Coffee Chocolate Cake
This Coffee Chocolate Cake is a showstopper! With three layers of moist chocolate cake and rich coffee buttercream, it’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply indulging after a long day. The balance of coffee and chocolate flavors creates a unique dessert experience that will leave your guests impressed. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for an amazing cake recipe, this one is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and aromatic coffee makes every bite delightful.
- Moist Texture: The careful blend of ingredients ensures that the cake remains incredibly moist and tender.
- Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or as a sweet treat to share with friends.
- Easy to Make: Step-by-step instructions make this cake accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Stunning Presentation: Three layers with smooth frosting create a visually appealing dessert that impresses.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin baking your Coffee Chocolate Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth baking process and helps in achieving the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking pans (8-inch)
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures even mixing and saves time when blending ingredients together.
- Baking pans: Properly sized pans help achieve even baking and perfect layer heights.
Ingredients
This is the best Coffee Chocolate Cake ever! Three layers of incredibly moist chocolate cake sandwiched together with smooth coffee buttercream that will send you straight to dessert paradise.
For the Cake
- 360 g black coffee (for instant coffee use 2 teaspoon of instant coffee)
- 360 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 300 g granulated sugar
- 150 g dark brown sugar
- 75 g unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 165 g vegetable oil
- 270 g sour cream 14-18% (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
For the Buttercream
- 400 g butter (room temperature)
- 660 g powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-2 1/2 tbsp black coffee (cooled down to room temperature)
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder (optional, for more intense coffee flavor)
How to Make Coffee Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Pans
Grease three 8-inch round baking pans with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Granulated sugar
4. Dark brown sugar
5. Cocoa powder
6. Baking powder
7. Baking soda
8. Salt
Whisk together until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix:
1. Vegetable oil
2. Sour cream
3. Eggs
4. Vanilla extract
5. Black coffee
Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Down Layers
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare Coffee Buttercream
In a separate bowl, beat room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until combined. Add vanilla extract, cooled black coffee, and optional espresso powder; mix until fluffy.
Step 9: Assemble Cake Layers
Once cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on your serving plate and spread an even layer of buttercream on top. Repeat with remaining layers.
Step 10: Frost Sides & Top of Cake
Use leftover buttercream to frost the sides and top of your assembled cake smoothly.
Enjoy this heavenly Coffee Chocolate Cake that’s perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Coffee Chocolate Cake
Serving your Coffee Chocolate Cake can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance its enjoyment.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: The sweetness of strawberries complements the rich chocolate flavor.
- Raspberries: Their tartness balances the cake’s sweetness and adds a pop of color.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and contrasts nicely with the cake.
- Coffee Ice Cream: For coffee lovers, this enhances the cake’s flavors and creates a delicious combination.
Drizzle with Sauce
- Chocolate Sauce: A warm drizzle over each slice elevates the indulgence.
- Caramel Sauce: Adds a sweet, buttery note that pairs wonderfully with coffee and chocolate.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it makes each bite even more delightful.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding a hint of vanilla or coffee for an extra layer of flavor.
Garnish with Nuts
- Chopped Walnuts: Their crunch provides a lovely texture contrast to the soft cake.
- Almonds: Sliced almonds add both visual appeal and a nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate.
How to Perfect Coffee Chocolate Cake
Perfecting your Coffee Chocolate Cake takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps in achieving a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, which affects texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cake; overmixing can develop gluten in the flour.
- Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let it cool properly: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting your buttercream.
- Consider optional espresso powder: Adding espresso powder intensifies the coffee flavor without making it overly bitter.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Chocolate Cake
Enhancing your Coffee Chocolate Cake experience can be accomplished with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats add an elegant touch and pair perfectly with chocolate cake.
- Coffee Mousse: A light dessert that echoes the flavors of your cake while providing a creamy contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh assortment of fruits will cleanse the palate between bites of rich cake.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy varieties, complements the cake beautifully by adding savory notes.
- Chocolate Fondue: For additional indulgence, serve slices alongside warm chocolate fondue for dipping.
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkling nutty granola on top can add texture and enhance flavors when served as a topping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Coffee Chocolate Cake can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or sour cream can lead to uneven batter. Always let these ingredients sit out before baking.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can cause a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise ingredient amounts.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into a warm cake may lead to crumbling. Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting.
- Using stale coffee: Fresh coffee enhances flavor. Always use freshly brewed or instant coffee that hasn’t been sitting around too long.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Coffee Chocolate Cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Coffee Chocolate Cake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil for optimal freshness.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Coffee Chocolate Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Coffee Chocolate Cake so special?
This Coffee Chocolate Cake features three moist layers of chocolate paired with rich coffee buttercream, creating an irresistible dessert experience.
Can I use decaf coffee in this recipe?
Yes! Decaf coffee works just as well if you prefer to limit caffeine intake while still enjoying delicious flavors.
How do I make my Coffee Chocolate Cake more chocolaty?
For an extra chocolatey flavor, consider adding chocolate chips into the batter or using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.
Can I customize the frosting?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like hazelnut or almond extract to the buttercream for added depth and interest.
Final Thoughts
The Coffee Chocolate Cake is not just any dessert; it’s a delightful treat that brings together rich chocolate and aromatic coffee flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is versatile enough to make any day feel extraordinary. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or additional layers of flavor!
Coffee Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of our Coffee Chocolate Cake, a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate and aromatic coffee for an unforgettable experience. This three-layer cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly moist, thanks to the careful selection of ingredients. Topped with velvety coffee buttercream, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or as a sweet treat to enjoy after a long day. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply in search of an impressive cake recipe, this Coffee Chocolate Cake will surely become your new favorite.
Ingredients
- 360g black coffee (or 2 tsp instant coffee)
- 360g all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 300g granulated sugar
- 150g dark brown sugar
- 75g unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 165g vegetable oil
- 270g sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 400g butter
- 660g powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–2 1/2 tbsp black coffee (cooled down to room temperature)
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder (optional, for more intense coffee flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round baking pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, sugars, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and black coffee until smooth.
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare buttercream by beating room temperature butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and mix in vanilla and cooled coffee until fluffy.
- Assemble by layering cakes with buttercream in between each layer and frost the top and sides.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (105g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
