If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping treat that marries rich, fudgy chocolate with the bold aroma of coffee, Coffee Chocolate Cake is your answer! Think of this as the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers who crave a boost of coffee flavor in every moist, decadent bite. It’s the kind of cake that impresses both your taste buds and your friends, yet doesn’t require any fussy steps or rare ingredients—just a few mixing bowls, basic pantry staples, and a bit of love. Whether you want something memorable for celebrations or just a cozy afternoon, this Coffee Chocolate Cake never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great bakes begin with simple, thoughtfully-chosen ingredients, and that’s especially true here! Each one not only adds its own charm but also works together to create the moist texture, deep flavor, and beautiful color that make this Coffee Chocolate Cake truly irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure for the cake while keeping the crumb soft and tender.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings that bold, chocolaty kick, so be sure to use a good-quality cocoa powder for best results!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right and helps lock in moisture for that perfect bite.
- Baking soda: Gives the cake a lovely rise, ensuring each slice is fluffy in texture.
- Baking powder: Partners with baking soda for extra lift and airy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and ensures the sweetness doesn’t become overwhelming.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness—room temperature eggs work best!
- Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and helps keep the cake incredibly moist and tender.
- Vegetable oil: Makes the batter smooth and the cake delightfully soft, even days after baking.
- Vanilla extract: Layers in warm, aromatic flavor and rounds out the chocolate and coffee taste.
- Freshly brewed hot coffee: Deepens the chocolate flavor and infuses the whole cake with undeniable coffee goodness.
- Sour cream: Adds even more moisture and a gentle touch of tang for a truly luscious texture.
How to Make Coffee Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first: get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. If you want an easier time removing the cakes later, parchment paper rounds for the bottom are a lifesaver—no sticking, no drama!
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sifting here isn’t just about removing lumps; it’s key for even mixing and a lighter, fluffier Coffee Chocolate Cake.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mixing these liquids first makes sure everything comes together smoothly once you combine it with the dry mix—no streaks, no pockets of unmixed ingredients!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Now, gradually add your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until everything’s just combined; over-mixing is the enemy of tender cake here. You’ll notice the batter starting to look beautifully deep and chocolatey—it’s hard not to be excited at this stage!
Step 5: Add Coffee and Sour Cream
Carefully stir in the freshly brewed hot coffee, pouring slowly to keep the batter smooth. The magic of this step: the coffee not only infuses flavor but also brings out even more chocolate notes. Once mixed, gently fold in the sour cream for a glossy, rich finish.
Step 6: Bake!
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect!). Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before you get wild with your favorite frosting.
How to Serve Coffee Chocolate Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Coffee Chocolate Cake with a flurry of chocolate curls, a gentle dusting of cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of espresso powder for extra coffee flair. A drizzle of glossy chocolate ganache or mocha frosting also makes each slice look like it came straight from your favorite bakery.
Side Dishes
This cake truly shines alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, especially when served warm. For something lighter, pair it with fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream, which brings a delightful contrast to the rich cake layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, turn your Coffee Chocolate Cake into a stunning layered dessert by splitting each cake in half and adding more frosting or a surprise layer of espresso whipped cream in between. Individual mini cakes or cupcakes also make charming party treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cake stays just as moist and flavorful, making it the perfect make-ahead treat for spontaneous sweet cravings.
Freezing
Want to freeze for later? Allow the coffee chocolate cake layers to cool completely, wrap them snugly in plastic wrap and foil, and pop them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake warm, just microwave a single slice for 10–15 seconds—just enough to melt the frosting and awaken that rich aroma. You’ll feel like you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven all over again!
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Absolutely! Mix one tablespoon of instant coffee with a cup of hot water as a great substitute for brewed coffee if you’re short on time or equipment, and it’ll still give your Coffee Chocolate Cake a strong coffee flavor.
What kind of frosting pairs best with this cake?
Mocha and chocolate buttercream frostings are crowd favorites, but cream cheese frosting is also delicious if you like a little tang to balance out the richness of the Coffee Chocolate Cake.
Does the cake taste very strongly of coffee?
The coffee flavor is present but not overpowering; it mainly enhances the chocolate and gives a depth of flavor. For even bolder coffee notes, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry mix!
Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?
Yes! Fill lined muffin tins two-thirds full and bake at the same temperature for about 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They’re fun for parties and just as flavorful as the whole Coffee Chocolate Cake!
How do I make it extra moist?
This recipe is already wonderfully moist thanks to the buttermilk, oil, and sour cream, but you can guarantee super-moist crumbs by not over-baking and by carefully measuring your ingredients—especially the flour.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let another day slip by without experiencing the bold, fudgy, and satisfyingly moist magic of Coffee Chocolate Cake. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply a cozy moment at home, this cake is sure to earn a spot in your recipe hall of fame. Grab your mixing bowls and treat yourself to something wonderful—you deserve it!
Print
Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Coffee Chocolate Cake. Moist and luscious, this cake is a perfect treat for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; blend into dry ingredients.
- Add Coffee and Sour Cream: Mix in hot coffee, then fold in sour cream.
- Bake: Divide batter, bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and Frost: Cool cakes, then frost as desired.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with espresso powder
- Pair with mocha or cream cheese frosting
- Layer cakes for a fancy presentation
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
