7.30.2012

Raspberry Brownie Cake

Today I'm taking a little break from my "Top Ten Things That Make Me Happy" series to bring you a favorite recipe: Raspberry Brownie Cake.

Come to think of it, it probably could make my top ten things list.  We all know how much I love berries and chocolate.  (Seen here and here.)

And when you see how ridiculously easy this cake is to make AND how unbelievably beautiful it turns out, it will probably make your top ten list as well.  

You're welcome.


It's been awhile since I've done a full-on tutorial.  That's probably because I've been doing a lot of Pinterest-inspired projects and many of them come with their own tutorials.  No point in reinventing the wheel.

This recipe, however, came from my mother-in-law.  I think she clipped it from a newspaper.  (That's becoming kind of a quaint concept, isn't it?) Anyway, the recipe is so easy that I don't even have it written down anywhere.  You probably won't need one either.

Again, you're welcome.

So let's get down to business, shall we?

All you're going to need to make the beautiful cake pictured above is what you see below.  That is: 
  • A box of brownie mix.  I have always used Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge.  I'm sure any type would do.  You'll need to prepare the brownies as directed on the package which means you'll need:
  • Oil
  • Water
  • Eggs (if the recipe has a "cake-like vs. chewy" option, opt for cake-like.  That usually means an extra egg.)  For the topping you will need:
  • Seedless raspberry jam
  • Fresh raspberries
  • A small bar each of white and dark chocolate

Note the water spots on my fridge.  I like to keep it real here at `a casarella.

Begin by preparing the brownies as directed on the package.  (Reminder: use the cake-like option if there is one.)

For this recipe you're going to need a springform pan.  I know, I know, a lot of you don't have one.  I borrowed one the first time I made it.  (Then I went out and got my own.  It's eight-and-a-half inches in diameter.)

For some reason I always sift my boxed mixes.  I just think it helps avoid powdery lumps.  If you don't have OCD you can probably skip this part.

Add your wet ingredients (you will find the amounts on the box).

Even though my spring form pan is non stick, I give it a shot of cooking spray.  You want the cake to emerge from the pan unscathed.

Pour mix in spring-form.

Check your box for cooking times.  It is important that you don't overcook the cake or the edges will be rock hard.  I followed the 9"x9" directions using the recommended temperature for dark or non-stick pans (325 degrees).  

I actually set my timer for a few minutes before the minimum recommended time of 34 minutes and I ended up removing it at that 30 minute mark.


My mama always taught me to clean up as I go along so I try to that while the cake is baking and/or cooling.  Are you a "clean-up-along-the-way" type or a "do-it-all-at-the-end" type?

When the cake emerges, let it cool.

Then you're going to want to run a knife along the perimeter to help it release from the pan smoothly.  (If you used cooking spray this is barely necessary but, well, you know, the OCD and all...)

Ahhh... a perfect release!


The next step is to flip the cake over...

...and remove the bottom of the springform.

This leaves you with a nice flat (albeit somewhat patterned) surface to work with.

Then gather up your toppings.


Place a dollop of jam on the cake and start "frosting."

Once you have a nice layer of jam, you can arrange your berries.
Next put some squares of chocolate into microwaveable dishes and melt.

You'll want to start with the brown chocolate.

You're going to be drizzling this over the cake and sometimes, if the chocolate is too thick, I add a drop or two of oil to thin it out.  This makes for easier drizzling.

My drizzling technique is kind of primitive.  I get some chocolate on the tines of a fork and fling them back and forth over the cake in different directions.

Repeat the process with the white chocolate.  If you do the white first the brown covers it up and makes it less visible.


As you can see, I'm not the best drizzler/flinger.  The white chocolate always ends up with some blobby-looking parts.  

The beauty of this cake is that no one but you will notice the blobs.

Everyone else will be so busy complimenting your baking prowess and wondering how you made such a beautiful confection that they won't even see the blobs.

Again, you're welcome.  

:)

2016 UPDATE:  Want an even EASIER version of this dessert?  
Check out my Raspberry Brownie Bites.  Click HERE for more details!





