Rich Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe

Decadent Rich Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Decadent chocolate takes an unexpected turn with this indulgent coffee chocolate cake that promises pure bliss.

Warm aromas of freshly brewed coffee mingle with deep cocoa notes, creating a sensational dessert.

Each slice reveals layers of rich, moist texture that melts on your tongue.

Bold coffee flavors intensify the chocolate’s depth, making this cake a true crowd-pleaser.

Chocolate and coffee lovers will find this recipe irresistibly smooth and complex.

Brewing the perfect balance of sweetness and robust flavor, this cake stands as a testament to culinary creativity.

Prepare to embark on a delightful baking adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 12

Coffee Chocolate Cake Ingredient Breakdown

For Dry Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structural foundation for cake's tender crumb and soft texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate essence and beautiful dark color.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist, soft texture.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile.
For Wet Binding:
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates tender, soft cake texture.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients, adds richness, and provides structure.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor, helps activate leavening agents, and keeps cake incredibly moist.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex undertone and complements chocolate flavor.
  • Hot Coffee: Intensifies chocolate flavor and creates deeper, more complex taste.
For Frosting Elements:
  • Butter: Creates creamy, smooth base for frosting with rich flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve smooth, spreadable consistency.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds chocolate depth to frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall frosting flavor.
  • Cooled Coffee: Introduces subtle coffee notes and deepens chocolate taste.

Tools to Bake Bold Coffee Chocolate Cake

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and ensuring no lumps.
  • 9-inch Round Cake Pans (2): Standard size for creating even cake layers.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps prevent cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Electric Mixer: Crucial for creating creamy, fluffy frosting with perfect consistency.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing for moist crumbs.
  • Spatula: Great for spreading frosting evenly and scraping bowl sides.
  • Serving Plate: Provides a beautiful presentation for the finished cake.

How to Make a Rich, Moist Coffee Chocolate Cake

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and get your baking pans ready by giving them a quick oil massage and paper lining.

  • Create the Dry Mix

Toss flour, cocoa, sugar, and other dry teammates into a big bowl, then give them a whirl with a whisk to become best friends.

  • Bring the Wet Party Together

Splash in oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla, mixing until everything looks happily combined.

  • Coffee Magic

Pour in steaming hot coffee and stir until your batter looks silky smooth – don’t worry if it seems a bit thin!

  • Bake to Perfection

Split the batter between your pans and slide them into the oven. Bake for about 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Cooling Dance

Let the cakes chill in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

  • Whip Up Frosting Fantasy

Beat butter until creamy, then gradually welcome powdered sugar, cocoa, and a pinch of salt into the mix.

  • Final Frosting Flourish

Drizzle in cooled coffee and vanilla, beating until the frosting looks cloud-like and dreamy.

  • Stack and Decorate

Layer the cakes, slather with frosting, and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Slice up this coffee chocolate dream and enjoy every delicious bite!

Flavor Additions Like Espresso or Hazelnut

  • Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee for maximum flavor depth in the cake batter.
  • Prepare cake layers a day ahead and store wrapped in plastic at room temperature to enhance moisture and flavor development.
  • Swap buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring to add xanthan gum for better texture and structure.
  • Experiment with different coffee varieties like Colombian or Ethiopian roasts to create unique flavor profiles in your chocolate cake.

Serve Coffee Chocolate Cake With a Latte

  • Elegant Coffee Companions: Serve alongside a steaming cappuccino or smooth espresso to enhance the cake's rich coffee notes.
  • Dessert Plate Drama: Garnish each slice with a delicate chocolate-covered espresso bean and a small drizzle of caramel sauce for visual and flavor excitement.
  • Textural Temptation: Top with whipped cream rosettes and sprinkle crushed chocolate-covered almonds for added crunch and luxurious presentation.
  • Sweet Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in decorative parchment paper with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that coffee and chocolate lovers will adore.

Store the Cake to Maintain Bold Flavor

  • Store cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep frosted layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Store in the refrigerator for convenient snacking.
  • Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving to restore soft texture and enhance flavor profiles.
  • Carefully wrap unfrosted cake layers in double layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Print
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Rich Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe

Rich Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Rich layers of coffee chocolate cake promise a delectable journey through deep, velvety flavors that dance between robust espresso and smooth cocoa. Chocolate enthusiasts will savor each indulgent bite, discovering a perfect balance of intense coffee notes and luxurious chocolate essence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee (strong)
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (480 g)
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 g)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (120 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (230 g)
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (300 g)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50 g)
  • ¼ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (60 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Chocolate shavings or curls
  • Espresso beans
  • Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C). Coat two 9-inch round cake pans with oil and line with parchment paper for easy release.
  2. Dry Mixture: Thoroughly combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl using a whisk until fully integrated.
  3. Liquid Integration: Incorporate oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients, mixing until a uniform batter forms.
  4. Coffee Infusion: Gently stream hot coffee into the batter, stirring consistently to create a smooth, liquid consistency.
  5. Baking Process: Evenly distribute the batter between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
  6. Cooling Stage: Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  7. Frosting Creation: Whip butter until creamy, gradually introducing powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt while mixing thoroughly.
  8. Flavor Enhancement: Blend cooled coffee and vanilla extract into the frosting, beating until achieving a light, airy texture.
  9. Assembly & Decoration: Position first cake layer on serving plate, spread frosting generously, place second layer on top, and cover entire cake with remaining frosting.
  10. Final Touch: Garnish with chocolate shavings, espresso beans, or a delicate dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Use freshly brewed hot coffee at precisely 185-195F to enhance cake’s moisture and deep chocolate flavor without compromising batter consistency.
  • Avoid overmixing batter and check cake at 30-minute mark to prevent overbaking, which could result in dry texture.
  • Replace buttermilk with equal parts milk and white vinegar or Greek yogurt for similar tangy moisture if buttermilk unavailable.
  • Ensure butter is room temperature and coffee is completely cooled before mixing to achieve smooth, spreadable frosting without separation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Drinks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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