Fudgy Brown Butter Brownie Cake Recipe
This Fudgy Brown Butter Brownie Cake is a rich, decadent dessert featuring the nutty depth of browned butter combined with dark chocolate, creating an irresistibly fudgy texture. Topped with a creamy cocoa buttercream and chocolate sprinkles, this cake offers a perfect balance of intense chocolate flavor and silky sweetness, ideal for chocolate lovers seeking an indulgent yet sophisticated treat.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownie Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 7 ounces 70% dark chocolate bar, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- Pinch fine sea salt
- Chocolate sprinkles, for decorating
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Generously butter a 9-inch round springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
- Bake the Brown Butter: In a stainless steel pan over medium heat, melt the butter, cooking until you see brown bits forming at the bottom and you detect a nutty aroma. This process enhances the flavor, so be patient and attentive. Once browned, scrape the butter into a separate bowl and immediately whisk in the chopped dark chocolate and vanilla bean paste until smooth and combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch processed cocoa powder, cornstarch, and fine sea salt. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients and avoids lumps.
- Whisk Sugar and Eggs: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and increased in volume. This incorporation of air helps create the cake’s tender crumb.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Stream the warm melted chocolate and browned butter mixture into the whipped eggs and sugar, folding gently to combine without deflating the batter.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Carefully fold the sifted flour mixture into the wet batter until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a fudgy texture.
- Bake the Brownie Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. The cake should be set but fudgy inside.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial before applying the frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the room temperature unsalted butter with powdered sugar and cocoa powder until light and fluffy. Next, add the heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Decorate the Cake: Once the brownie cake is fully cooled, pipe the frosting around the border with a piping bag or spread evenly as desired. Finish by sprinkling chocolate sprinkles on top for added texture and decoration. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off rather than scooping directly to avoid dense brownies.
- Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor; do not skip this step for an enhanced chocolate taste.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for richer flavor intensity.
Keywords: brownie cake, brown butter brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate cake, cocoa buttercream, decadent dessert