Coffee Chocolate Cake
This Coffee Chocolate Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience! With its three layers of moist chocolate cake and velvety coffee buttercream, this cake is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or simply a treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. The combination of rich chocolate and aromatic coffee creates a flavor profile that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: The secret lies in the sour cream and coffee combination, ensuring each slice is soft and tender.
- Rich Flavor: The blend of dark brown sugar and cocoa powder gives this cake a deep chocolate taste, enhanced by the coffee.
- Perfect for Celebrations: This impressive three-layer cake is ideal for birthdays, weddings, or just a cozy family dinner.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making it easy to whip up.
- Customizable: Add extra toppings or flavors to suit your preferences—think nuts, chocolate shavings, or even flavored syrups.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Coffee Chocolate Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric Mixer: This tool ensures that your batter is mixed well without lumps, leading to a fluffy cake texture.
- 9-Inch Round Cake Pans: Using these pans helps achieve uniform layers that stack beautifully for presentation.
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) (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 the cakes bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pans
Grease three 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal 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. Unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder
6. Baking powder
7. Baking soda
8. Salt
Whisk these together until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Vegetable oil
2. Sour cream
3. Eggs
4. Vanilla extract
5. Black coffee
Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; some lumps are okay!
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make Buttercream Frosting
While cakes are cooling, prepare your buttercream frosting by beating room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix thoroughly before adding vanilla extract, cooled black coffee, and optional espresso powder.
Step 9: Assemble Your Cake
Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of buttercream on top before adding another layer of cake. Repeat with remaining layers and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Enjoy every delicious bite of this amazing Coffee Chocolate Cake!
How to Serve Coffee Chocolate Cake
Serving your Coffee Chocolate Cake can enhance the experience and elevate this delightful dessert. Here are some creative ways to serve this rich and moist cake that will impress your guests.
Classic Slice
- A generous slice of the Coffee Chocolate Cake is perfect on its own, showcasing the rich chocolate flavor complemented by coffee.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
- Enhance the flavors by drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice, adding a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Fresh Berries
- Accompany your cake with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity touch that balances the richness of the chocolate.
Coffee Infusion
- Pair your cake with an extra shot of black coffee or a latte to deepen the coffee flavor experience while enjoying dessert.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice for an airy complement to the dense layers of cake.
How to Perfect Coffee Chocolate Cake
To ensure your Coffee Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour, cocoa powder, and cornstarch helps eliminate lumps and ensures even distribution throughout the batter.
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Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined when adding wet ingredients to prevent a tough cake texture.
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Test doneness carefully: Use a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
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Let it cool completely: Before frosting, allow your cake layers to cool completely to avoid melting the buttercream.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Chocolate Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Coffee Chocolate Cake can create a balanced meal or an extravagant dessert spread. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and complements the chocolate flavor.
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Chocolate Mousse: This light and airy dessert provides a smooth texture contrast to the dense cake.
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Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the cake.
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Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like mascarpone or Brie for an elegant touch that balances sweetness.
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Espresso Shots: Serve small cups of espresso alongside slices of cake for an authentic coffee experience.
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Chocolate Ganache Tart: Pairing another chocolate dessert enhances the indulgence while providing variety in texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Coffee Chocolate Cake can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using Cold Ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps achieve a uniform batter and moist cake.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for light and fluffy layers.
- Not Measuring Accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully to get the right ingredient amounts for the best results.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm layers can cause the buttercream to melt and slide off.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. An incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- The cake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Coffee Chocolate Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Coffee Chocolate Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one slice at a time for about 15-20 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat with a lid on, warming slowly for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this delightful Coffee Chocolate Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.
How do I make the Coffee Chocolate Cake more chocolatey?
You can enhance the chocolate flavor by adding an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder or using dark chocolate instead of regular cocoa.
Can I use decaf coffee in my Coffee Chocolate Cake?
Absolutely! If you prefer decaf, simply substitute with decaffeinated coffee without affecting the taste or texture.
What can I substitute for sour cream in this recipe?
Greek yogurt works great as a substitute for sour cream. It adds similar moisture and tanginess without compromising flavor.
Is this Coffee Chocolate Cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes! This cake is perfect for celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries due to its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
Final Thoughts
The Coffee Chocolate Cake is an incredible dessert that offers both richness from chocolate and warmth from coffee. Its versatility allows for numerous customization options, like adding nuts or different frostings. Try it out today, and indulge in every bite!
Coffee Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate Coffee Chocolate Cake, a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate layers with velvety coffee buttercream. This three-layer cake is perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to cozy family gatherings. Each slice offers a moist and tender texture thanks to the unique blend of sour cream and coffee, while the deep flavors of dark brown sugar and cocoa powder create an irresistible taste experience. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with ice cream, this cake will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 360g black coffee (or 2 tsp instant coffee)
- 360g all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 300g granulated sugar
- 150g dark brown sugar
- 75g unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 165g vegetable oil
- 270g sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 400g butter (for frosting)
- 660g 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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In one bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, sugars, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine wet ingredients: vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and black coffee.
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
- For buttercream: Beat room temperature butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and cooled coffee.
- Assemble the cake by layering the cakes with buttercream in between and frost the top and sides.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