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72 comments

  1. My mouth is watering. That looks not only delicious but beautiful. I wish I could come over and have a bite...or two...or half the cake :)

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  2. What a gorgeous presentation! Truly looks like a confection from a speciality bakery. And I love the flavor of raspberries + chocolate too. Even though I can't use the recipe (no processed sugar, whole grain only diet) I can use the concept of baking my from scratch brownies in the springform and use a low sugar jam to "glue" my berries on. And yes, I still get to drizzle chocolate, 60% or higher cocoa content is a low sugar chocolate :) Thanks for the inspiration, I'm always looking for ways to upgrade the presentation of my food, and I love this idea for dressing up brownies.

    Robin
    happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com

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  3. That looks delicious and so beautiful!!! It's a work of art really! :)

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  4. *drool* That definitely belongs on a list of things that I'm certain would make me VERY happy. YUMMY! Thanks for sharing this recipe. :)

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  5. This really caught me eye (and stomach) at one of the linky parties. It looks delicious - I'm also a new follower and hope you will stop by and check me out too! :-) Deb

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  6. A brownie cake? Now Iv seen everything! Looks delicious I love how you've decorated it too :)

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  7. delicious! thank you so much for linking up with Kids in the Kitchen! pinning

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  8. So yummy! Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party.

    Holly

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  9. Awesome! Chocolate, berries and gorgeous! What could be better?? This is definitely something I'm making (found you on Winthrop's link party and following you now). Thanks for the recipe.

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  10. YUUUUUMMM!!! Thanks so much for sharing and I am a new follower!
    I hope you have had a great day!
    Michelle
    www.delicateconstruction.com

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  11. Ahh! This looks amazing! Found you through a linky party and am a new follower! Can't wait to see more of your work!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Chrissy. I'm now following you as well!

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  12. Not only does this look delicious, but it is a great tutorial. I have a link party, and I would love it if you would link this post. It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party. You can find it at

    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/08/natural-translucent-face-powder-update.html

    I hope to see you there. Have a great Day.
    Debi Bolocofsky
    Adorned From Above
    www.adornedfromabove.com

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  13. I love chocolate and raspberry together. This looks fantastic!

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  14. Love anything that requires a box mix! Thanks for sharing...

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    Replies
    1. lol--the thing I love is that no one ever guesses that it came from a box because it's so pretty ;)

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  15. looks delicious. And I am a big boxed cake fan. More power to yah!
    throughbetsyslookingglass.blogspot.com

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  16. This looks so awesome and delicious! Now that you explain it, it seems reasonably simple to make, but just looking at the picture it looks like some fancy dessert from a 5-star restaurant! Thanks so much for sharing this at The Fun In Functional!

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  17. Thanks, Jessi. That's what I love about it. People always have that reaction and when I finally confess that it's a boxed brownie mix they're stunned.

    And thanks for hosting! :)

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  18. That looks totally delicious! And, of course, anything with chocolate is a must for any girl. Yum!
    By the way, did you have to use a pan for the cake mold, so that if it leaks it doesn't go to the bottom of the oven?

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    1. Good question! The answer is no, I did not use a pan. I have never had a leak in my springform, but I suppose that could happen. Maybe I'll start putting a pan on the rack underneath the cake just in case. Thanks for stopping by!

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  19. This looks so yummy! Not to mention, your pictures are gorgeous!! Great job girl :) New follower! Yay for being blog friends!

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  20. I am droolingggggggggg


    Drop by nichollvincent.blogspot.com and say hello! Have a great day!

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  21. I too am drooling!! Thank you for sharing!
    Thank you so much for joining us in Thursdays Favorite Things Blog Hop! With His grace, wishing you peace and many blessings to you and yours… Carla

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  22. For something that looks this good, easy makes it even better.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! :)

      I love telling people how I made it after they've seen it. They're always shocked.

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  23. Oh, this looks so yummie! And also looks easy to make! Perfect :)

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  24. fabulous! we would love for you to link up some of your recipes over at our party!

    http://baked-inthesouth.blogspot.com/2012/07/made-it-by-monday-link-party_31.html

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  25. Elena, I need cloth to wipe the drool from my keyboard, giggle. Thank you for your bloggy friendship and for sharing on the Thursday Favorite Things hop. Hoping you have a great weekend xo

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  26. This looks amazing Elena, thanks so much for linking up!! I featured you today! http://www.flamingotoes.com/2012/08/crush-of-the-week-think-pink-features-59/

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  27. Yum! My mouth is watering! This looks delicious!
    Thanks for sharing with my Super Link Party! :-)

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  28. It almost looks too delicious to eat! But of course that wouldn't stop me from devouring it! Thanks so much for sharing, pinned for later-because there will definitely be a later!!

