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Easy Chocolate Coffee Cake

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Fellow baking enthusiasts! Get ready to fall in love with the most amazing chocolate coffee cake you'll ever taste. I'm so excited to share this recipe with you because it's truly a game-changer in the world of homemade cakes. Picture this: layers of incredibly moist chocolate cake infused with rich coffee notes, all wrapped in a velvety chocolate coffee frosting that'll make your taste buds dance with joy.

A rich and moist Chocolate Coffee Cake with two layers of deep, dark chocolate sponge, generously coated with a smooth and glossy coffee-infused chocolate frosting. The frosting slightly drips over the edges, adding to its indulgent look. A slice is cut out, revealing the soft texture inside, while cake crumbs scatter on a white plate. The background features blurred plates and a cozy setting, enhancing the homemade and decadent feel.

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Coffee Cake

Let me share the story behind this amazing chocolate coffee cake – it's a tale of two incredible flavors that were meant to be together! You know how a cup of coffee makes everything better? That's exactly why this chocolate coffee cake is so special. The coffee works its magic by making the chocolate taste even more chocolatey (yes, that's totally a thing!). It's like giving your cake a warm, cozy hug that brings out all its best qualities.

Don't worry if you're not a huge coffee fan though – this chocolate coffee cake won't taste like your morning cup of joe. Instead, the coffee plays a supporting role, working behind the scenes to create this amazing depth of flavor that'll make everyone go "Wow, this is the best cake I've ever had!" And the best part? Even though this chocolate coffee cake tastes like something from a fancy bakery, you can totally make it in your own kitchen. No special training required – just your mixing bowls and a bit of enthusiasm!

Jump to:

Ingredients

Let's Gather Our Ingredients!

For Our Super-Moist Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (just regular flour works perfectly!)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (this makes it perfectly sweet )
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (the good stuff - this is where our chocolate magic starts!)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda (our secret for a super fluffy cake)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (yes, we need both - trust me on this!)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to make all our flavors pop)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature (pretty please don't skip the room temp part!)
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (any coffee you love will work beautifully)
  • 1 cup whole milk (makes our cake extra rich and tender)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (this is what keeps our cake moist for days)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (the real stuff makes such a difference!)
A beautifully arranged set of ingredients for Chocolate Coffee Cake on a rustic wooden kitchen counter. The display includes bowls of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder, along with baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Two fresh eggs rest in a small dish, while glass bottles of vanilla extract and vegetable oil are placed nearby. A cup of whole milk sits next to the ingredients, ready to be used. The warm natural lighting enhances the cozy, homemade baking atmosphere.

For Our Dreamy Coffee Chocolate Frosting:

4 cups powdered sugar (makes our frosting silky smooth)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (leave it out for about an hour before starting)

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (more chocolate goodness!)

¼ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (this brings everything together )

2 teaspoons vanilla extract (because more vanilla is always good!)

¼ teaspoon salt (our little flavor enhancer)

A rustic kitchen setting displaying key ingredients for Chocolate Coffee Cake frosting. The scene includes a bowl of powdered sugar, a plate with a stick of softened butter, a small dish of unsweetened cocoa powder, and a glass cup filled with strong brewed coffee. Vanilla extract and a pinch dish of salt are also placed on the wooden countertop, creating a warm and inviting baking atmosphere. The natural lighting enhances the rich textures and colors of the ingredients.

Chocolate Coffee Cake Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper
  3. Brew your coffee and allow it to cool completely

Step 2: Making the Cake Batter

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt
  2. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add cooled coffee, milk, oil, and vanilla
  3. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined
  4. Be careful not to overmix - a few small lumps are okay
A top-down view of Chocolate Coffee Cake batter being mixed in a large bowl. Ingredients such as cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder are partially combined with wet ingredients like eggs, coffee, and vanilla extract. A whisk is partially submerged in the thick chocolate mixture, while a wooden spoon stirs a separate bowl of chocolate mixture. Small bowls of brewed coffee and beaten eggs sit nearby, creating a cozy and inviting baking scene.

Step 3: Baking the Cake

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
  3. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes
  4. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks

Step 4: Preparing the Frosting

  1. Beat softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes)
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with coffee
  3. Add vanilla extract and salt
  4. Beat until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes
A stand mixer whipping up a smooth and creamy Chocolate Coffee Cake frosting in a glass mixing bowl. The rich coffee-infused chocolate frosting clings to the beater, showing its velvety texture. In the background, ingredients such as powdered sugar, cocoa powder, a cup of brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch dish of salt are neatly arranged on a rustic wooden countertop. Natural sunlight streams in, highlighting the warm and inviting baking scene.

Step 5: Assembling the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on your serving plate
  2. Spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly over the top
  3. Place second layer on top
  4. Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting
  5. Create decorative swirls if desired

Hints and Tips

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture
  • Don't skip the coffee - it enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee
  • For the richest flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder
  • Make sure your coffee is completely cooled before adding it to the batter

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

This chocolate coffee cake can be adapted for different dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with almond milk and use dairy-free butter in the frosting. Serve with:

  • Fresh berries
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • A hot cup of coffee or espresso

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

  • Make it mocha: Add 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the frosting
  • Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
  • Enhance the coffee flavor: Add an extra ¼ cup of strong coffee to the batter
  • Add texture: Include 1 cup of chocolate chips in the batter

Equipment For Chocolate Coffee Cake

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Electric mixer (stand mixer preferred, but hand mixer works too)
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Offset spatula for frosting

Storage Instructions

  • Room temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days
  • Refrigerator: Keep fresh for up to 1 week in an airtight container
  • Freezer: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months
  • Allow frozen cake to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting

Top Tip

The secret to the perfect chocolate coffee cake lies in the coffee temperature and mixing technique. Always use cooled coffee to prevent cooking the eggs, and mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender, moist crumb.

