Name: Decadent Coffee Chocolate Cake with Irresistible Buttercream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 360 ml Black Coffee (Substitute with strong brewed coffee or instant coffee if needed.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/4 cup Cornstarch (Can be omitted if unavailable.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Brown sugar can be used for a richer taste.); 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar (Regular brown sugar works as a substitute.); 3/4 cup Unsweetened Dutch Cocoa Powder (Avoid substitutions for the best results.); 1 tbsp Baking Powder (Adjust for acidity if substituting.); 1 tsp Baking Soda (Adjust for acidity if substituting.); 1 tsp Salt (Use sea salt or kosher salt as alternatives.); 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (Substitute with melted coconut oil or applesauce.); 1 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt can be used as a 1:1 substitute.); 3 large Large Eggs (For egg-free version, use flax eggs or applesauce.); 2 tsp Vanilla Extract (Use vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla taste.); 1 cup Butter (Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.); 4 cups Powdered Sugar (Can be made at home by blending regular sugar until fine.); 1 tbsp Instant Espresso Powder (Optional for enhanced coffee flavor.)

There’s something truly magical about the combination of coffee and chocolate that always gets my heart racing. This Ultimate Coffee Chocolate Cake is my go-to dessert for when I want to impress guests or simply indulge myself. Picture this: three decadent layers of moist chocolate cake enriched with coffee, topped with a velvety smooth coffee buttercream that transforms every slice into a sublime experience. Not only is this cake a masterpiece of flavor, but it also boasts a quick prep time, making it perfect for busy bakers. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—no one can resist a slice of this heavenly treat! Are you ready to elevate your dessert game and bring coffee and chocolate together in perfect harmony? Let’s dive into the recipe!

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Why is this Coffee Chocolate Cake special?

Decadence on Display: This Ultimate Coffee Chocolate Cake is a visual and flavorful feast, boasting three layers of rich, moist chocolate cake infused with coffee.

Irresistible Buttercream: Topped with a silky coffee buttercream, each bite melts in your mouth, creating a luxurious dessert experience.

Quick Prep Time: Whip this gem up in no time—perfect for last-minute gatherings or a cozy night in!

Crowd Favorite: Your friends and family will rave about this cake, making it a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.

Versatile Delight: Whether you’re serving it at a party or savoring alone, this cake shines on every table. Don’t forget to try it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

Coffee Chocolate Cake Ingredients

• A delightful blend awaits you!

For the Cake

Black Coffee – Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor; substitute with strong brewed coffee or instant coffee for convenience.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cake; no substitutions needed for standard recipes.
Cornstarch – Improves the cake’s texture, making it soft and tender; can be omitted if unavailable.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake; brown sugar can be used for a richer taste.
Dark Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor; regular brown sugar works as a substitute.
Unsweetened Dutch Cocoa Powder – Contributes chocolate flavor and color; avoid substitutions for the best results.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents that help the cake rise; to substitute, use the equivalent amount of baking powder alone, adjusting for acidity.
Salt – Enhances flavor balance; use sea salt or kosher salt as alternatives.
Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist; substitute with melted coconut oil or applesauce.
Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and moisture; Greek yogurt can be used as a 1:1 substitute.
Large Eggs – Bind the ingredients and add richness; for an egg-free version, use flax eggs or applesauce.
Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor complexity; use vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla taste.

For the Buttercream

Butter – Essential for the frosting’s creamy texture; use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the buttercream; confectioners’ sugar can be made at home by blending regular sugar until fine.
Instant Espresso Powder – Optional but enhances coffee flavor intensity; omit if unavailable.

Get ready to indulge in this delectable Coffee Chocolate Cake that will surely delight your senses!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Coffee Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 170ºC (340ºF). While the oven heats up, prepare three 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure you have perfectly defined layers when you remove the finished product.

Step 2: Brew the Coffee
Brew 360 g of strong black coffee and let it cool to room temperature. The coffee will enhance the chocolate flavor in your Coffee Chocolate Cake, so take your time to ensure it is bold and flavorful. Once cooled, set it aside, ready to incorporate into the batter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This process aerates the mixture, preventing lumps and ensuring a light texture in your cake. Stir gently to combine these dry ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cooled coffee, vegetable oil, sour cream, large eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture will be smooth and glossy. This step creates the rich and moist texture essential to your Coffee Chocolate Cake, bringing all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 5: Make the Batter
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. This will create a luscious batter—smooth and free of lumps—that will bake into rich layers of chocolatey goodness.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Place them in your preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Coffee Buttercream
While the cakes cool, prepare the coffee buttercream. In a mixing bowl, whip softened butter for about 4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add in powdered sugar, mixing on low until well blended, then add vanilla and cooled coffee to create a smooth, creamy frosting that will complement your cake beautifully.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake layers have cooled completely, level them with a serrated knife if necessary. Place the first layer on a serving platter, spread a generous amount of coffee buttercream on top, and repeat with the second layer. After stacking the final layer, apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream around the cake to seal in crumbs before adding a thicker final layer of frosting to achieve a beautifully finished Coffee Chocolate Cake.

