Speculoos Brownie Cake

Get ready to experience a fusion of two delightful desserts: speculoos cookie butter and classic brownie cake. A rich, moist brownie cake serves as the perfect base for the creamy, spiced speculoos frosting. This recipe will guide you to create a dessert that is a harmonious blend of chocolatey, buttery and spicy sweet flavors.

Photos of Speculoos Brownie Cake Recipe

The not so everyday ingredient in this recipe is speculoos cookie butter. It’s a spread made from speculoos cookies, a type of spiced shortcrust biscuit, which are traditionally baked for consumption on or just before St Nicholas' day in the Belgium, Netherlands, and around Christmas in Germany. You can find this delicious spread at well-stocked supermarkets, gourmet food shops, or online.

Ingredients for Speculoos Brownie Cake

Unsalted butter: A dairy product used to add richness and creaminess to the brownie batter and frosting. It also helps in leavening the cake.

Bittersweet chocolate: Adds depth and a rich, intense chocolate flavor to the brownie cake.

Light brown sugar: Sweetens the cake and gives it a moist texture.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Instant espresso powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor of the brownie.

Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cake.

All purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that gives the cake structure.

Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.

Speculoos cookie butter: Gives the frosting its signature creamy, spicy sweet flavor.

Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

Heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess to the frosting.

Chocolate shavings: Used for garnish and adds extra chocolate flavor.

One reader, Abby Crist says:

This speculoos brownie cake recipe is a game-changer! The brownie cake is rich and fudgy, and the speculoos frosting adds a delightful spiced sweetness. The combination is simply divine. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a decadent treat that will impress everyone!

Abby Crist

Techniques Required for Crafting the Perfect Brownie Cake

How to make the brownie batter: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove the pan from the heat, add the bittersweet chocolate, and whisk until smooth and glossy. Then, add the brown sugar, vanilla, and espresso powder, and whisk until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, then fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until no flour is visible.

How to bake the brownie cake: Spread the brownie mixture in the prepared springform pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F (180°C), or until the cake has puffed slightly and the top is shiny and just barely cracked. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before removing the sides of the springform pan.

How to make the speculoos frosting: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix together the speculoos and butter until light and fluffy. Then, add the confectioners’ sugar, salt, and cream, and beat until the mixture is fluffy and spreadable.

How to finish the cake and serve: Spread the speculoos frosting on the cooled brownie cake, garnish with chocolate shavings, and cut into wedges to serve.

How To Make Speculoos Brownie Cake

This brownie cake has a base of dense & rich chocolate cake that’s topped with Speculoos frosting, giving it a mild spice with a hint of molasses & butter.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Cool Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Brownie Cake:

nonstick cooking spray
½cupunsalted butter
3½ozbittersweet chocolate,chopped
1⅓cupslight brown sugar,lightly packed
1tsppure vanilla extract
½tspinstant espresso powder
3largeeggs,at room temperature
½cupall purpose flour
1tspbaking powder
½tspsalt

For Speculoos Frosting:

¾cupspeculoos cookie butter
6tbspunsalted butter,at room temperature
⅔cupconfectioners’ sugar
¼tspsalt
2tbspheavy whipping cream
chocolate shavings,for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove the pan from the heat, add the bittersweet chocolate, and let sit for about 30 seconds, then whisk it all together until smooth and glossy.
Add the brown sugar, vanilla, and espresso powder and whisk until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, 1 at a time, then sprinkle in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a sturdy spatula to fold it all together until there is no flour visible.
Spread the brownie mixture in the prepared springform pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cake has puffed slightly and the top is shiny and just barely cracked.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before removing the sides of the springform pan. In the meantime, make the speculoos frosting.

Speculoos Frosting:

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, mix together the speculoos and butter for a full minute so it’s light and fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, salt, and cream and beat for another minute, or until the mixture is fluffy and spreadable.
Spread the frosting on the cake, garnish with chocolate shavings, and cut into wedges to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 805.89kcal
Fat: 60.95g
Saturated Fat: 36.59g
Trans Fat: 2.03g
Monounsaturated Fat: 17.16g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.12g
Carbohydrates: 64.53g
Fiber: 1.26g
Sugar: 53.70g
Protein: 5.58g
Cholesterol: 232.06mg
Sodium: 391.03mg
Calcium: 122.45mg
Potassium: 169.25mg
Iron: 1.78mg
Vitamin A: 481.15µg
Vitamin C: 0.03mg

Technique Tip for Achieving the Ideal Texture in Brownie Cake

When making the speculoos frosting, ensure the butter is at room temperature. This will make it easier to blend with the speculoos cookie butter and will result in a smoother, creamier frosting. If the butter is too cold, it may not incorporate well and could result in a lumpy frosting. Similarly, if it's too warm, it may make the frosting too runny. So, room temperature is key for the perfect frosting consistency.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Speculoos Brownie Cake

Prep ahead: Prepare the brownie batter and speculoos frosting a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.

Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.

