If you love the perfect blend of rich chocolate and bold coffee flavors, you are going to adore this Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe. It’s a velvety, moist cake that combines deep cocoa with the subtle bitterness of coffee, creating a symphony of tastes that will make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a cozy treat, this cake strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and sophistication.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that all play a crucial role in creating the luscious texture and irresistible flavor. Each component is essential, from the all-purpose flour providing structure, to the coffee boosting the chocolate’s richness and depth.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings intense chocolate flavor without any sweetness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of cocoa and coffee with a delightful sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides extra lift for a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature): Adds moisture and a slight tang for depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together while adding richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aroma that complements both coffee and cocoa.
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee: Infuses the cake with authentic coffee essence, making the chocolate flavor pop.
- 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature): Boosts moistness and creates a silky crumb.
How to Make Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing, flouring, and lining the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure your cake layers release cleanly. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients and avoids lumps, setting a perfect base for the batter.
Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. This mixture adds moisture, fat, and flavor that create the cake’s tender texture and delightful richness.
Step 3: Combine and Incorporate Coffee and Sour Cream
Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined—overmixing can cause toughness. Then carefully fold in the hot brewed coffee and sour cream. The batter will be thinner than typical cake batter, but that’s exactly what contributes to the intoxicatingly moistness.
Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Pop them into the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This step is key to avoid any frosting meltdown later.
Step 5: Prepare the Coffee Chocolate Frosting
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder while mixing on low to avoid a sugar cloud. Blend in the cooled strong brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Whip in 2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy cream until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable. Adjust the consistency with more cream if needed to get that luscious, easy-to-spread texture.
Step 6: Frost and Assemble
Once your cake layers are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Gently place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Feel free to add decorative touches or keep it smooth and classic. Then, slice and serve your masterpiece!
How to Serve Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make the Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe even more irresistible. Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a nice pop of color and a touch of tartness, balancing the richness. A sprinkle of cocoa nibs or shaved dark chocolate brings an elegant crunch, while a light dusting of powdered sugar gives a pretty, delicate finish.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between warm, rich cake and cool, smooth ice cream. You can also serve it with lightly whipped cream or fresh berries to refresh the palate and add a juicy contrast to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this cake on a rustic wooden board with scattered coffee beans around for a coffeehouse vibe. Or plate individual slices with a drizzle of chocolate ganache and an edible flower for an elevated look. For a casual gathering, present the cake alongside a steaming mug of your favorite coffee blend to highlight the coffee flavors in the dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store the entire cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to keep it in the fridge. Just remember that refrigeration may slightly firm the frosting, but warming slices briefly before serving brings back that soft texture.
Freezing
This Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe actually freezes quite well. Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze layers for up to three months. Frost the cake only after thawing completely in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
When you want to enjoy leftovers, warming a slice slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds brings out the chocolate and coffee aroma beautifully and softens the frosting just enough to melt on your tongue. Just be careful not to overheat to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use espresso instead of regular coffee in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using espresso will give your Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe a bolder, more intense coffee flavor which is perfect for coffee lovers seeking a deeper mocha taste.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk and sour cream both?
Yes, both ingredients contribute moisture and acidity that react with the leavening agents for a light and fluffy cake. They also add richness and prevent the cake from becoming dry.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
This particular recipe relies on dairy and eggs for texture and flavor, so substitutions would require significant adjustments. However, you could try replacing buttermilk with a plant-based milk and vinegar combination and use vegan butter and eggs alternatives, but results will vary.
How long does this cake keep fresh?
Properly stored, this cake stays fresh at room temperature for about two days or up to four days in the fridge. Make sure it’s well covered to avoid drying out.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, doubling the ingredients and using larger pans will work well. Just ensure you adjust your baking time accordingly, checking with a toothpick regularly until the center is cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe is a personal favorite for its perfect harmony of rich chocolate and aromatic coffee flavors that warm both the heart and soul. It’s not only delicious but also a fun baking experience that’s sure to impress your friends and family. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice—or two—of this unforgettable cake.
Print
Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Coffee Chocolate Cake is a rich and moist dessert combining the deep flavors of coffee and chocolate into a decadent layer cake. With a tender crumb created by buttermilk and sour cream, and a luscious coffee-infused chocolate frosting, it’s perfect for coffee lovers seeking a sophisticated treat. Easy to make and perfect for special occasions, this cake delivers a delightful balance of bold coffee and sweet chocolate.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: To the dry mixture, add the room temperature buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Incorporate coffee and sour cream: Stir in the hot brewed coffee and sour cream into the batter until smooth. Note that the batter will be thin, which is normal and helps create a moist cake.
- Divide and bake: Evenly pour the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy using an electric mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Add liquids and whip frosting: Mix in the cooled strong brewed coffee, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat the mixture on medium-high until light and fluffy, adding more cream if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thick layer of chocolate coffee frosting over it. Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides generously.
- Decorate and serve: Decorate the cake as desired with additional frosting swirls, chocolate shavings, or coffee beans. Slice and serve to enjoy the rich combination of coffee and chocolate flavors.
Notes
- For a richer coffee flavor, use espresso instead of brewed coffee.
- The cake layers can be baked ahead of time, wrapped tightly, and frozen for future use.
- This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for added texture and flavor contrast.
