Cakey vs Fudgy Brownies: What’s the Difference? | Dello Mano

What's the difference between cakey and fudgy brownies?

Cake brownies are, as the name suggests, more cake-like in texture. They have an airy, open-crumb structure similar to traditional cake. Fudgy brownies, on the other hand, are richer, deeper, and denser. While a fudgy brownie may have a cake-like crackled top, the inside remains gooey and indulgent.

Our brownie hearts sing loud and clear: all brownies are great! But brownie preferences do vary. At Dello Mano, our brownies are handmade with real chocolate and butter. Needless to say, we have a very strong preference for a fudgy, creamy, full-bodied brownie.

Back in 2005, when we first began our brownie-innovating journey, brownies were hard to come by. The few we found were mostly of the cakey variety. We set out to create a luxurious, fudgy, chocolatey brownie that would become the ultimate handmade gift.

How Texture and Ingredients Impact Brownies

Achieving a fudgy brownie comes down to the ratio of fat to flour. A fudgy brownie recipe will use more fat—typically butter or real chocolate—than flour. A cakey brownie, by contrast, calls for more flour than fat.

Cakey brownie recipes often include a leavening agent like baking powder, which helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in that airy texture.

We often hear from home bakers who set out to make one style of brownie but end up with another. If you've ever ended up with a cakey brownie when you wanted fudge—or vice versa—you're not alone. Here’s why that happens.

❓Why Your Brownies May Be Cakey

Setting out to make a fudgy brownie that results in a cakey brownie can be disappointing. Many recipes don't describe the brownie you can expect, so it's important to run your eye over the recipe. At least, take a look at the image and see if the recipe will give you a cakey or fudgy brownie.

If you've ended up with cakey brownies and wanted fudgy, you've probably used too much flour. It is difficult to play around with flour levels in brownies and cake recipes, so if you're going to innovate, then be prepared for several batches that may not result in perfect brownies. 

A more certain result is to choose a brownie recipe that has a higher amount of chocolate and butter. A brownie recipe with baking powder should be avoided, as you'll most certainly end up with a cakey texture. 

Another reason your brownies may be cakey is too much mixing or beating during the cooking process. Of course, make sure you have a high-fat-to-flour brownie recipe. Once you have your recipe confirmed, If you're whisking, then take it lightly. If you're using an electric mixer, then don't walk away as it will over mix. Mixing incorporates air into the brownie batter. The more air that is incorporated will result in a more open, airy and cakey brownie. If you wanted fudgy brownies and got cakey, check on your mixing technique and pull it back.

Tips for Making Fudgy Brownies at Home

🥚 Eggs, Timing, and Bakeware Tips

Eggs are essential to brownie structure. Always use room-temperature eggs to help them incorporate fully. Cold eggs can lead to uneven texture.

Other important brownie tips:

• Watch your baking time: Cakey brownies bake faster. Fudgy ones need a little less time to stay moist.

• Don’t overbake: Brownies continue to cook slightly after removal. Pull them just before fully set.

• Choose the right pan: Glass pans bake more evenly, while metal pans can cause edges to overcook. Also, avoid pans that are too large, as batter will spread thin and overbake.

Final Thoughts: Which Brownie Style Wins?

In the end, it’s all about texture—and preference. Cakey brownies are light and fluffy, while fudgy brownies are rich, dense, and indulgent. Your final texture depends on fat-to-flour ratio, mixing method, ingredients, and baking technique.

No matter which style you love, every brownie at Dello Mano is handmade with love — and always a little bit indulgent.

🔗 Explore Our Fudgy Brownie Favourites

If you're a fan of that rich, gooey centre, our Classic Luxury Brownie is the perfect example of a fudgy treat. For something with a twist, try our Salted Caramel Brownie or the bold, nutty notes of our Espresso Walnut Brownie.