As I stood in my kitchen, the warm scent of melting chocolate enveloped me, whisking me back to a charming café along Brick Street in Greenville, South Carolina. This Brick Street Chocolate Cake is my tribute to that beloved spot, capturing the dense, rich texture that chocolate lovers crave. Perfect for birthdays or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into an impressive dessert. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also incredibly quick to whip up, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring each slice. Curious about the secret ingredient that elevates this cake to pure bliss? Let’s dive into the details!

What Makes This Cake Truly Irresistible?

Dense, Fudgy Delight: Each slice of this Brick Street Chocolate Cake offers a rich, velvety texture that chocolate aficionados will adore. Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this delectable dessert ready in no time, making it perfect for spontaneous celebrations. Impressive Ganache: The glossy chocolate ganache not only enhances flavor but also provides a stunning visual appeal—guaranteed to impress your guests! Versatile Pairings: Enjoy it on its own, or elevate it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a delightful contrast. Want to explore more delicious desserts? Check out our No Bake Summer Berry Icebox Cake or our rich Oreo Cheesecake for more sweet inspirations!

Brick Street Chocolate Cake Ingredients

• Discover the magic of flavors with these essentials!

For the Batter
• Sugar – Sweetness is essential for flavor and caramelization.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; softened for easy mixing.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; use quality extract for the best taste.
• Large Eggs – Provide structure and moisture; make sure they’re at room temperature for better aeration.
• Cake Flour – Gives a light texture; can substitute with all-purpose flour mixed with cornstarch (remove 2 tbsp per cup and replace with cornstarch).
• Cocoa Powder – Delivers rich chocolate flavor and color; use unsweetened cocoa for a deep taste.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, crucial for the cake’s rise.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix – Adds moisture and density; can substitute with a homemade dry mix (1/2 cup).
• Buttermilk – Adds tanginess and moisture; can be substituted with regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Intensifies chocolate flavor and texture; can be omitted for a smoother cake.

For the Ganache
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Provides deep chocolate flavor for the ganache.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the ganache; ensures a smooth texture when sifted.
• Heavy Cream – Adjusts the ganache’s consistency for a velvety finish.
• Water – Helps melt the butter and cocoa together for a glossy finish.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Brick Street Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (convection only). This ensures your Brick Street Chocolate Cake will bake evenly and rise perfectly. While the oven heats up, gather your ingredients and equipment—having everything at hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, softened butter, and pure vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and light in color, approximately 2-3 minutes. Next, add the large eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and instant chocolate pudding mix. This step is crucial for distributing the dry ingredients evenly throughout the cake batter, ensuring a consistent texture and rich flavor in your Brick Street Chocolate Cake.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring your mixtures together. Gradually alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix gently just until combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Be sure to fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to add extra chocolaty goodness.

Step 5: Prepare the Pan
Carefully grease a tube (angel food) pan with unsalted butter thoroughly. This is key to prevent the Brick Street Chocolate Cake from sticking. Once greased, pour your smooth batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a uniform surface.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. When baked, remove the cake and allow it to cool completely in the pan before trying to remove it.

Step 7: Make the Ganache
While the cake cools, prepare your luscious ganache. In a small saucepan, combine water, butter, and vanilla extract, heating over low until melted. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and sifted powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream as desired, letting it cool slightly before using.

Step 8: Frost the Cake
Once the Brick Street Chocolate Cake is completely cool, it’s time to frost it with that velvety ganache. Pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a beautiful presentation. Let it set slightly before slicing and serving for the perfect decadent treat.

Make Ahead Options

These Brick Street Chocolate Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks! You can mix your dry ingredients (cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and instant pudding mix) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, the cake can be baked and stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours before frosting. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator, then frost it with your prepared ganache just before serving for that fresh, indulgent taste. Enjoy a decadent dessert with minimal last-minute effort!

How to Store and Freeze Brick Street Chocolate Cake

Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the fridge for up to a week, but be sure it’s sealed well to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer: Freeze slices of the Brick Street Chocolate Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating: To enjoy leftover cake, gently warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let it come to room temperature for the best flavor experience.

What to Serve with Brick Street Chocolate Cake

Delight in crafting a complete meal that will leave your guests raving and their taste buds dancing with joy.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, vanilla notes contrast beautifully with the rich chocolate, making every bite a delectable experience.
Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or raspberries for a light, refreshing counterpoint to the cake’s density.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the fudgy cake perfectly and balances sweetness with airy softness.
Espresso or Coffee: A hot cup of espresso or coffee enhances the chocolate flavors and adds warmth, turning dessert into a cozy, indulgent moment.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers at the table, an extra drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate this dessert to a new level of indulgence.
Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint on top adds a pop of color and a refreshing hint, brightening the rich chocolatey experience.

Brick Street Chocolate Cake Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this delightful cake to suit your taste and preferences!

Butter-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegetable oil for a slightly lighter cake that still keeps the moisture.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of cake flour to cater to gluten-sensitive loved ones.
Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delicious crunch and earthy flavor.
Minty Fresh: Mix in a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive twist that brings a refreshing flavor to the chocolate.
Spicy Chocolate: Incorporate a tablespoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a subtle kick that turns up the heat while enhancing the chocolate’s richness.
Berry Bliss: Swirl in a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries into the batter for a fruity surprise that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Decadent Layer Cake: Double the recipe and stack two layers with ganache in between for a show-stopping dessert perfect for celebrations.
Serve with Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or top with homemade whipped cream to elevate your chocolate experience.

And if you’re looking for more bewitching dessert ideas, check out our Fried Strawberry Cheesecake or explore the charm of our Vanilla Pound Cake for even more delicious treats!

Expert Tips for the Best Brick Street Chocolate Cake

Tube Pan Essentials: Always use a tube pan for the best results, ensuring it’s well-greased to avoid sticking during baking.
Cooling Is Key: Allow the cake to cool completely before applying ganache; applying it too soon can lead to a melty mess.
Mixing Matters: Be cautious not to overmix your batter; mix just until combined to maintain that dense and fudgy chocolate cake texture.
Room Temperature Eggs: Use eggs at room temperature for better aeration; this helps create a lighter cake despite its dense nature.
Ganache Consistency: Adjust your ganache with heavy cream for a silky finish, making sure it’s slightly warm when pouring over the cake for smooth coverage.

Brick Street Chocolate Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate cocoa powder should I use?
I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer taste in your Brick Street Chocolate Cake. This will enhance the chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness, resulting in a more decadent dessert.

How do I know when my cake is fully baked?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake after 60 minutes of baking. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. If there’s wet batter, give it a few more minutes before checking again.

How should I store leftover Brick Street Chocolate Cake?
Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but make sure it’s well sealed to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze Brick Street Chocolate Cake? How?
Absolutely! Wrap slices of the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a quick treat, gently warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

What’s the secret to a dense chocolate cake?
The key to achieving that dense, fudgy texture in your Brick Street Chocolate Cake is using cake flour and instant chocolate pudding mix. Cake flour gives a lighter structure, while the pudding mix adds moisture and density. Be sure to mix just until combined to avoid overmixing—this will keep your cake wonderfully thick!

Are there any ingredient substitutions for this chocolate cake?
Yes! If you can’t find buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Also, feel free to substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or omit them for a smoother cake.