Coffee Chocolate Cake

This Coffee Chocolate Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and coffee lovers alike! Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake features three layers of moist chocolate cake, separated by rich coffee buttercream. With its unique blend of flavors, it will elevate any occasion and leave your guests asking for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of coffee and chocolate creates a rich taste that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Follow: Simple steps make this recipe accessible, even for novice bakers.
• Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, this cake fits right in.
• Layered Perfection: Three layers provide an impressive presentation that will wow your guests.
• Coffee Lovers’ Dream: Enhanced with coffee buttercream, this cake is a must for anyone who loves coffee.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Coffee Chocolate Cake, it’s important to gather the right tools. Having the proper equipment will ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Baking pans (round)
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your batter is well-mixed for optimal texture.
• Baking pans: Using the right size allows your cake to bake evenly, resulting in perfect layers.

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 teaspoon 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% (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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lining your baking pans with parchment paper will help release the cakes easily once baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, sugars, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: black coffee, vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Make the Coffee Buttercream

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
3. Pour in vanilla extract and cooled black coffee; mix until smooth and fluffy. Add espresso powder if using for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

1. Once cooled completely, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top. Repeat with remaining layers. Finish by frosting the top and sides with remaining buttercream.

Enjoy your delightful Coffee Chocolate Cake!

How to Serve Coffee Chocolate Cake

Serving your Coffee Chocolate Cake can elevate the dessert experience. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, the way you present this delightful cake can make all the difference.

With Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: Their sweetness pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and coffee flavors.
• Raspberries: The tartness of raspberries complements the cake’s sweetness beautifully.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that balances the flavors of the cake.
• Coffee Ice Cream: For coffee lovers, this is a heavenly match that enhances the coffee notes in the cake.

With Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: A light topping that adds a creamy texture without overpowering the cake.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract for a twist.

As Layered Dessert

• Parfait Style: Crumble pieces of the cake and layer them with whipped cream and berries in a glass for an elegant presentation.

With Nuts

• Toasted Walnuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Almonds: Sliced almonds can add both texture and nutty flavor to your serving.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Coffee Chocolate Cake

To ensure your Coffee Chocolate Cake turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs, sour cream, and butter to room temperature helps create a smoother batter.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and cocoa powder.
• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to maintain a light texture in your cake.
• Check doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
• Cool completely before frosting: This prevents melting your buttercream and allows for better layering.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Chocolate Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Coffee Chocolate Cake can enhance its flavors and provide balance. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich cake.
2. Chocolate Mousse: A light chocolate mousse provides an extra layer of indulgence without overwhelming sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to introduce savory elements alongside sweet dessert.
4. Espresso: A shot of espresso enhances the coffee flavor in the cake, making it an ideal pairing.
5. Spiced Chai Tea: The warming spices in chai tea complement chocolate beautifully while providing a unique flavor experience.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade caramel sauce over each slice adds richness and creates an exciting flavor contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Coffee Chocolate Cake can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and sour cream. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough texture due to gluten development.
• Skipping the coffee: Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor. Don’t skip it or substitute with water; use black coffee for the best results.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is precise. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly to avoid imbalances in ingredients.
• Ignoring cooling times: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of the buttercream.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Coffee Chocolate Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Coffee Chocolate Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Coffee Chocolate Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each slice for about 10-15 seconds, checking until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a covered pan over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Coffee Chocolate Cake special?

This Coffee Chocolate Cake stands out due to its three moist layers and rich coffee buttercream, creating an irresistible flavor combination.

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, you can use instant coffee. Just dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in hot water as needed for this recipe.

How do I customize my Coffee Chocolate Cake?

You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter, or try different flavors of extracts for variety!

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works for baking.

How should I serve my Coffee Chocolate Cake?

Serve it as a dessert at dinner parties, or enjoy it with coffee during your afternoon break!

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Chocolate Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various flavors and toppings according to your taste preferences. Give it a try; it’s sure to impress friends and family alike!