocolate you use can cause this. I usually use either Hershey or Nestle semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can try to stir in more chocolate chips if you're finding the ganache is turning out too thin. Do you think maybe you overheated the cream in the microwave? Every microwave is different and you may not need to heat it as long as I did. Watch the heavy cream while it's in the microwave and just when you start to see the little bubbles start to form, you need to remove it and continue with the recipe. Please let me know if these suggestions help!
Beverly says
Wow, this cake looks so yummy. I love chocolate and this is a great combination. Congrats, you are being featured on Happiness Is Homemade this Saturday.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Bev
Lois says
Thank you so much for the feature!!
Kim~madeinaday.com says
Oh my, what a yummy cake! Pinned & sharing! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! We hope you will join us again next week!
Kim
Carol says
I just made this cake in a bundt pan. It turned out perfectly, so easy, delicious and received rave reviews from my family. I will not hesitate to make it again!! Thanks for sharing.
Lois says
Thank you so much for letting me know!
Cheryl says
I made this cake some time ago and it came out great. This time it’s running over the pan. I did use 4 extra large eggs bc I didn’t have large. Could that have anything to do with running over? I used the same Bundt pan.
Lois says
Since the only thing different you used were the larger eggs, I would say yes. I have never had a problem with the cake running over. I'm sorry it was a problem for you this time.
Jen says
Thank you for the recipe! Going to give it a try.
Do you think substituting the 1 and 1/4 cups of water with milk will make the cake richer or there is no need?
Thank a lot!
Lois says
I'm not really sure. I've never substituted milk for the water in any boxed cake recipe. If you try it, let me know!
Susan Alabbassi says
I always substitute milk for the water in any box cake and I also use butter instead of oil. I was just sitting hear wondering if I should do this for this cake.
Lois says
That sounds like a great idea. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Maria says
I tried this recipe but added orange extract and zest to the batter. What a delicious twist!
Lois says
That sounds amazing! Thanks for the comment.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Ooo! This looks so amazing! The glaze alone is enough to make me drool! Love it!
Lois says
Thank you for visiting!
Natalie says
This cake reminded me so much of a cake my mom made when I was little! So delicious and the perfect solution for when that chocolate craving hits!
Lois says
Thanks for visiting!
Christina says
You had me at chocolate! What an incredible cake! And that glaze...oh my!
Lois says
The glaze is amazing! Thanks for visiting.
Jaclyn Shimmel says
This chocolate brownie cake is AMAZING! So rich and delicious -- especially that chocolate ganache. Yum!
Lois says
It's amazing what a homemade ganache can do for a boxed cake mix. Thanks for visiting.
Martha says
Can this cake be made in a 9 x 13 pan?
Lois says
I have never made it in a 9X13 pan. You can try and report back to me! Thanks for visiting.
Pat T says
I made this cake for granddaughters ‘donut’ themed party. It turned out great, not dry at all. Will make again. With sprinkles on the top it looked like a big chocolate iced donut.
Lois says
What a fun idea!!! Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know!
Karen says
This brownie cake is in the oven as I type...
Still has 30 minutes left and its already overflowing my bundt pan~
Lesson learned & oh how I despise wasting ingredients & my time.
Oddly enough not one other reviewers had the same issue with overflow????
If there is a next time, I will use a regular bundt plus my 6 cup bundt..
Got my fingers crossed it pops out readily & tastes as good as it looks..
Kim C. says
I’ve made your recipe several times since it was first posted. Great for cupcakes for parties & holiday dinners because the recipe makes a lot, freezes well for bake ahead, and tastes delicious and fresh baked. Frost after thawing and no one will know you made them way ahead of your event!
Lois says
Thank you so much for letting me know! Thanks for visiting!
Wendy says
Would love to know bake time for the cupcakes! Anyone know?
Lois says
Hi Wendy, cupcakes baked in a preheated 350 degree oven should take 15 - 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of one cupcake comes out clean. I hope the recipe came out okay for you!