Set up workstation: Arrange all the tools and ingredients in an organized manner to create an efficient cooking space. This will help in smooth execution of the recipe.

Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate, butter, and speculoos cookie butter to enhance the flavor of the brownie cake and frosting.

Multi-task: While the brownie cake is baking, prepare the speculoos frosting to maximize time efficiency in the kitchen.

Cleanup as you go: Wash and put away utensils and bowls as you progress through the recipe to minimize clutter and make the final cleanup easier.

Precise measurements: Accurately measure all the ingredients before starting the recipe to avoid any last-minute adjustments or errors during the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Speculoos Brownie Cake Recipe

unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and moisture to the brownie cake, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
bittersweet chocolate - Substitute with semisweet chocolate: Semisweet chocolate can be used as a substitute for bittersweet chocolate, providing a slightly sweeter flavor while still maintaining the richness and depth of chocolate.
light brown sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar and molasses: A mixture of granulated sugar and molasses can be used to replace light brown sugar, providing a similar sweetness and depth of flavor.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract, providing a more intense vanilla flavor and the added visual appeal of vanilla bean specks.
instant espresso powder - Substitute with instant coffee granules: Instant coffee granules can be used as a substitute for espresso powder, providing a similar depth of coffee flavor to enhance the richness of the brownie cake.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all purpose flour: Gluten-free all purpose flour can be used as a substitute for regular flour, making the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: A mixture of baking soda and cream of tartar can be used as a substitute for baking powder, providing the necessary leavening agents for the brownie cake.
speculoos cookie butter - Substitute with peanut butter: Peanut butter can be used as a substitute for speculoos cookie butter, providing a creamy and nutty flavor to the frosting.
confectioners’ sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for confectioners' sugar, although it may result in a slightly different texture in the frosting.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a substitute for heavy whipping cream, providing a dairy-free alternative with a hint of coconut flavor.

Presentation Tips for Speculoos Brownie Cake

Elevate the brownie cake: Carefully place the brownie cake on a pristine white plate, ensuring it is centered and visually appealing.
Artfully spread the speculoos frosting: Using a small offset spatula, delicately spread the speculoos frosting on top of the brownie cake, creating smooth, even strokes for a polished finish.
Garnish with chocolate shavings: Sprinkle a generous amount of chocolate shavings on top of the speculoos frosting, creating an elegant and indulgent presentation.
Add a touch of elegance with gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place a few edible gold leaf accents around the perimeter of the brownie cake, adding a hint of opulence to the presentation.
Serve with a side of vanilla bean ice cream: Accompany the speculoos brownie cake with a quenelle of rich, creamy vanilla bean ice cream on the side, adding a contrasting element to the dessert plate.
Drizzle with a chocolate sauce: Create an artistic drizzle of decadent chocolate sauce on the plate, adding a visually stunning element to the presentation of the speculoos brownie cake.
Incorporate fresh berries: Arrange a selection of vibrant, fresh berries around the base of the brownie cake, adding a pop of color and a refreshing touch to the overall presentation.
Dust with confectioners' sugar: Lightly dust the entire plate with a fine sprinkle of confectioners' sugar, creating a subtle and elegant finishing touch to the speculoos brownie cake presentation.

Essential Tools for Making a Delectable Brownie Cake

Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking food on a stovetop.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients such as eggs and batter.
Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading food.
Springform pan: A type of cake pan with removable sides, often used for baking delicate cakes and desserts.
Electric mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients.
Wire rack: A metal rack used for cooling baked goods and allowing air to circulate around the food.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Speculoos Brownie Cake

To store the speculoos brownie cake, let it cool completely to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the speculoos brownie cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to serve the frozen cake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. If the frosting looks a bit soft or melted after thawing, you can refrigerate the cake for a short time to help it set.
If you want to freeze individual slices of the speculoos brownie cake, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. This way, you can easily grab a slice whenever you want a sweet treat without having to thaw the entire cake.
To maintain the best texture and flavor of the speculoos brownie cake, avoid storing it in a humid environment or near strong-smelling foods, as the cake may absorb unwanted odors.

How To Reheat Leftover Brownie Cake

The best way to reheat leftover speculoos brownie cake is to warm it up gently in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the brownie cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat the cake for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's warmed through.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place a slice of the speculoos brownie cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on medium power for 20-30 seconds. If it's not warm enough, continue heating it in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it can become rubbery or dry.
If you want to reheat a larger portion of the cake, you can use a steamer. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the cake in a heatproof dish that fits inside the pot, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the dish. Cover the pot and steam the cake for 5-10 minutes, or until it's heated through.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the speculoos brownie cake in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a slice of the cake and cook it for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Lastly, if you want to enjoy the cake at room temperature, simply take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the speculoos frosting to soften and the flavors to develop, giving you a deliciously indulgent treat.

