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    Home » Cookies & Brownies

    Published Oct 16, 2020 · Updated Apr 16, 2022 · by Tammy Spencer · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Rich & Chewy Cake Brownies from scratch

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Cake brownie plated with plated stack & milk from overhead Pinterest banner
    stack of cake brownies on white plate Pinterest banner

    Rich chocolate and cocoa powder form the basis for these amazing chewy cake brownies from scratch. Banish the box mix & bake a batch today!

    stack of cake brownies on white plate this …

    A great brownie recipe is like the little black dress of the culinary world.

    It can be embellished with extras, like in Whiskey Marshmallow Topped Brownies or Triple Chocolate Brownies.

    Or it can be left plain in order to just savor the rich chocolate flavor, like with these Rich & Chewy Cake Brownies.

    Jump to:
    • Make brownies from scratch
    • One-bowl brownies
    • Cake brownies vs. fudge brownies
    • Related Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Make brownies from scratch

    When you make a homemade brownie recipe, you definitely don't need a box mix.

    Honest!

    Maybe the hardest part of the whole process is melting butter and chocolate together, and that can be done in a couple of minutes in the microwave.

    And because you're using your own ingredients (rather than some brand's marketing director's choice), you can choose the type of chocolate you prefer.

    Using dark chocolate and dark chocolate cocoa powder will give you a deep chocolate flavor, and using espresso powder, deeper still. Using semi-sweet or milk chocolate lightens the intensity.

    It's nice to have choices!

    Cake brownies ingredients from overhead marked
    No box mix here, just your basic pantry staples

    One-bowl brownies

    Making brownies from scratch are similar to quick bread recipes where you mix the wet ingredients, mix the dry ingredients, then fold everything together.

    And there's only one bowl to clean.

    Melt butter and chocolate together, then whisk in the sugars, eggs, and vanilla.

    Making Cake brownie batter collage
    Brownie batter comes together really fast

    Fold in a mixture of flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Try not to overmix the batter so that the brownies stay tender.

    Chocolate chips add a burst of chocolatey goodness, which is why I like to add them to the batter. Gently fold them in before transferring the batter to your baking pan.

    Making Cake brownie batter collage
    Don't overmix the batter after you've added in the flour. That's the secret to a tender brownie.

    Speaking of baking pans, using an 8- x 8-inch baking pan will give you a thicker brownie, and ensure that cake-like texture. If you want your brownie thinner, go for a 9- x 9-inch baking pan.

    Homemade brownies are best the day they're made, especially with a glass of milk (or your favorite dairy alternative). They also freeze well for later snacking if you tightly wrap them and use an air-tight bag or container.

    cake brownies before & after baking collage
    Before & after baking and slicing

    Cake brownies vs. fudge brownies

    You might be wondering what makes this is a chewy cake brownie recipe? And how do they compare against a fudgy brownie recipe?

    In a word, baking powder. (Ok that's two words. Work with me here!)

    The lift that baking powder provides keeps the brownies from having a dense texture (like, say, flourless chocolate cake), and gives you cake like brownies.

    Oh, and this is a brownie recipe with cocoa powder which dries out the batter a little bit. And it has an extra egg for more body.

    All right, maybe the difference is more than just baking powder.

    cake brownies on cutting board cut with one sideways from overhead
    These brownies are tall, chewy, and delicious!

    If you're looking for an easy fudge brownie recipe from scratch, try my Dark Chocolate Bourbon Brownies.

    Keep that boozy kick and make it with the bourbon. Or, replace the bourbon with 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Either way you'll get an amazing fudgy brownie to sink your teeth into.

    So much brownie goodness, I can even.

    Cake brownie plated with plated stack & milk in background
    The ultimate snack...a rich & chewy brownie and a glass of milk (or your favorite dairy alternative)

    I hereby give you leave to banish the box mix forever! Instead, bake a batch of rich & chewy cake brownies from scratch today. You'll be glad you did!

    Slainté! L’chaim! Cheers!

    Tammy

    Related Recipes

    If you love brownies, you'll love these ideas using brownie recipes!

    • Mini Chocolate Mousse Brownie Cake
    • Whiskey Marshmallow Topped Brownies
    • Double Chocolate Peppermint Brownies
    • Rich & Chewy Cake Brownies from scratch

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a comment further down the page.

    I'd love to hear from you! Stay in touch on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and please tag me using the hashtag #scotchandsconesblog. You can also sign up for my mailing list. I can't wait to see your creations!

    Recipe

    stack of cake brownies on white plate

    Rich & Chewy Cake Brownies

    Tammy Spencer
    Rich chocolate and cocoa powder form the basis for these amazing chewy cake brownies from scratch. Banish the box mix & bake a batch today!
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Cooling Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 50 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16 squares
    Calories 178 kcal

    Equipment

    • 8- x 8-inch baking pan
    • baking spray
    • parchment paper
    • sifter
    • small offset spatula
    Prevent your screen from going dark while cooking

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
    • 3 Tablespoons dark chocolate cocoa powder, see Recipe Notes
    • 1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional, See Recipe Notes
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
    • 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (⅔ cup)
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup light brown sugar
    • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 1 cup chocolate chips

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8- x 8-inch baking pan with baking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang. Set aside.
    • In a small mixing bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), salt, and baking powder together.
    • Combine dark chocolate and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and melt on HIGH heat in 30 second bursts, stirring after each interval until smooth, about 1½ to 2 minutes (see the Recipe Notes for using the stovetop). Allow the mixture to cool for 5 minutes.
    • Whisk in the granulated and brown sugar, then the eggs (one at a time), and finally the vanilla.
    • Fold in the flour mixture just until combined (do not overmix). Fold in the chocolate chips.
    • Pour batter into the prepared baking pan, and smooth the top with a small offset spatula.
    • Bake the brownies for 28 to 30 minutes or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or maybe with just a few crumbs attached). Once done, remove the brownies from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
    • Carefully lift parchment to remove the brownie slab from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut it into 2-inch squares with a sharp knife, wiping off the knife between cuts.
    • Serve with a large glass of milk (or your favorite non-dairy alternative) and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    You can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder if you prefer. The brownies just won’t have as deep a chocolate flavor.
    Adding espresso powder to the brownie batter helps deepen the chocolate flavor. It’s optional, but highly recommended.
    For slightly thinner brownies, use a 9- x 9-inch inch baking pan. Reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes.
    If you prefer to use your stovetop, just melt the dark chocolate and butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.

    Your Notes

    Click here to add your own private notes

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 squareCalories: 178 kcalCarbohydrates: 21 gProtein: 2 gFat: 10 gSaturated Fat: 6 gCholesterol: 46 mgSodium: 95 mgPotassium: 90 mgFiber: 1 gSugar: 15 gVitamin A: 222 IUCalcium: 20 mgIron: 1 mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ella says

      October 17, 2020 at 7:29 pm

      5 stars
      Can confirm, they are both rich and chewy, plus delicious!

      Reply
      • Tammy Spencer says

        October 17, 2020 at 7:32 pm

        Thanks! 🙂

        Reply

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    Profile picture - Tammy, July 2019 square

    Hi, I'm Tammy! My fascination with baking comes from my love of science and the magic of bringing together ingredients to produce something yummy. Coupling that with my appreciation of scotches and bourbons, I love to bake stuff, jot down my whisky tasting notes, and share my experiences with you!

    More about Tammy →

    Get ready for summer cookouts!

    As the weather warms, it's time to head outdoors for picnics, cookouts, and evenings under the stars. Chocolate cookies and brownies are a great way to end a cookout because they're pre-portioned and hand-held. No knives or plates needed!

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