Brownie Blackout Mousse Cake
I wrote this post as part of the Plugrá Butter Brigade. Thanks, Plugrá, for sponsoring this chocolatey amazingness and for making my favorite butter!
Let’s talk COFFEE. I need advice.
To preface, I’m new at this whole coffee thing. I started drinking coffee in May because I was in Europe with a group of 9th graders and absolutely exhausted (I know, poor me! Gallivanting around Italy with all expenses paid! Tiny violin.) It also just seemed to be the European thing to do, right? To sip a cup of strong espresso alongside my breakfast of hard boiled eggs and cheese. And I’m nothing if not très European (just ask the waiter who tried his hardest not to laugh at my French-with-a-Southern-accent.)
Anyhow, I’m hooked now. But I’m also clueless.
When I got home, I started going to Starbucks like it was going out of style. At one point, I was buying a coffee every single day, which is the equivalent of kicking your wallet in the face repeatedly. Then I found a small local coffee shop whose coffee kicks Starbucks’ coffee in the face, but whose prices kicked my wallet in the groin area. My wallet is male, I guess. I went there a few times but couldn’t justify it regularly. Then I started just going without coffee a few days a week, which kicks me in the face.
So basically there’s a lot of kicking going on.
Recently I decided to try the Keurig at my work, so I bought one of those little eco-friendly K-Cup things. I put some Dunkin’ Donuts ground coffee in it, pushed the button, and hoped for the best. Annnd . . . it tasted like dishwater. I dressed it up with creamer to try and fix it, and then it tasted like French vanilla dishwater.
This morning my mother-in-law made me coffee in her Keurig-type-thing with a legit K-Cup and it was great! So was it the coffee I used? My school’s well water? The little eco-friendly holder? WHAT DID I DO WRONG, YOU GUYS? What do you use to make coffee at home? And where do you go to buy coffee when you want someone else to do the brewing?
And how do you dress up your coffee? Have you tried bulletproof coffee? Does it live up to the fuss?
Tell me all your coffee tips and tricks, wise readers!
And then let’s pour a cup, ’cause you’re gonna need one to go with this giant cake. If you remember, I hardly ever make chocolate desserts because they’re just not my favorite. But they are Mike’s favorite. So what I’m saying is that I’m a bad wife. And also that for Valentine’s Day, I decided to make him allllll the chocolate desserts rolled into one.
This cake is a chocolate lover’s DREAM and still manages to not be too sweet. It is incredibly rich, however — hence said cup of coffee. Or a tall glass of milk. And a nap afterward.
To make it the very best Valentine ever, I bought the best ingredients: the expensive chocolate, my favorite triple chocolate brownie mix, and the best Plugrá European butter to send it right over the top. It’s a brownie cake modeled on the famous Brooklyn Blackout Cake with chocolate pudding between each layer. Then I added a layer of French Silk mousse and topped the whole shebang with barely sweetened whipped cream. It’s easy to make (I promise!) and tastes best after sitting for a day in the fridge, so you can whip it up in advance. If you have a chocolate lover in your life, this recipe is your new best friend!
One year ago: Coconut Pudding Spoon Cake
Two years ago: Lemon Cheesecake Morning Buns
Three years ago: Thick Chocolate Cake with a Big Red (Velvet!) Heart
Four years ago: Heart-Shaped Palmiers
Five years ago: Clementine Burst Cupcakes
- 2 boxes brownie mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare it)
- 1 1/4 cups water plus 1/4 cup water, separated
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- a scant 1/3 cup cornstarch
- a little less than 3 tablespoons unsalted Plugrá butter, cold and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 8 tablespoons unsalted Plugrá butter, at room temperature, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Prepare the brownie layers: Prepare two 9-inch springform pans with a parchment paper round in the bottom each. Spray the pans with cooking spray. Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions and bake it in the springform pans for about 30 minutes (brownies look underdone when they're ready, so be careful not to overbake. My package said to bake them 39 minutes but they were ready at 30). Allow to cool completely and then open the springform and lift the layers from the parchment to ensure they will come unstuck easily later. Close the springform again (with layers still sitting inside but loosened now) and set aside.
