Coffee Chocolate Cake

This Coffee Chocolate Cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. With its rich layers of moist chocolate cake complemented by a velvety coffee buttercream, it’s perfect for celebrations, casual gatherings, or simply indulging yourself. The combination of coffee and chocolate creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and luxurious. Whether served as a birthday cake or enjoyed with afternoon tea, this recipe will surely impress everyone at the table.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• For the Buttercream
• How to Make Coffee Chocolate Cake
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Your Pans
• Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
• Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
• Step 6: Bake the Cakes
• Step 7: Cool Cakes
• Step 8: Prepare Buttercream Frosting
• Step 9: Assemble Your Cake
• Step 10: Frost The Exterior
• How to Serve Coffee Chocolate Cake
• Pair with Fresh Berries
• Whipped Cream Topping
• Ice Cream Delight
• Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
• Espresso Shot
• Garnish with Nuts
• How to Perfect Coffee Chocolate Cake
• Best Side Dishes for Coffee Chocolate Cake
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Coffee Chocolate Cake
• Reheating Coffee Chocolate Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Coffee Chocolate Cake more moist?
• Can I use instant coffee in my Coffee Chocolate Cake?
• What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
• How long does Coffee Chocolate Cake last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of coffee and chocolate creates a rich and satisfying taste that pleases everyone.
• Easy to Follow: With clear instructions and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy evening at home, this cake fits any celebration.
• Impressive Presentation: Three layers topped with smooth buttercream make this dessert look stunning on any dessert table.
• Decadently Moist: Thanks to the sour cream and oil in the batter, every slice remains incredibly moist.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Coffee Chocolate Cake, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving that perfect cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pans (three 8-inch round)
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort while ensuring your buttercream is smooth and fluffy.
• Baking pans: Using the correct size ensures even baking and helps achieve those beautiful layers.
• Cooling rack: Allows your cakes to cool evenly, preventing soggy bottoms.

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% fat content, 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). This ensures that it reaches the right temperature for baking your cake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pans

Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. This step prevents sticking and helps you easily remove the cakes after baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Granulated sugar
4. Dark brown sugar
5. Cocoa powder
6. Baking powder
7. Baking soda
8. Salt

Whisk them together until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix:
1. Vegetable oil
2. Sour cream
3. Eggs
4. Vanilla extract
5. Black coffee

Use an electric mixer on medium speed until everything is blended smoothly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter equally among the three prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Remove from oven and let them cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened butter using an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed for fluffiness. Finally, mix in vanilla extract, cooled black coffee, and optional espresso powder if desired.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top before adding the second layer. Repeat this with the third layer on top.

Step 10: Frost The Exterior

Use remaining frosting to cover the sides and top of your Coffee Chocolate Cake evenly for an elegant finish.

Enjoy every decadent slice of this incredible Coffee Chocolate Cake!

How to Serve Coffee Chocolate Cake

Serving your Coffee Chocolate Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, consider these serving suggestions to enhance the flavors and presentation.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries add a delightful tartness that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate cake.

Whipped Cream Topping

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top provides a light, airy texture that complements the dense cake.

Ice Cream Delight

• Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream for a creamy and indulgent combination.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• A warm chocolate sauce drizzle enhances the chocolate flavor and adds an extra layer of richness.

Espresso Shot

• For coffee lovers, pairing a slice with a shot of espresso intensifies the coffee notes in the cake.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or hazelnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.

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How to Perfect Coffee Chocolate Cake

To achieve the best results with your Coffee Chocolate Cake, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to ensure consistent results.

• Don’t overmix: Mix your batter gently until just combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before applying buttercream to avoid melting and sliding.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Chocolate Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Coffee Chocolate Cake can create an even more memorable dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate between bites of rich cake.

2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy varieties like brie or mascarpone, pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.

3. Chocolate Covered Almonds: These provide a crunchy texture and complement the chocolate flavor beautifully.

4. Coffee-Flavored Mousse: This light dessert echoes the coffee theme and offers a lovely contrast in textures.

5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice adds sweetness and depth to the overall flavor profile.

6. Pecan Pie Bars: These bars bring a nutty sweetness that pairs well with coffee-infused desserts like this cake.

7. Vanilla Pudding: The smoothness of vanilla pudding provides balance and contrasts nicely against the rich chocolate layers.

8. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons add an interesting flavor dimension alongside your Coffee Chocolate Cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Coffee Chocolate Cake can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Overmixing the batter – This can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for lighter layers.
• Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs and sour cream can affect the batter’s consistency. Always use room temperature ingredients for best results.
• Not measuring correctly – Incorrect measurements can ruin your cake’s texture. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling time – Cutting into a warm cake can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
• Neglecting the frosting – A good buttercream is key! Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing and spreading.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• The cake will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Coffee Chocolate Cake

• Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Coffee Chocolate Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Coffee Chocolate Cake more moist?

Adding sour cream or using oil instead of butter helps keep the cake moist.

Can I use instant coffee in my Coffee Chocolate Cake?

Yes, instant coffee works beautifully! Just mix it with hot water as directed in your recipe.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water as egg substitutes.

How long does Coffee Chocolate Cake last?

In the fridge, it lasts about 5 days. If frozen, you can enjoy it for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Chocolate Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or different types of frosting. It’s perfect for any occasion or simply as a treat at home. Give this recipe a try, and you won’t be disappointed!