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  29. That does look so easy and yummy!!! I'm pinning it!! Thanks!

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  30. Gorgeous cake....looks delicious too! I'd love it if you linked it up at Sweet Saturday, http://jessica-healthymommyhealthybaby.blogspot.com/2012/08/sweet-saturday-15.html. Seriously, this cake looks to-die-for!

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  31. YUMMMY!
    this looks absolutely mouthwatering.
    xx

    (you are the queen of recipe tutorials ya know)

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  32. I could go a piece of that right now. Looks great! Thanks for linking up for Flash Blog Friday :-)

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  33. Oh. My. Wow. That looks incredible. I love the step-by-step photos too, what a great idea! You can tell you're a teacher, that was a very educating post! Glad to have discovered your blog :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kelly! I stopped by your blog as well and am a new follower :)

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  34. Pretty and incredibly tasty too! Thanks for linking to Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do:)

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  35. Beautiful cake and nicely done tutorial! You are featured this week on Busy Monday at A Pinch of Joy! I hope you will stop by and grab a Featured Button from the Button Box on the sidebar this afternoon. Pinned. Can’t wait to see what else you’ve been working on!

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  36. Wow, what a fun way to make an easy dessert look beautiful and professional.

    Thanks so much for sharing at Mealtime Monday! I can't wait to see what you link up tonight.

    Kaylee
    www.couponingncooking.com

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  37. Featuring your lovely cake on this weeks All Star Block Party:

    http://www.nutmegplace.com/2012/08/all-star-block-party-10.html

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  38. This cake looks and sounds amazing! You've been featured at Wednesday Whatsits. Thanks for linking up!
    http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2012/08/wednesday-whatsits-21.html

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  39. Hi Ellen,
    Thanks so much for sharing brownie recipe last week with Wednesday's Adorned From Above. I love anything made with a mix. It makes life so much easier. The link party is open now for this week.
    Debi Bolocofsky
    www.adornedfromabove.com

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  40. Elena,
    I am featuring you tomorrow... This cake of your looks delicious!
    I hope you stop by to see your sticker ;)

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  41. What a tasty sounding cake!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  42. I tried to leave a comment and my computer went crazy so I'm not sure if it went through or not. If it did, I'm sorry to leave two ;) It went a little something like this: Oh my gosh! I so want to eat that batter right now! And the cake looks great too, of course ;) Thanks so much for sharing this at my Throwback Thursday party! I hope to see you again this week. :)

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    1. Don't worry, this is the only comment that showed up ;)

      Thanks for stopping by and for hosting the party!

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  43. Congratulations Elena! Your recipe is being featured this week at Addicted to Recipes! http://iamaddictedtorecipes.blogspot.ca/2012/08/scrumptious-sunday-23-features.html

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  44. The cake looks wonderful and delicious, but I have to admit... I was sort of mesmerized by your countertops - they're gorgeous

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  45. That cake is gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous!!! I love the fun white chocolate drizzle!!! Oh, and I always wash as I go too...makes it so much easier to clean up after I am done baking!!!

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  46. Hi!

    I would love you to join My Sweet Party and the theme for August is Childhood favourites. Check it out:
    http://meandmysweets.blogspot.se/2012/08/my-sweet-party-august-childhood.html

    Cheers!

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  47. Looks yummy. Visiting from flamingo Toes. I pinned it and am a new follower.

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  48. This is such an awesome and easy cake! Made it this weekend for my family. Everybody loved it!

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  49. simply wonderful! i adore going through the photographic journey!
    xo
    http://allykayler.blogspot.ca/

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  51. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  52. Thank you much for linking up at JAQS Studio
    s Linky Party :). I've featured your project today :)!

    http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2012/09/made-by-me-49-linky-party-and-features.html

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  53. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  54. This looks wonderful!! Never would have thought to make brownies in a springform pan~ Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines

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  55. Elena, what fantastic presentation. So glad you joined in the cake extravaganza. Cheers

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