- Make the pudding: Bring the 1 1/4 cups of the water, sugar, honey and cocoa powder to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking occasionally. In a separate small bowl, whisk the remaining 1/4 cup of water and the cornstarch together until smooth. Whisk the corn starch mixture into the cocoa mixture and bring it to a boil, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking constantly, until very thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Pour the pudding into a separate, shallow bowl. Cover with plastic wrap pressed right to the surface (to prevent it from forming a skin) and chill it in the fridge until firm, about 45 minutes.
- Begin assembly: Spread half the pudding over one brownie layer inside its springform pan (this is the pan you'll build your whole cake in). Remove the other brownie layer from its springform pan entirely and place it on top of the pudding layer. Top it with the rest of the pudding and smooth it into an even layer. Set this in the fridge to chill.
- Make the filling: Melt chocolate by heating on half power for 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until it's smooth. Transfer it to a shallow dish and allow it to cool completely. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks. Place it in a bowl in the fridge to chill until it’s needed. In the heatproof bowl of a stand mixer, beat together eggs, sugar, and water for 5 minutes until pale yellow and slightly thickened. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water to form a sort of double boiler. Heat, whisking occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 160 degrees F.
- Put the bowl onto the stand mixer carefully and beat on medium speed until cooled to room temperature and thickened, about 8 minutes. While beating, add in the chocolate and vanilla. If your chocolate seems to stick to the bowl and get difficult here, just turn the mixer up for a few seconds and all will be well. Beat in the room temperature butter a piece at a time, mixing between each. Fold in the whipped cream until no white streaks remain, and then pour the mixture over your last pudding layer. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the 2 tablespoons cold water to soften for 2 minutes. Heat for 15 or so seconds in the microwave, whisking to dissolve the gelatin. Whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks, adding the gelatin and powdered sugar halfway through. Gently spread the whipped cream over your mousse layer and chill in the fridge until set. Slice your cake and serve!
June Burns
February 15, 2015 at 4:07 pm (10 years ago)Holy cow that looks incredible! I’m all for the combination of cake + mousse, really nice contrast of textures 🙂
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:34 pm (10 years ago)Thanks June!
Emily
February 15, 2015 at 4:38 pm (10 years ago)I’m new to coffee too! Anytime I’ve tried it out, it was the worst thing ever. We sold our Keurig and legit love our $19 Mr. Coffee and Folgers black silk! The trick is we double grind the grounds with our Blendtec, it makes a huge difference. James likes french vanilla creamer, but I use straight sugar and cream! Trying to wean myself down from the sugar. I’m intrigued by bulletproof though?
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:40 pm (10 years ago)I really want to try it! I’ve heard you can get a stomach ache from doing it wrong, though, and I’m not here for all of that. LOL.
I need to start grinding my own beans, I think! Smart idea to double grind!
Amanda
February 15, 2015 at 4:48 pm (10 years ago)I’m a coffee lover and I find that making coffee at home can sometimes be a little underwhelming when compared to coffee made at a shop with high grade equipment. Many things can affect the flavor. I worked at a coffee shop for 8 years and even took several classes offered by the company. I’d suggest trying a french press (get coarse ground coffee for this, french press is a “grind level” you can ask for), a pour over method (big brand is Chemex), and never ever put your coffee in the freezer or fridge.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:41 pm (10 years ago)Thanks for the recs! Many people recommended a French Press! I think I’m going to go try it out at the fancy schmancy coffee shop I mentioned to see what the fuss is about!
Katrina
February 15, 2015 at 4:50 pm (10 years ago)Ohhhhh those layers!!! This is one gorgeous cake friend!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:42 pm (10 years ago)Thanks so much, Katrina!
Tim
February 15, 2015 at 7:44 pm (10 years ago)If you want to keep it simple, get a french press and try and find a local roaster (roasts and grinds the beans). If they’re good they should be able to give you a coffee that suits your tastes. And like Amanda said, ask for the coarse grind. If you can’t, then go for one of the better supermarket brands (no idea what they have in the US), try to find Illy or Vittoria. Keep it well sealed in the fridge. Oh and let the jug sit for 30 seconds after you boil, before you pour.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:43 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Tim! Great suggestions.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:44 pm (10 years ago)(I mean, let’s be honest, I have no idea if they’re great. But they sound great. LOL.)
