Chocolate Cake With Coffee Flavor

Name: Chocolate Cake With Coffee Flavor
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup hot brewed coffee; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Modern Cooking

I've always been a fan of rich chocolate desserts, but when I discovered the combination of coffee with chocolate, it was a revelation. The slight bitterness from the coffee enhances the chocolate's flavor, resulting in a decadent cake that's perfect for any occasion. I found that using freshly brewed coffee gives the cake a depth that instant coffee just can't achieve. This recipe has become a favorite in our household, and I can't wait for you to try it too!

Created by

Saskia Morton

Last updated on 2026-02-15T06:23:36.838Z

When I first attempted this Chocolate Cake with Coffee Flavor, I was a bit skeptical about the combination. However, after one bite, I realized that coffee accentuates the cocoa and elevates the overall taste. I used a high-quality coffee blend and was amazed at how much richer the cake turned out to be. It’s a simple twist that takes your dessert game to another level!

One crucial tip I learned along the way is to mix the coffee into the wet ingredients while it’s still warm. This method ensures that the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the moisture of the cake. Trust me, this step is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor that will wow your guests.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with the bold essence of coffee
Moist and fluffy texture that makes every bite a delight
Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting treat on a rainy day

      

Understanding the Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this chocolate cake serves a specific purpose. The eggs provide structure and moisture, helping the cake rise while contributing to a rich taste. Whole milk adds fat content, which enhances creaminess, while the vegetable oil ensures the cake remains moist. It's crucial to use high-quality cocoa powder to achieve the depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee. If you're looking for a dairy-free substitute, almond or oat milk can work well in this recipe.

Incorporating freshly brewed coffee is key to enhancing the chocolate flavor. The warmth of the coffee helps to bloom the cocoa powder, releasing its full potential. As a bonus, if you enjoy a stronger coffee flavor, you can replace part of the milk with coffee. Just remember to maintain the total liquid measurement to ensure the batter's consistency.

Tips for Cake Success

When mixing your batter, avoid overmixing once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake instead of a light and fluffy one. A few gentle folds with a spatula are sufficient to incorporate all ingredients. Additionally, make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents can prevent the cake from rising properly.

Make sure to bake your cakes evenly by placing the pans in the center of the oven. If you're using a fan oven, consider lowering the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C); this helps prevent the edges from baking faster than the center, resulting in a more uniform texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create this delicious cake:

Cake Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup hot brewed coffee

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Be sure to have all ingredients ready for a smooth baking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Chocolate Cake with Coffee Flavor:

Prepare the oven and pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, mix the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the hot coffee, then combine with the dry ingredients.

Bake the cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool the cakes

Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well. Then add the coffee and vanilla extract to reach a smooth consistency.

Frost the cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between the layers and around the sides and top of the cake.

Enjoy every decadent bite of your delicious cake!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Additionally, let the cake sit for a few hours or overnight before serving
it allows the flavors to deepen.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This chocolate cake can be made ahead of time, which is ideal for busy schedules. Once baked and cooled completely, wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the cake layers wrapped in foil for up to three months. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.

When storing the frosted cake, keep it covered at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, consider refrigerating it to preserve freshness. Just be mindful that refrigeration might slightly alter the texture of the frosting.

Serving and Variations

Serve this chocolate cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, can also complement the rich chocolate flavor, adding a refreshing contrast. I love to drizzle a bit of chocolate or coffee syrup over the top for extra presentation and flavor.

For added texture and flavor, consider folding chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking. Nuts like walnuts or pecans can provide a delightful crunch, while chocolate chips can amplify the chocolate experience. Adding a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients can also intensify the coffee flavor without overwhelming the cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use decaf coffee for this recipe?

Yes, decaf coffee works well if you want to avoid caffeine while still enjoying the flavor.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for a week.

→ Can I make this cake a day in advance?

Absolutely! This cake often tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to develop.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a commercial egg replacer.