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Expert Tips for Coffee Chocolate Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and sour cream, are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smooth batter.
Doneness Check: To avoid overbaking, use a cake tester. It should come out clean when the cake is perfectly baked, ensuring moist layers in your Coffee Chocolate Cake.
Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and keeps your layers intact.
Frosting Consistency: If your coffee buttercream is too thick, add a tablespoon of cooled coffee. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of milk until desired.
Storage Tips: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness. Adding a piece of bread to the container can help retain moisture.
Customization: Don’t hesitate to add chocolate chips or nuts into your cake batter for added flavor and texture variations in your Coffee Chocolate Cake!

How to Store and Freeze Coffee Chocolate Cake

Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and flavor. Avoid direct sunlight.

Fridge: If your cake is layered with fresh cream, refrigerate it; it’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: You can freeze un-frosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for protection against freezer burn.

Reheating: To enjoy, allow the frozen layers to thaw in the fridge overnight, then frost and serve. The flavors of the Coffee Chocolate Cake will be just as irresistible!

Make Ahead Options

These Coffee Chocolate Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake, cool completely, and wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. For the coffee buttercream, it’s ideal to make it a day ahead as well—store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its creamy texture. When ready to assemble, allow both the cake layers and buttercream to return to room temperature, then proceed with leveling and frosting your cake. This prep-ahead strategy ensures your dessert is just as delightful and fresh when it’s time to serve!

What to Serve with Ultimate Coffee Chocolate Cake

Indulging in the rich, velvety flavors of coffee and chocolate brings joy; let’s elevate your dessert experience with perfect pairings.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and contrasts beautifully with the dense cake, enhancing its richness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy, cool counterpart, creating a delightful temperature contrast with each bite of cake.
Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans: These crunchy bites intensify the coffee flavor and provide a satisfying texture that complements the moist cake.
Fresh Berries: Bright, tart berries like raspberries or strawberries cut through the sweetness, adding a refreshing contrast to the decadent cake.
Coffee Liqueur: For an adult twist, serve with a glass of coffee liqueur; it enhances the flavors and offers a sophisticated touch.
Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti, especially with almonds, pairs wonderfully, providing a delightful textural contrast to the smooth buttercream.
Mocha Frappe: A creamy mocha frappe echoes the cake’s flavors while providing a cool, refreshing drink option for a warm afternoon.

Make your coffee chocolate cake experience truly unforgettable with these delicious pairings!

Coffee Chocolate Cake Variations

Feel free to elevate and personalize this recipe with these delicious twists that will make your Coffee Chocolate Cake uniquely yours!

Milk Chocolate Cocoa: Swap dark cocoa powder for milk chocolate cocoa for a sweeter and milder flavor that chocolate lovers will enjoy.
Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips into the batter for delightful melty pockets of chocolate in each slice.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture that complements the moist cake wonderfully.
Flavored Extracts: Enhance the flavor further by incorporating flavored extracts like hazelnut or almond, adding a delightful layer of taste.
Coffee Liqueur: Substitute a splash of coffee liqueur in place of some of the brewed coffee to infuse a rich, boozy depth that’s perfect for adult gatherings.
Dairy-Free: To make this cake dairy-free, use plant-based butter, and substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt—still deliciously creamy!
Mocha Layer: For an irresistible mocha variation, mix instant espresso powder into the frosting, intensifying the coffee notes beautifully.

Experimenting with these variations will not only make your Coffee Chocolate Cake more exciting, but it’s also a chance to discover new favorites. Want a laid-back dessert experience? Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of Chocolate Brownie Cake for an extra treat!

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Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe FAQs

What kind of coffee should I use for this cake?
Absolutely! Using strong black coffee is recommended, as it adds depth to the chocolate flavor. You can substitute with strong brewed coffee or even instant coffee for convenience, but a rich brew makes all the difference in taste.

How should I store my Coffee Chocolate Cake?
Store your cake at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days to keep it moist and delicious. If it’s topped with fresh cream, place it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze leftover Coffee Chocolate Cake?
Very! To freeze un-frosted layers, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

What do I do if my cake turned out dry?
Don’t worry! If your Coffee Chocolate Cake came out dry, it may have been overbaked or lacked enough moisture. To remedy dryness in the future, double-check your baking times with a cake tester and ensure ingredients like sour cream and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Of course! For a dairy-free version, simply substitute regular butter with plant-based butter in the frosting. If you’re looking to go egg-free, you can replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). Always check for allergens if serving to guests, especially with chocolate and various sugars.

How long will the coffee flavor last in the cake?
The coffee flavor in your Coffee Chocolate Cake will remain lovely for about 3 days at room temperature. After that, it may mellow, but it still tastes great even after refrigerating for a few days. Just be sure to store it properly to retain its delectable taste!