Decadent Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake Recipe

1. Introduction to the Recipe

If you’re a chocolate lover, nothing quite compares to the luscious combination of a Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake that marries the best of two worlds: rich chocolate cake and dense, fudgy brownie textures all in one elegant bundt shape. This recipe offers an exciting twist by combining two popular boxed mixes—a chocolate cake mix and a fudge brownie mix—enhanced with ingredients like mayonnaise for extra moisture and chocolate chips for added bursts of melty goodness. The result is a deep, indulgent dessert that feels homemade but comes together with ease.

Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a family gathering or a decadent treat to impress guests, this Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake is a guaranteed hit. It’s topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache made from heavy cream and melted chocolate chips, which adds a creamy finish to each bite.

For those interested in exploring more about cake textures and baking science, check out King Arthur Baking’s guide to moist cakes or learn tips for mastering bundt pan baking with The Spruce Eats’ bundt cake tips. These resources help deepen your baking knowledge and enhance your results.

This recipe perfectly balances convenience and gourmet appeal, making it a favorite among busy bakers who want to serve something truly special. From the combination of cake and brownie mixes to the luscious ganache topping, it’s a celebration of chocolate in every sense, sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

2. Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Decadent Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake Recipe – Rich & Moist Dessert

Author: Sarah White

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Description

Try this irresistible Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake recipe with fudgy texture and rich ganache for chocolate lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (Betty Crocker Triple Chocolate Chunk recommended)

18.3 ounces fudge brownie mix
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups water

1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark)

For the Ganache:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt cake pan thoroughly to ensure easy release.
Mix Cake and Brownie Bases:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and fudge brownie mix evenly.

Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs, water, vegetable oil, and mayonnaise to the dry mixes. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended. The mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, making the cake tender.
Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed but not overmixed.
Pour Batter into Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake:
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Oven times may vary, so start checking at 50 minutes.
Cool:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Ganache:
While the cake cools, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Glaze the Cake:
Drizzle the ganache evenly over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the bundt cake and serve. The combination of fudgy brownie texture with the lighter chocolate cake and silky ganache makes for an irresistible treat.

Notes

Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor in both the cake and ganache.

Mayo might seem unusual but it keeps the cake incredibly moist without adding a noticeable tang.

Don’t overbake; brownies especially dry out quickly. Use a toothpick test starting around 50 minutes.

3. Advanced Techniques

1. Perfecting Moisture Balance with Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a secret ingredient that adds fat and moisture to baked goods without altering flavor. For the Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake, it keeps the crumb tender and rich. Use full-fat mayo and incorporate it thoroughly with the wet ingredients to ensure even distribution. If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the mayo by 1/4 cup but expect a slight decrease in moistness.

2. Achieving the Ideal Ganache Consistency
The ganache is key for the finishing touch. To get that perfect glossy, pourable ganache, heat the cream until just simmering but not boiling, then let it sit over the chocolate chips before stirring. Stir gently to avoid incorporating air bubbles which can cause a matte finish. For thicker ganache, chill it briefly before glazing; for thinner, add a splash more cream.

3. Using the Right Bundt Pan for Even Baking
Bundt pans come in different sizes and materials. Use a heavy, nonstick pan to promote even heat distribution and easy release. Avoid pans with intricate designs unless you’re confident about greasing thoroughly. Silicone pans can work but might result in less crispy crust.

4. Incorporating Mix-Ins Without Overworking the Batter
Chocolate chips add bursts of texture but folding them gently into the batter is crucial to avoid overmixing. Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake tough. Use a spatula and fold until just combined, keeping those pockets of chocolate intact.

5. Temperature Tips for Baking Success
Ovens vary in heat distribution, so use an oven thermometer to verify your temperature is accurate. Baking at too high heat can cause the edges to overcook before the center is done. For this cake, maintaining a steady 350°F is essential for the ideal fudgy center and moist crumb.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

4. Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

1. Storing at Room Temperature
Store the Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist but avoid placing it near heat or sunlight to prevent melting the ganache.

2. Refrigeration Tips for Extended Freshness
If you plan to keep the cake longer, refrigeration is a good option. Wrap the cake well in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors. Ganache may firm up, so allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

3. Freezing for Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, slice the cooled cake and freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. Wrap pieces well with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before enjoying.

4. Maintaining Ganache Gloss and Texture
Ganache can dull if exposed to air for long periods. Store cake with ganache in a sealed container or tent loosely with foil to preserve its shine. If ganache loses gloss, a quick rewarm in the microwave (10-15 seconds) and gentle stirring can restore its luster.

5. Reviving Leftover Cake
Leftover cake can be refreshed by warming slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) wrapped loosely in foil for 5-10 minutes. This brings back softness and enhances chocolate aroma.

5. Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Vegan Adaptation
To make this Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake vegan, substitute eggs with flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or applesauce, and use dairy-free chocolate chips and cream alternatives like coconut cream for ganache.

2. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free chocolate cake mix and gluten-free brownie mix to keep the recipe safe for gluten-intolerant bakers. Make sure all other ingredients, especially chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free.

3. Low-Sugar Alternatives
For a lower sugar option, select cake and brownie mixes labeled as “reduced sugar” or “no sugar added.” Use sugar-free chocolate chips and replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a slight tang but less fat.

4. Nut-Free Modifications
This recipe is naturally nut-free, but verify that all mixes and chocolate chips are processed in nut-free facilities to avoid cross-contamination.

5. Dairy-Free Substitutes
Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for the ganache and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Substitute mayonnaise with plant-based mayo to keep the cake moist without dairy.

6. FAQs About the Recipe

1. Why use mayonnaise in a cake recipe?
Mayonnaise adds moisture and fat, making cakes incredibly tender without a strong flavor. It’s essentially oil and eggs combined with some vinegar, which helps balance acidity and keep the crumb soft and moist.

2. Can I use homemade cake and brownie batter instead of mixes?
Yes! Homemade versions work great but watch the moisture balance. Since boxed mixes are formulated with precise ratios, homemade batters might need adjustments in liquids or fat to maintain the correct texture.

3. How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Because this cake is fudgy, a few crumbs are expected. Overbaking dries it out.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store covered at room temperature or in the fridge and apply ganache fresh or keep it chilled.

5. What’s the best way to remove the bundt cake from the pan?
Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes after baking. Run a thin knife around edges before inverting. If it sticks, gently tap or warm the pan slightly to loosen.

7. Conclusion & Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake is a remarkable dessert that perfectly balances ease, flavor, and impressive presentation. By combining a chocolate cake mix with a fudge brownie mix, it delivers the best of both textures — light, airy crumb with rich, fudgy density — making it stand out from ordinary chocolate cakes. The addition of mayonnaise is a clever hack to keep it moist and tender, while the luscious ganache topping adds a professional, glossy finish that chocolate lovers will adore.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, fitting a wide range of occasions from casual family dinners to special celebrations. Its use of pantry staples combined with a few simple steps makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels, while the rich, multi-dimensional chocolate flavor satisfies the most discerning palates.

Whether you choose to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply enjoy it as is with a cup of coffee, the Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake delivers a comforting yet indulgent experience. Plus, the potential for dietary adaptations makes it an inclusive option for many dietary needs.

If you want a dessert that looks stunning, tastes incredible, and is relatively simple to make, this recipe is a must-try. The magic of two mixes combined with expert techniques and a silky ganache glaze makes it one of the best chocolate bundt cakes you’ll ever bake — guaranteed to be a repeat favorite in your baking repertoire.