If you’re a chocolate lover who enjoys a rich, decadent flavor with a subtle coffee kick, this Chocolate Cake with Coffee recipe is exactly what you need.
The moist, tender chocolate cake pairs perfectly with a creamy, espresso-flavored buttercream that takes this dessert to a whole new level.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and steps to create a show-stopping dessert that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients List
For the Chocolate Cake:
- ¾ cup cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup very hot water
For the Espresso Buttercream:
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this Chocolate Cake with Coffee recipe, having the right tools will make the process smooth and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For mixing the cake batter and buttercream smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for the perfect texture and flavor.
- Two 9-inch Cake Pans: You’ll need these to bake the cake layers.
- Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for the dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients.
- Whisk and Spatula: For blending the dry ingredients and folding in the wet ingredients.
- Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing the cakes to cool properly before frosting.
- Piping Bag (optional): For decorating or adding extra buttercream swirls if you’d like.
Cake Preparation
Making a Chocolate Cake with Coffee might sound complex, but I promise it’s easier than it seems! The key to a perfectly moist and rich chocolate cake is the right balance of ingredients and careful attention to the baking process. Let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious treat.
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will prevent the cakes from sticking and help them come out in perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Use a whisk to mix them thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps in the cocoa powder. This step ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients for the best texture in your cake.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. You can use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or a simple whisk for this step. Add the buttermilk and vegetable oil and mix again until fully incorporated. The buttermilk will help give the cake its moist and tender texture, while the vegetable oil keeps it light and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or mixer on low speed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. Add the dry mixture in parts, alternating with the hot water. The batter will be thin, but that’s exactly what you want for a light and airy cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops of the batter, ensuring an even spread. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack and let them cool completely before frosting.
Espresso Buttercream
The espresso buttercream is the perfect finishing touch to complement the rich chocolate cake. The coffee flavor enhances the depth of the chocolate, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that everyone will love. Follow these steps to make your creamy, dreamy buttercream.
Step 1: Cream the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. The butter should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth texture and easy mixing.
Step 2: Add the Espresso and Vanilla
Add the espresso powder and vanilla extract to the butter. Beat until the espresso powder dissolves completely and the mixture is evenly blended. This is where the magic happens — the rich coffee flavor will infuse into the buttercream, creating that delightful coffee-chocolate combination.
Step 3: Incorporate the Sugar and Cream
Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, about 1 cup at a time, while mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 3-4 minutes until the buttercream is light and fluffy.
Next, add the kosher salt and heavy cream to the mixture and beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If the buttercream is too thick, add a little more cream, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, you can start frosting! Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of espresso buttercream on top of the first layer. Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of buttercream to seal in crumbs). Chill the cake for about 20 minutes to set the crumb coat, then finish frosting with a final layer of buttercream, smoothing it out as you go. You can also decorate the top of the cake with a few extra swirls or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder or espresso for a little extra flair.
Serving and Decoration
Now that your cake is frosted and looking beautiful, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This Chocolate Cake with Coffee is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because you’re craving something indulgent. Here are a few tips for serving and decorating your cake:
Suggested Toppings and Coatings
If you want to take your cake to the next level, you can add some optional toppings or garnishes to make it even more irresistible. Here are some ideas:
- Shaved Chocolate or Cocoa Nibs: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs over the top for a bit of crunch and extra chocolate flavor.
- Espresso Beans: For a beautiful and sophisticated touch, garnish the top with a few whole espresso beans. This enhances the coffee flavor and adds a lovely visual appeal.
- Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side for a creamy contrast to the rich cake.
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: If you’re a true chocolate lover, drizzle a little chocolate ganache over the top of your frosted cake for an extra layer of indulgence.
Cutting and Serving
To cut the cake neatly, use a sharp serrated knife. If you’ve added any decorative toppings, be sure to slice carefully to avoid disturbing the beautiful presentation. Serve with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat. This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it will stay moist for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Your Chocolate Cake Fresh
After enjoying your Chocolate Cake with Coffee, you may have some leftovers (though I doubt it!). To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Be sure the cake is completely cool before covering it to avoid condensation.
Freezing the Cake
If you want to keep your cake for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that freshly baked taste.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Cake with Coffee is a show-stopping dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the bold flavor of coffee, creating a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will rave about. With a smooth and creamy espresso buttercream that perfectly complements the chocolate cake, this recipe is a winner every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a stunning and delicious cake that will impress your guests and make you feel like a baking pro. And with proper storage, you can enjoy this indulgent treat for days to come.