Random Fact about Speculoos Brownie Cake

The speculoos brownie cake is a delightful fusion of two beloved treats, combining the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie with the spiced, caramelized flavor of speculoos cookies. This unique combination creates a truly indulgent dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

Is Making Speculoos Brownie Cake at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this speculoos brownie cake recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. The use of basic pantry staples like butter, eggs, and flour can make it relatively cost-effective. However, the inclusion of specialty items like bittersweet chocolate and speculoos cookie butter may increase the overall cost. Considering the indulgent nature of this dessert, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people could range from $15 to $20. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its decadent flavor and simple preparation, making it a delightful treat for special occasions.

Is This Decadent Brownie Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?

This speculoos brownie cake recipe is undeniably delicious, but it's not the healthiest dessert option. The main ingredients that make this recipe unhealthy are:

High amounts of butter and sugar, which contribute to excessive calories and saturated fat
Refined all-purpose flour, which lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives
Heavy whipping cream and chocolate, adding more saturated fat and sugar to the recipe

While enjoying a slice of this cake occasionally is fine, regular consumption could lead to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

To make this recipe healthier without compromising too much on taste and texture, try the following modifications:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of sugar in the brownie batter by 1/4 to 1/3 cup, as the speculoos frosting will provide additional sweetness
Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content, which contains more antioxidants and less sugar than bittersweet chocolate
Substitute half of the butter in the brownie batter with mashed avocado or Greek yogurt for a healthier fat source
Replace the heavy whipping cream in the frosting with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk
Reduce the amount of speculoos cookie butter in the frosting by 1/4 cup and increase the cream or milk to maintain a spreadable consistency
Serve smaller portion sizes and pair with fresh berries for added fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants

Editor's Opinion on This Indulgent Brownie Cake Recipe

The speculoos brownie cake recipe is a delightful combination of rich, fudgy brownie and the warm, spiced flavor of speculoos. The brownie cake is perfectly moist and decadent, while the speculoos frosting adds a creamy, indulgent sweetness. The use of bittersweet chocolate and espresso powder enhances the depth of flavor, creating a truly luxurious dessert. The addition of chocolate shavings provides a beautiful finishing touch. This recipe is a wonderful choice for those who appreciate the harmonious blend of chocolate and speculoos, and it is sure to impress any dessert lover.

Enhance Your Speculoos Brownie Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Create a creamy and flavorful roasted garlic mashed potatoes to complement the rich and indulgent speculoos brownie cake.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Serve up some colorful and flavorful grilled vegetable skewers alongside the decadent speculoos brownie cake for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Citrus Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: Prepare a refreshing and tangy citrus salad with a honey-lime dressing to balance out the sweetness of the speculoos brownie cake.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Whip up some balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts as a savory and tangy side dish to accompany the speculoos brownie cake.

Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Fries: Indulge in some crispy parmesan asparagus fries to add a crunchy and savory element to the dessert spread featuring the speculoos brownie cake.

Alternative Recipes for Brownie Cake Enthusiasts

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes in a rich and flavorful broth. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Citrus Grilled Chicken: Marinated in a zesty blend of citrus juices and herbs, this grilled chicken is bursting with fresh and tangy flavors. It's a light and refreshing dish that's perfect for summer cookouts.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: These creamy and tropical popsicles are made with fresh mango, coconut milk, and a hint of honey. They're a refreshing and guilt-free treat for hot summer days.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Speculoos Brownie Cake

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a rich and flavorful filling. The combination of ingredients will tantalize the taste buds and leave your guests wanting more.

Bruschetta: Elevate the classic bruschetta by experimenting with different toppings and flavors. From traditional tomato and basil to unique combinations like fig and prosciutto, there are endless possibilities to create a memorable appetizer.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and savory pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich Alfredo sauce. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds satisfied and craving for more.

Beef Stroganoff: Savor the comforting and hearty flavors of tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. This classic dish is sure to warm your soul and become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Why trust this Speculoos Brownie Cake Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a decadent and indulgent experience, combining the richness of bittersweet chocolate with the warmth of speculoos cookie butter. The brownie cake is meticulously crafted to achieve a perfect balance of fudgy texture and rich flavor, while the speculoos frosting adds a delightful hint of spice. The use of unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract ensures premium quality, and the meticulous instructions guarantee a flawless outcome. Trust in the expertise and passion behind this recipe to elevate your dessert game and delight your taste buds.

Want to share your experience making this Speculoos Brownie Cake or discuss variations on the recipe? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum section!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the brownie cake?

Yes, you can use different types of chocolate based on your preference. You can use semi-sweet chocolate or even milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.

Can I substitute the speculoos cookie butter with another spread?

Absolutely! If you don't have speculoos cookie butter, you can substitute it with peanut butter, almond butter, or any other nut butter of your choice.

Can I make this recipe without the espresso powder?

Yes, you can omit the espresso powder if you don't have it on hand. It adds a subtle depth of flavor, but the recipe will still turn out delicious without it.

Can I use a different pan if I don't have a springform pan?

Yes, you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan if you don't have a springform pan. Just be sure to line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

How should I store the speculoos brownie cake?

You can store the speculoos brownie cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out.