Veena Azmanov says
I cannot believe how simple and easy this is to make.. So yum. My kids would enjoy this thoroughly. I make it when he has friends over.
Lois says
Thanks Veena. It's a favorite of mine to bake when company is coming!
gail says
I love chocolate, so I know this cake would be a hit at my next gathering because I hang around with a bunch of chocoholics. 🙂
Thanks for sharing at Talk of the Town. Featuring this recipe in my roundup next week.
pinning!
gail
Amy Justeson says
My son's birthday is coming up and asked for a layered brownie cake. I came across your recipe and am wondering if it would work out well for 3 or 4 round cake pans? Sounds so yummy! Also wondering about the density and if it's fudgy like a brownie or crummy like a cake? Thanks for any input.
Amy
Lois says
I'm not really sure as I've only used a bundt cake pan with this recipe.
The texture is not at all crummy but it's not thick like a brownie either. It's the best of both worlds, really. Please let me know how everything turns out for you!
Amy says
I made 2 9" rounds and frosted with chocolate buttercream... everyone complimented me and loved it but I felt it was too dry. They were definitely overbaked. I tested with toothpicks at 30 min. but they were still very wet, but at 35 they were very dry! I was so bummed and surprised at how quickly it happened.
If I try it again I'll definitely bake for less time.
Thanks for the recipe!
Lois says
I'm sorry they came out dry for you. I've only made this recipe using a bundt pan and with the chocolate glaze recipe, not a buttercream recipe that you said you used. Please try again using a bundt pan! Thank you for visiting and letting me know.
Arlene Mobley says
This looks so good! I can only imagine how good it tastes. My family would love this cake. My husband would devour this in a day.
Lois says
LOL, that's funny because my husband can do the same! Thanks for visiting!
Marisa Franca says
I can usually pass up desserts but there is no way I could pass up on this delicious looking dessert! I didn't think I craved chocolate but now that's all I'm thinking about. And how easy it is to put together. WOW!! I'm putting the two mixes on my grocery list.
Lois says
That's great to hear! Thank you for visiting.
Veena Azmanov says
I love CAKES and we love BROWNIES.. so this is the best of both. And you made it in a bundt pan.. how perfect the weekend. Love how thick the chocolate galze looks. YUM!!
Lois says
The chocolate glaze is really amazing. I could eat it with a spoon! Thanks for visiting!
Gloria says
Well, I know my hubby would LOVE this cake. Making cakes in bundt pans are the best. Love the rustic look, and the minimal time it takes to decorate. For me, it's all about the cake....and I do love a good brownie. This sounds delicious, and I know my family would love it for dessert any night of the week.
Lois says
Thank you Gloria. My hubby loves this recipe! Thanks for visiting.
Denise says
I was wondering if I should make my MIL's chocolate cake this weekend and I think you have sold me. This looks so darn good and yet pretty easy. I'm not much of a baker so that is why I was hesitant. Thanks for sharing!
Lois says
I think you'll enjoy the recipe! I've made it a few times to bring to get-together's and it's always a hit. Thank you for visiting!
Deedee says
How do get cake on clean plate after frosting?
Lois says
I used parchment paper under the cake that I could easily pull away. Thank you for visiting!
ELIZABETH BUMP says
Can you store cake in fridge for a few days?
Lois says
Of course!!! Thanks for visiting!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
If I can make my chocolate glaze in the MICROWAVE, I can't imagine why I'd ever go back to store-bought. This Chocolate Brownie Cake looks absolutely delicious!
Lois says
Thank you for visiting!
Tates says
Hi, can I make this on a 9x13 sheet pan instead? If yes, how long do I bake it for and at what oven temperature?
Thanks!!!
Lois says
I'm not sure about that as I've only used the bundt cake pan mentioned above in the recipe. You need to bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Thanks for visiting!
Sharon says
Can you tell me what size box of brownie mix? 8x8 or the 9x13?
Lois says
I used a 18.3 ounce size box of brownie mix. Hope you enjoy the recipe. Thank you for visiting!