Grandma's Magic Touch

Oh, the stories I could tell you about this chocolate coffee cake! This isn't just any recipe - it's a piece of family history wrapped in the warmest memories of my grandmother's kitchen. Every Sunday morning, the house would fill with the most incredible aroma of chocolate and coffee, and we all knew Grandma was working her magic again.

You see, what makes this chocolate coffee cake so special isn't just the ingredients (though they're pretty perfect!) - it's all those little touches Grandma taught me. Like how she'd always warm the coffee just right and let it cool to that perfect temperature, saying "Patience, dear - you can't rush love or good cake!" Or how she'd hum her favorite tune while folding in the ingredients, swearing that happy thoughts made the cake rise better.

I can still picture her in her favorite apron, covered in a light dusting of cocoa powder, teaching me the "proper way" to test if the cake was done - not just with a toothpick, but by listening to it (yes, really!). "A cake will tell you when it's ready," she'd say with a wink, gently pressing the top with her experienced fingers.

FAQ

What does adding coffee to chocolate cake do?

Adding coffee to chocolate cake enhances and intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. The coffee acts as a flavor amplifier, bringing out the deep, rich notes in the cocoa powder while adding complexity to the overall taste. This is why many professional bakers consider coffee a secret ingredient in chocolate recipes.

Can I use coffee instead of cocoa powder?

No, you cannot substitute coffee for cocoa powder in this chocolate coffee cake recipe. While coffee enhances chocolate flavor, it cannot replace cocoa powder, which provides essential structure, flavor, and color to the cake. Both ingredients serve different purposes and are needed for the best results.

Can I add coffee to box cake mix?

Yes, you can enhance a chocolate box cake mix by replacing the water with strong brewed coffee (same amount as the water called for in the mix). Make sure the coffee is cooled to room temperature before adding. This simple swap will give your box mix cake a more complex, rich chocolate flavor.

What is the difference between a buckle and a coffee cake?

A buckle is a fruit-studded cake where the batter "buckles" around the fruit as it bakes, creating a bumpy top, while a traditional coffee cake is a moist, tender cake often topped with streusel. This chocolate coffee cake is different from both - it's a rich layer cake that actually contains coffee in the recipe.

How did your chocolate coffee cake turn out?

I bet your kitchen smelled absolutely amazing while it was baking! This recipe is a showstopper with its rich chocolate flavor enhanced by that magical touch of coffee, creating the perfect balance of decadence and moisture in every bite.

Craving more homestyle baking? Warm up your kitchen with our seasonal favorite Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe—a rich and fruity twist on a classic dessert. For something uniquely delightful, our Lolly Cake Recipe brings nostalgic flavors in every bite. Want a zesty treat? Try the Key Lime Cake Recipe, bursting with citrusy goodness and a buttery crumb that’s perfect for any occasion!

Did you make this chocolate coffee cake? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Maybe you added some seeds for extra crunch, or swirled in some honey for sweetness? Your creative twists inspire our whole community of home bakers! Don't forget to snap a photo of your beautiful loaf – there's nothing quite like that first slice of warm, homemade bread!

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chocolate Coffee Cake

A rich and decadent Chocolate Coffee Cake with two layers of moist, dark chocolate sponge, filled and frosted with a creamy coffee-infused chocolate frosting. The smooth frosting is elegantly swirled on top, creating a luscious texture. A slice is cut out, revealing the dense and fudgy interior, with cake crumbs scattered on a white plate. The background features a blurred cozy setting, enhancing the indulgent, homemade feel.

Easy Chocolate Coffee Cake

Grandma's special Chocolate Coffee Cake combines rich chocolate flavor with aromatic coffee for an incredibly moist, decadent dessert that's perfect for special occasions or weekend treats.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate coffee cake, coffee-enhanced chocolate, grandma's recipe, layer cake recipe, moist chocolate cake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 485kcal
Cost: $15

Equipment

  • 2 9-inch round cake pans (Non-stick preferred)
  • 1 Electric mixer (Stand mixer preferred, but hand mixer works too)
  • 2 Large mixing bowls (One for wet, one for dry ingredients)
  • 1 Wire cooling rack (For cooling cake layers)
  • 1 Offset spatula (For frosting the cake)
  • 1 Parchment paper (For lining cake pans)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour - Provides structure and base for the cake.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar - Adds sweetness and helps with moisture retention.
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda - Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder - Works with baking soda for proper leavening.
  • 1 teaspoon salt - Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
  • 2 large eggs - Adds structure, richness, and moisture. Room temperature helps with even mixing.
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee - Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds moisture.
  • 1 cup whole milk - Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture.
  • ½ cup vegetable oil - Provides moisture and keeps the cake soft.
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

For the Coffee Chocolate Frosting:

  • 4 cups powdered sugar - Sweetens and provides structure for the frosting.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter - Creates a smooth and creamy frosting texture.
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - Adds chocolate flavor to the frosting.
  • ¼ cup strong brewed coffee - Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds richness.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add cooled coffee, milk, oil, and vanilla.
  • Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
  • For the frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with coffee. Add vanilla extract and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy (3-4 minutes).
  • Place one cake layer on serving plate and spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly over the top. Place second layer on top and cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Notes

  • Make sure coffee is completely cooled before adding to batter
  • For best results, use room temperature ingredients

Nutrition

Serving: 120g | Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 520IU | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 2.5mg

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