Coffee Chocolate Cake
This Coffee Chocolate Cake is an indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate with the bold flavors of coffee, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a potluck, or simply a cozy night in, this cake will wow your guests and satisfy your cravings. The three layers of moist chocolate cake paired with luscious coffee buttercream make it a standout choice for dessert lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and coffee creates a rich taste that is irresistible.
- Moist Texture: This cake stays moist thanks to the use of sour cream and black coffee.
- Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because; this cake suits any celebration.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, even novice bakers can succeed.
- Impressive Presentation: Three beautiful layers make this cake stunning on any dessert table.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Coffee Chocolate Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your baking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pans (three 8-inch round)
- Offset spatula
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Saves time and energy when mixing batter and frosting to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Baking pans: Ensures even baking for all three layers, providing a uniform look and texture.
- Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess and ensuring stability when stacking.
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 teaspoons 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). Prepare your three 8-inch round baking pans by greasing them with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Granulated sugar
4. Dark brown sugar
5. Unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder
6. Baking powder
7. Baking soda
8. Salt
Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix:
1. Black coffee
2. Vegetable oil
3. Sour cream
4. Eggs
5. Vanilla extract
Beat these ingredients until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter equally among the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Layers
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Prepare Buttercream Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, beat together:
1. Room temperature butter
2. Powdered sugar
3. Vanilla extract
4. Black coffee
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then repeat with remaining layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake for a beautiful finish.
Enjoy your delicious Coffee Chocolate Cake!
How to Serve Coffee Chocolate Cake
Serving your Coffee Chocolate Cake can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this rich treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: The sweetness of strawberries complements the coffee chocolate flavor beautifully.
- Raspberries: Their tartness adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that enhances the chocolate richness.
- Coffee Ice Cream: For those who want an extra kick of coffee flavor.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
- Warm Caramel: Pouring warm caramel over each slice adds a sweet, buttery element that pairs perfectly with the cake.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light texture and balances the dense layers of the cake.
Garnish with Nuts
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top gives a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Perfect Coffee Chocolate Cake
For the best results when making your Coffee Chocolate Cake, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
- Measure accurately: Using a kitchen scale for dry ingredients ensures precision, leading to better texture.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to avoid toughening the cake.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the cakes to cool before frosting prevents melting and helps maintain structure.
- Experiment with espresso powder: Adding instant espresso powder intensifies the coffee flavor for true coffee lovers.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Chocolate Cake
Enhancing your Coffee Chocolate Cake with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These add an elegant touch and pair wonderfully with chocolate flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can lighten the dessert table.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy varieties, offers a savory contrast to the sweet cake.
- Coffee or Espresso: Serving fresh coffee alongside reinforces the cake’s flavors and provides a perfect pairing.
- Chocolate Mousse: This rich dessert matches well and creates a decadent chocolate experience.
- Cookies: Providing assorted cookies can entice guests with different textures and flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To create the best Coffee Chocolate Cake, avoid these common pitfalls that can ruin your dessert.
- Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix better and results in a fluffier cake.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough texture instead of light and airy layers.
- Neglecting to measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar. Incorrect amounts can drastically affect your cake’s outcome.
- Skipping the cooling time: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. If you frost while warm, the buttercream will melt and slide off.
- Not adjusting baking time for your oven: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended bake time to avoid overbaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Coffee Chocolate Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Coffee Chocolate Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Coffee Chocolate Cake.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, using instant coffee is a great alternative. Just dissolve it in hot water according to package instructions.
How do I make the buttercream less sweet?
You can add a pinch of salt or cocoa powder to balance out the sweetness of the powdered sugar in your buttercream.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
Unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder works best for an intense chocolate flavor without added sugar.
How can I customize my Coffee Chocolate Cake?
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even different flavors of extracts like almond or hazelnut for a unique twist!
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Chocolate Cake is not only rich and indulgent but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite flavors or add toppings like nuts or fruit. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful treat that will impress friends and family!
Coffee Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of our Coffee Chocolate Cake, a delightful dessert that combines the best of chocolate and coffee. This three-layer cake features moist chocolate layers, perfectly complemented by a smooth coffee buttercream frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Its impressive presentation makes it an excellent centerpiece for any dessert table, while its easy-to-follow recipe ensures that bakers of all skill levels can create this gourmet treat at home.
Ingredients
- 360 g black 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
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 400 g butter (for frosting)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients: flour, sugars, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine wet ingredients: black coffee, vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- For the frosting, beat together room temperature butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and black coffee until smooth.
- Once cooled, layer the cakes with frosting 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 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