Kelster
February 15, 2015 at 9:01 pm (10 years ago)I’ve only liked coffee once in my life. It was a K Cup and I apparently added magic creamer. Tasted like ice cream. I’ve never gotten coffee to taste that good again. It’s OK though. Coffee makes me sleepy so I prefer to have it in ice cream form.
Yes, I said sleepy.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:19 pm (10 years ago)I NEED THAT MAGICAL CREAMER. Also, I kind of know what you mean about it making you sleepy? Sometimes it makes me feel so jittery I exhaust myself? LOL
Rachel
February 16, 2015 at 1:10 am (10 years ago)Don’t drink Dunkin donuts coffee! It’s terrible chemicals that apparently taste like dishwater to you and taste like gasoline to me. Buy a better brand coffee and that will help in the kuerig. Also, the French press is fool proof. I have an nespresso machine that can only be used with nespresso pods. It wasn’t cheap but it has paid for itself in avoided trips to Starbucks and convenience and deliciousness. Soooo good.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:20 pm (10 years ago)My mother-in-law just sent me home with her keurig-type machine and a new brand of K-Cup! So sweet of her. Can’t wait to try it out!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting
February 16, 2015 at 1:39 am (10 years ago)I love the combination of brownie and mousse!!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:20 pm (10 years ago)Thanks, Julianne!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
February 16, 2015 at 2:07 am (10 years ago)Stunning! Decadent! Rich! and I want to devour it completely.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:20 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Michelle!
Arman @ thebigmansworld
February 16, 2015 at 2:38 am (10 years ago)Thanks alot, Julie. You just gave me diabetes of the eyes.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:21 pm (10 years ago)Uh-oh. Do they make insulin for eyeballs? Might have to google that one…
Elle
February 16, 2015 at 3:54 am (10 years ago)Oh gosh that cake looks SUPERB! I want to dive through the screen and eat it!
As for coffee, I agree with those who suggest a French press. There are some good ground coffees out there, and definitely less expensive than buying a coffee every day. That being said, I buy coffee M-F, and my local coffee shop does discounts for pre-paying coffees, so it works out a little cheaper. They make a mean almond milk latte too!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:21 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Elle! That discount sounds so smart! I would totally do that. A+ local coffee shop!
Coyoty
February 16, 2015 at 5:17 am (10 years ago)Your problem is you used Dunkin’ Donuts ground coffee. Ground coffees aren’t as good in the first place because they’re not freshly ground, and bagged coffee’s not sealed. The K-cups are sealed with nitrogen to preserve the ground coffee, but they’re still not as good as fresh-ground coffee.
I buy whole bean coffee and grind it with a burr grinder at about the same courseness as automatic drip coffee. Courser makes it weaker and too fine can clog the machine. I grind in small batches so it’ll be fresher. It tastes better than manufacturer-ground coffee and K-cups, and is much cheaper than K-cups.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:21 pm (10 years ago)This is great advice! Thanks Coyoty!
Kate @ Veggie Desserts
February 16, 2015 at 5:25 am (10 years ago)Ha – one trip to France and you’re a coffee fiend – I love it. I tried bulletproof but wasn’t really convinced. I love coffee with oat milk – you just need to keep stirring it. And I make mine in a French Press but I would love a pour over.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:22 pm (10 years ago)I’v heard of French Presses and pour-overs but they look so simple that I guess I’ve always been skeptical! I’ll have to go to the expensive coffee shop I mentioned and order a French Press and see what I think!
Samantha
February 16, 2015 at 5:29 am (10 years ago)COFFEE! My favorite topic ever, basically. Totally agree with you that European coffee is SO good… almost impossible to get something like that in the states. I’m spoiled over here in Japan with lots of little roasters and single stand coffee shops… It is pricey, though, to get a good cup.
I also agree that it’s cheaper and quite satisfying to make it yourself. It’s all about the water-to-bean ratio, having beans that have been evenly ground (and so the boiled water washes through them evenly) and choosing/buying beans that were roasted well. I find Starbucks coffee is kind of burnt tasting and their grinders don’t do a great job with the evenness. Small coffee companies usually feature better and more interesting roasts, but their coffee can cost a bit more for a bag. As for making it on your own, generally speaking, if you are making it with a regular drip coffee machine, you have to use the scooper that came with your coffee pot, and add one scoop for line (“cup”) of water. I like to add an extra scoop for the pot to make the flavor darker, or, alternatively, make each scoop rather rounded as opposed to leveling it off. I’m not all that familiar with Keurig machines, but I can’t imagine they do a better job than a good Russell Hobbs or Cuisinart drip machine. (Mine is a DeLonghi.) For starters, if I were you, I’d try to buy better grounds, or get a grinder and grind it yourself. Then try to figure out how your coffee maker likes to balance the flavors. If it tastes like dishwash water, you’ve got too much water and not enough coffee.
