Craving something rich, fudgy, and irresistibly chocolatey? This Chocolate Brownie Cake recipe combines the best of both worlds with a moist, fluffy cake with the dense, chewy texture of classic brownies.
It’s an easy dessert made from a simple pantry ingredients, then finished with a glossy homemade chocolate ganache that tastes straight out of a bakery.
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Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 10 min | Bake: 50 min | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: An easy dessert made by combining brownie and cake mixes, then finishing with a layer of homemade chocolate ganache.
Why you’ll love it: It’s made with easy pantry mixes but bakes up rich, fudgy, and delicious every time.
How to make it: Simply mix the brownie and cake mixes, bake in a bundt pan, then pour over the warm ganache once the cake has cooled so it drips beautifully down the sides.
👉 Click HERE to grab my Cake Mix Recipes eBook—filled with quick, delicious desserts that turn a simple box mix into something special! Cake Mix Recipes eBook
Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Tried, Loved, and Rated 5 Stars!
- Mixing Brownie and Cake Mix Together
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Directions
- What Size Cake Pan to Use?
- Chocolate Ganache Recipe
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storing and Thawing Tips
- More Cake Mix Recipes You'll LOVE!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Recipe FAQ's
- 💬 Comments
Tried, Loved, and Rated 5 Stars!
I made this cake today and WOW it's so good, very moist and I put a fudge icing . This is a keeper recipe and it's so easy to make! Thank you!
~ Jason
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mixing Brownie and Cake Mix Together
Brownie and Cake Mix Texture: Combining brownie mix with cake mix gives you the best of both worlds: the fudgy richness of brownies with the soft, fluffy texture of cake.
Made with Pantry Staples: This recipe uses boxed mixes and everyday ingredients you likely already have, making it quick and easy to bake anytime.
Homemade Chocolate Ganache: A simple ganache poured over the top adds a smooth, glossy finish and deep chocolate flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family gatherings or weeknight desserts, this cake is always a hit with chocolate lovers.
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!
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Main Ingredients Needed
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
Skip the ganache: If you don’t want to make homemade ganache, warm a can of chocolate frosting in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s pourable. It spreads beautifully over the cake for the same glossy finish.
Add some crunch: Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking, or sprinkle them over the top of the ganache for extra texture and flavor.
Try a coconut twist: If you love coconut, mix a little into the ganache or sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a sweet, chewy touch.
Please note: 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.
Step-by-Step Directions
This section includes step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add all the cake ingredients to a large bowl and mix for a few minutes with a stand or hand mixer.
Step 2: Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake for 50–55 minutes.
What Size Cake Pan to Use?
For this recipe, I used a 12 inch, 12 cup capacity bundt cake pan.
Nordic Ware Original Bundt, 12-Cup, Graphite
Step 3: Check the cake around 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick or skewer—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it's done. Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, loosen the edges with a knife, then turn it out onto a rack and cool completely before glazing.
Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Step 4: Heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2 minutes, just until it begins to boil, then add chocolate morsels and let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth and shiny—at first it may look separated, but keep stirring and it will come together.
Step 5: Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Since it's very rich, you may want to save some—it's perfect over ice cream later.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO use a 10–12 cup Bundt pan, start checking at 45 minutes, and let the cake cool completely before adding the ganache.
❌ DO NOT follow the instructions on the cake or brownie mix boxes or overheat the cream. Warm it until steaming, not boiling.
Storing and Thawing Tips
Refrigerator: 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.
Freezer: 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.
More Cake Mix Recipes You'll LOVE!
Ready for More Cake Mix Recipe Hacks? Try my Chocolate Sugar Cookies or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake.
LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
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📖 Recipe Card
Chocolate Brownie Cake
Video
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate morsels
Method
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
Notes
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Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
To make brownie mix more cake-like, add 1–2 teaspoons of baking powder for fluffiness and ⅓ cup of oil or melted butter for extra moisture. Then, prepare and bake the mix according to the package instructions.
A single box of brownie mix usually fits an 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan, while two boxes need a larger 9x13-inch dish. Always check the box for specific pan size and baking time, as they can vary by brand.
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!
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!