Ingredients
For the Chocolate Brownie Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 medium eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Pumpkin Patch Decoration:
12-15 fresh strawberries
1 cup orange candy melts
Fresh mint or basil sprigs, optional to resemble vines
Instructions
For the Chocolate Brownie Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang if desired, for easy removal. Grease the parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and add sugar. Stir until combined.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Add the butter and stir until melted and the ganache is glossy. Set aside.
For the Pumpkin Patch Decorations:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Line a tray with parchment paper.
- Melt the orange candy melts in a double boiler or according to packaging instructions.
- Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip into the melted candy, coating it completely. Place on the prepared baking sheet to set.
Final Steps:
- Remove the cooled brownie cake from the pan using the parchment overhang. Spread the chocolate ganache frosting evenly over the top.
- Place the dipped strawberries on top of each brownie piece, pressing slightly to secure. Arrange mint leaves around the strawberries to create the look of a pumpkin patch.
- Cut the frosted brownie cake into squares or rectangles to resemble individual brownies.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Enjoy your festive Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Cakes