Death By Chocolate Brownie Cake
Death By Chocolate Brownie Cake will practically knock you off of your seat with how decadent and delicious it is. This cake is unlike any other chocolate cake recipes you've tried before because the cake layers are actually layers of dense chocolate brownie. In between each rich brownie layer is a bit of homemade chocolate buttercream frosting and a gooey chocolate ganache. Between the "cake," the frosting, and the ganache, you're sure to get your fill of chocolate and satisfy your sweet tooth with this wonderful dessert.
Serves12
Preparation Time1 hr
Chilling Time2 hr
Cooking Time30 min
Cooking Vessel Size9-inch Springform Pan
Ingredients
- For the Brownie Cake
- 2 ounce unsweetened baking
- Chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 3 ounce semisweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
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- For the Filling
- 1 1/2 cup walnuts, divided
- 1 3/4 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips, divided
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
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- For the Frosting
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, as needed
Instructions
To Make the Brownie Cake
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Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter and flour two 9-inch round pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Then butter and flour the parchment. (You can also use the cooking spray with flour in it.)
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Place the two baking chocolates and butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chocolate is smooth. Stir in the sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla, salt, and cocoa, and stir well. Add the flour and stir carefully.
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Divide the batter between the pans and spread to the edges (batter will be thick). Bake for 21 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the edge of the pan comes out with just a touch of crumbs. Set pans on a wire rack to cool completely before removing brownies from pans.
To Make the Filling
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Spread the walnuts on a cookie sheet and toast in the 350F oven for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring every minute, until toasted. Do not walk away from the oven; they can burn quickly. Place in a bowl and set aside.
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Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a small pan. Place 1 cup of the mini chocolate chips and the heavy whipping cream in a bowl that will fit on top of the pan but not touch the water. Stir until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from the heat, let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate until thick enough to spread, 30 to 40 minutes.
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Make the Frosting.
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With a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on low until smooth. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar until crumbly. Beat in the cocoa, salt, and vanilla. Add the heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
To Assemble the Cake
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Finely chop the toasted walnuts.
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Place half the frosting in a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip or a 1M tip. Place the first brownie layer on a cake stand and pipe frosting around the edge, creating a barrier for the filling.
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Place the filling in the center and spread to the edges. Sprinkle with 13 cup of the chopped walnuts. Place the second brownie layer on top of the first. Frost the top and sides with the frosting. Place the remaining walnuts around the edges.
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Pipe a border around the top of the cake and fill the center with the remaining 34 cup mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store loosely covered at room temperature; the cake will stay fresh up to 5 days.
Bonus Tip: Try using pecans or cashews instead of the walnuts, or you can leave them out altogether!