By the way, the best coffee I have ever had was made siphon style, which kind of looks like the coffee is a chemistry experiment. But siphon is the best for getting all of the delicious flavors and notes to balance out correctly, I think. I can only guess that it’s because of what I said first– water to bean ratio.
Anyway, hope your coffee maker will give you less trouble in the future! It is certainly cheaper to make it yourself!!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:23 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Samantha! I think better coffee grounds is a theme I keep seeing here! Great advice!
Erin M.
February 16, 2015 at 5:34 am (10 years ago)This cake is gorgeous! The problem could have been with the actual Keurig machine you used at school. They get dirty and need to be flushed and cleaned once in a while or else your coffee can taste funky. Also, if it was brand new it could have left a plastic-like taste if it wasn’t flushed well before using…just a couple suggestions!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:24 pm (10 years ago)That totally might be it, since I can’t imagine anyone ever having cleaned that thing. LOL. Thanks Erin!
Heather
February 16, 2015 at 6:36 am (10 years ago)I have a drip machine, so I have to fill it each day with a filter, grounds and water. Mine is just a simple on/off, but they make more advanced ones with all kinds of timers. It’s worth it to spend a little more money on better coffee, but there are a lot of subtle variances between different beans, roasts and roasting techniques, so it might take a bit before you find what you really like. I am not sure if these are regional brands or nationwide but I usually go with New England Coffee or Green Mountain Coffee. I tend to like my coffee “coffee” flavored and darker roasted. Adjusting your grounds to water ratio will adjust the taste if it’s too strong – more water makes it weaker, more coffee makes it stronger. My fiance doesn’t drink coffee so I just make it for one. I usually do two eating teaspoons worth of coffee grounds and two cups of water. This gives me about 1 1/2 – 2 cups of coffee per morning (depending on how accurately I measured the water). I might sometimes have a little left, in which case I save it for iced coffee or ditch it.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:25 pm (10 years ago)My mother-in-law just sent me home with her Keurig-type machine and a Green Mountain K-Cup, so I can’t wait to try it! I think the coffee grounds were one problem. Thanks Heather!
Heather
February 16, 2015 at 9:02 am (10 years ago)Buy a nice glass french press for less than 20 dollars and really enjoy coffee.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:25 pm (10 years ago)The expensive shop I mentioned lets you order a French Press for your table — I’m going to go try it out and see what the fuss is about!
karl
February 16, 2015 at 9:55 am (10 years ago)Cake looks awesome. the coffee issue, I have tried to not get hooked on it since caffeine does make me hyper. when I do have it, I do it at home local coffee. I have to say, I bought a coffee French press but I did not like my coffee cold and it came out cold after letting it sit there for the time recommended. I do not like the koureig so much for the hefty price per cup and the fact that plastic gets hot and hot water passes thru the plastic in order for the coffee to be made.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:26 pm (10 years ago)Karl, didn’t think about that re: the French Press. I definitely like coffee hot! I’d love to figure out a way for the eco-friendly K-Cup I have to work for me, since it’s better for the environment.
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life
February 16, 2015 at 10:00 am (10 years ago)Woah!!!! Now that is a chocolate dessert!!! I love that you rolled everything into one amazing treat! And yes, a cup of coffee is a definite must with this. I have that eco friendly k-cup and it makes the coffee so weak, so I stick with the actual k-cups every time in my Keurig and they work great!!! And a little flavored creamer is how I like to drink mine!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:27 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Jocelyn! I found the same thing with the eco-friendly K-Cup, which makes me so sad! I hate the waste.
Chandra@The Plaid & Paisley Kitchen
February 16, 2015 at 10:26 am (10 years ago)I think this should be brownie Knockout! You totally hit it out of the park! I am drooling
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:27 pm (10 years ago)Thanks, Chandra!
