Chocolate Brownie Cake with Coconut Filling & Vanilla Buttercream

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🍫 Decadent Brownie Coconut Layer Cake with Vanilla Buttercream & Chocolate Ganache

A rich and indulgent dessert that layers fudgy brownie, creamy coconut filling, and velvety vanilla buttercream—all crowned with a luscious chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or any time you want to wow your guests!


📋 Ingredients

Brownie Layers

  • 8 large eggs

  • 3 cups sugar

  • 16 oz unsalted butter, melted

  • 1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted

  • ½ tsp kosher salt

  • 1 tsp baking powder

Coconut Filling

  • 1 cup walnuts, finely ground

  • 1½ cups coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 3 egg yolks

  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp

Vanilla Buttercream

  • 3 sticks (1½ cups) unsalted butter, softened

  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled

  • 2½ cups powdered sugar

  • Seeds from 1 vanilla bean

  • Pinch of salt

Chocolate Ganache

  • 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

  • 2 tbsp light corn syrup

  • 1 cup heavy cream


🧁 Instructions

1. Bake the Brownie Layers

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.

  • Whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in melted butter and vanilla.

  • Gradually mix in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.

  • Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

  • Cool completely in pans.

2. Make the Coconut Filling

  • In a saucepan, heat cream and sugar over medium until sugar dissolves.

  • In a bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add warm cream to temper, then return to pan.

  • Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.

  • Remove from heat; stir in walnuts, coconut, and butter. Cool completely.

3. Prepare the Vanilla Buttercream

  • Beat butter until smooth and creamy.

  • Add mascarpone and beat until fully incorporated.

  • Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and salt until fluffy and light.

4. Assemble the Cake

  • Place one brownie layer on a serving plate.

  • Spread half the coconut filling over the top.

  • Add second brownie layer and spread remaining coconut filling.

  • Frost entire cake with vanilla buttercream, smoothing the sides and top.

5. Make the Ganache

  • Combine chopped chocolate and corn syrup in a bowl.

  • Heat cream until just simmering, then pour over chocolate. Let sit 2–3 minutes.

  • Stir until smooth and glossy.

6. Finish the Cake

  • Pour ganache over the top, letting it drip naturally down the sides.

  • Let set slightly before slicing.


🍰 Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Pairs beautifully with a cup of espresso or cold milk.


🕒 Recipe Notes

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Bake Time: 25–30 minutes

  • Cooling & Assembly Time: ~1 hour

  • Total Time: ~2 hours

  • Servings: 12 generous slices

  • Calories per serving: ~450 kcal (estimate)


❤️ Tip:

For an extra finish, garnish with toasted coconut flakes or chopped walnuts after pouring the ganache!