Margot
February 16, 2015 at 10:53 am (10 years ago)Longtime lurker here. So You’ve got a couple good options for getting good coffee at home without punching yourself in the groin, (but the initial investment might bruise your kidneys a little bit) The first step is that you should not be buying pre-ground coffee. Seriously. Coffee goes stale within two hours of being ground. Nitrogen flushing (like the k-cups) helps but it’s not ideal. Your first question is how much coffee you need to make, do you want to be able to make a great cup on demand or do you want to make a pot in the morning and drink it out of your thermos throughout the day.
If you’re making coffee for yourself I’d recommend a small hand burr grinder like the Hario coffee mill and an aeropress. The coffee from the aero press is going to be stronger and have a nicer body.
Your other option is a mid-range electric burr grinder and a nice drip pot. Ours is a Cuisinart, I’ve had it for about 4 years and been really happy with mine.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:27 pm (10 years ago)Hi Margot! Great tips! You’re the second person to mention a burr grinder, so maybe I should just be grinding my own! Thanks for all the advice.
Christi @ Love From The Oven
February 16, 2015 at 11:21 am (10 years ago)I think this cake might be my chocolate mousse loving daughter’s dream come true! Amazing! I’m no help on the coffee thing, I’m just over here getting my caffeine from Diet Coke. 😉
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:28 pm (10 years ago)You sound like me with Coke Zero! It was so much easier to figure out than coffee! 😉 Thanks Christi!
Kimberly
February 16, 2015 at 11:27 am (10 years ago)Yes, let’s talk coffee … over a giant piece of this gorgeous, delicious cake! {Picture me drooling right now!}
We have a Keurig for our weekday coffee … and I’m partial to the Newman’s Own Organic pods. But, for the weekends, we have a french press, a Chemex, and two pour over’s since we actually have time to make a really decent cup ‘o joe with beans from our favorite local roasters.
I suggest googling “pour over coffee” and then finding a local roaster who’s beans you love … it’s a great intro to “good” coffee!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:29 pm (10 years ago)You know, I never thought of buying the beans from the fancy coffee shop I love. Wonder if that would be cheaper than going there for a latte every day? I’m thinking probably 😉 I’ll have to try the Newman’s Own pods.
Jameson Fink
February 16, 2015 at 11:29 am (10 years ago)I swear by my French press. I have a small one that makes a perfect-sized cup for me. 2T ground coffee, almost boiling water, a stir, a 4 minute steep, then plunge.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:29 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Jameson! Sounds pretty easy. Do you find the coffee is cold when it comes out?
Jannell
February 18, 2015 at 5:54 pm (10 years ago)Perhaps this has been addressed further down, but if I’m concerned about losing heat in my french press, I just preheat it by putting some hot water in it.
I let it sit until I’m ready to make the coffee (kettle boils/beans are ground), then I pour out the hot water and make the coffee as usual in the press (more or less following this advice, albeit not always very precisely: http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/07/how-to-make-better-french-press-coffee-tips-technique-grind-timing.html ).
I’m fairly new to coffee, too, and have been having fun! Best of luck!
Julie Ruble
February 18, 2015 at 7:06 pm (10 years ago)Ooh, I love Serious Eats! Thanks for this link! Smart tip on the hot water.
Alida
February 16, 2015 at 11:40 am (10 years ago)I just want to dive right into that slice. Your cake looks absolutely wonderful!!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:29 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Alida!
Jennifer | Bake or Break
February 16, 2015 at 12:11 pm (10 years ago)Oh my goodness, Julie! This cake looks ridiculous, but in the very best way. I just want to grab a fork and dive into a piece!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:44 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Jennifer!
Catherine
February 16, 2015 at 12:42 pm (10 years ago)I have never made coffee with a one-cupper before. I like my coffee strong and make it the old fashioned way – Because of my family, I make six cups in the morning and about 8 1/2 scoops of coffee. It really depends on the coffee you are using though. DD has really good bagged coffee in my opinion.
Your cake looks luscious! A nice, big slice of this and a cup of coffee sounds like a perfect treat to me. I would be in my glories.
xo,
Catherine
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:45 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Catherine!
TidyMom
February 16, 2015 at 1:38 pm (10 years ago)oh that cake is to die for!!
as for the coffee, I’ve been a coffee drinker for 30+ years and I love my Keurig. You’ve gotta use the k-cups, I’ve never had luck putting coffee grounds in the little resuable k-cup
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:46 pm (10 years ago)That’s what I hear! So sad, because I hate the waste. Thanks Cheryl!
Holly N @ Spend With Pennies
February 16, 2015 at 2:00 pm (10 years ago)This looks so luscious! I wish I had some right now (and I haven’t even had breakfast yet)!!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:47 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Holly!
jc
February 16, 2015 at 2:12 pm (10 years ago)Long-time lurker here. But had to comment re: the coffee. First of all, those Keurig machines (and similar) are super wasteful (unless you’re using the eco-friendly K-cup, but as you say, it’s not as good – although I concur with whomever it was that said that Dunkin’ Donuts coffee grounds are your real problem here).
BUT! Since you fell in love with coffee in Italy, I recommend using a Bialetti to make espresso at home. Stainless is better than aluminum, but your mileage may vary. They are completely eco-friendly. There is a rubber ring that needs changing about once every two years (with daily use). It makes a REAL pot of espresso and is affordable and eco-friendly. I swear by mine, as I have lo these many years. http://www.bialetti.com/www.bialetti.com/coffee/stovetop/stainless-pots-c-1_7_21.html
I use the Musa.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:50 pm (10 years ago)That’s what I’m worrying about re: the K-Cups. I hate the waste. I’m going to try different coffee (and try grinding my own) in my little reusable container.
These bialetti look promising too! I’ve never seen them before! Thanks for the link!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
February 16, 2015 at 3:27 pm (10 years ago)Julie,
ok, first off girl, this cake. Amazing! Amazing! and re: the coffee question. . yeah, don’t buy your coffee. . save some money (correction: save lots of money and make your own) we have a Keurig at home and a Nespresso. . I use the Keurig every morning. . I purchase my k-cups from costco and get the Caribou Blend. maybe it was the Dunkin’ Donuts ground coffee you used? i dunno but give homemade coffee another chance! maybe start with a coffee maker or just get a Keurig. You will be spending more money upfront but saving more in the long run! 🙂
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:51 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Alice! I think I need to try a different coffee! My mother-in-law just sent me home with a keurig-type machine so I can experiment. She is awesome!
amanda @ fake ginger
February 16, 2015 at 3:49 pm (10 years ago)I tried using one of those reusable k-cups for probably a month before I gave up. I don’t know why a tiny k-cup is so difficult!
This looks so delicious! I could really use a slice right now!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 4:52 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Amanda! I know what you mean! I hate the waste of the regular cups!
leslie
February 16, 2015 at 4:58 pm (10 years ago)I CANT live without my Keurig! And I dont think I can live without the cake in my life!
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 5:09 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Leslie!
Laura
February 16, 2015 at 5:40 pm (10 years ago)First, I am a chocolate person–and a mousse person–and your cake kicks (more kicking!) butt because it uses brownie layers instead of cake layers. That makes my day.
Second. Coffee. Well, I am not a coffee person properly speaking either, because I need LOADS of cream and sugar to make it palatable. BUT I do use a Keurig and I do use an EkoBrew (and Kcups, depends on the day and what I want) and I would say that if you are used to European espresso, donut shop coffee was probably not the right call. 🙂 Second, how many ounces did you make? Mine can do several, and I always do the lowest 2 because I want it strong strong strong. The lowest 2 for me are 4 and 6 ounces. Last, I stuff my ekobrew really full.
Hope that helps–if you are an Amazon Prime member, there are loads of different sample packages you can buy to see which you like best. I did it because I need a lot of decaf–long story why–which is hard to find decent choices in stores. So I am picking and choosing now from a sampler to see what I like.
Laura
February 16, 2015 at 5:42 pm (10 years ago)PS I use the stainless steel ekobrew if that helps.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 5:48 pm (10 years ago)Hmmm mine is plastic! Another thing to try.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 5:47 pm (10 years ago)LOL. I tried DD because I liked their coffee in-store, but their ground coffee may have been the issue! I did the lowest size (not even a full cup) but it still seemed so weak! Weird. I only packed it about 3/4 full like it said, but maybe I should pack some more in.
We are Amazon Prime members and that’s a GREAT idea!! I’ll have to give it a shot.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
February 16, 2015 at 9:21 pm (10 years ago)I tried to be eco friendly with that little attachment and the coffee is horrible in it. HORRID. So I buy the k-cups (usually the dark magic or sumatra green mountain) and brew it with filtered (fridge) water. Then it tastes good! 🙂
Holy moly, woman this cake. It’s … there are no words. Seriously.
Julie Ruble
February 16, 2015 at 9:29 pm (10 years ago)Thanks, Dorothy!
So sad to hear that re: the eco cup — I so wanted to avoid all the waste! Argh.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
February 17, 2015 at 12:03 pm (10 years ago)Holy cow, you must have made Mike one happy man!
I used to like the Kuerig but am not really a fan anymore. But I did used to use the reusable cup and never had a problem with taste from that. My issue was that the coffee never seemed strong enough for my liking!
Julie Ruble
February 18, 2015 at 7:04 pm (10 years ago)What do you use now, Lauren? I am enjoying it with the regular K-Cups, but the reusable one was so weak for some reason. Sad.
Jannell
February 18, 2015 at 5:57 pm (10 years ago)Also, just for future reference, you might enjoy cold-brewed coffee when the weather warms up! It’s delicious and easy, and fun to think about when there’s a foot of snow on the ground outside!
Julie Ruble
February 18, 2015 at 7:04 pm (10 years ago)LOL! I just want to think about blankets and chili right now! 😉
Amy | Club Narwhal
February 19, 2015 at 10:00 am (10 years ago)Poor you, indeed, Julie! You lucky lady 🙂 I don’t drink coffee but I would do a lot of things to get a slice of this gorgeous, sultry chocolate cake!!!
Julie Ruble
February 19, 2015 at 11:52 am (10 years ago)Come May I’ll be gallivanting around Europe again! Poor me! 😉
Lisa R
February 19, 2015 at 7:46 pm (10 years ago)Not a coffee drinker (I prefer chai tea), but hubby is. We stayed at a little cabin in Asheville last year where the owner provided whole coffee beans and a grinder. Hubby was hooked. He spent the last year exploring different beans and has settled on a low-acid decaf from World Market at $6.99 a bag. (World Market also has a “coffee plan” where your sixth bag is free!) We have a regular under-$20 coffee pot. He grinds his fine. (The grinder he chose has 3 settings.) He has used the Keuring at his office and has given it the rating of “meh”. 🙂
Julie Ruble
February 19, 2015 at 7:58 pm (10 years ago)Ooh, another vote for grinding your own beans! I’ll have to give it a shot — and the World Market coffee!
Juliet P
February 21, 2015 at 4:35 pm (10 years ago)This cake looks delicious! (I am actually going to make your sheet cake today for a baby shower) As for the coffee, I use a Kuerig mostly for the flexibility. I drink regular and my husband drinks decaf. I tried the refillable k-cup. Too messy, time consuming, etc. My favorite k-cup is Caribou Daybreak. My sister served coffee with a French press which was okay, but she did not grind her own beans. I have been thinking of trying it myself and all these comments have been great info – thanks!
Julie Ruble
February 21, 2015 at 5:14 pm (10 years ago)I’m loving all the advice too! Hope you love the sheet cake, Juliet!
A_Boleyn
June 29, 2015 at 3:13 am (9 years ago)Every once in a while I get a chocolate craving (I like lemon a lot too) but I’m too lazy to make all those gorgeous layers. Though I wouldn’t turn down a slice if someone offered it to me. (Duh!)
Sherry
April 5, 2017 at 10:38 am (8 years ago)What is your “favorite triple brownie mix”? Thanks . Love your blog!
Julie Ruble
April 6, 2017 at 5:01 pm (8 years ago)Hi Sherry! Thanks so much for your kind words 🙂 I used Ghirardelli’s mix for this recipe the first time around, but since finding out more about the chocolate industry (and the use of child slavery in producing chocolate, if you can believe it!) I’ve switched to fair-trade mixes. There are some good ones! You can find them at health food stores like Whole Foods, or Cissé Milk Chocolate Chip Brownie Mix
here’s one on Amazon (this is an affiliate link). I hope that helps!