Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Coffee Chocolate Cake combines the rich, deep flavors of coffee and dark cocoa powder for a moist, decadent dessert. Topped with a smooth, creamy coffee buttercream, this cake is perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. The recipe uses a conventional oven to bake three layers, which are then assembled and frosted for an elegant finish.
- Author: Felix
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Chocolate 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%, room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coffee Buttercream
- 400 g butter (room temperature)
- 660 g powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 to 2 1/2 tbsp black coffee (cooled to room temperature)
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder (optional, for more intense coffee flavor)
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your conventional oven to 170ºC (340ºF) and line three 20 cm (8 inch) baking pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare coffee: Brew and weigh out 360 g of black coffee. Allow it to cool slightly while you prepare other ingredients.
- Sift dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and cooled coffee gently by hand to prevent over-mixing the eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until smooth and lump-free.
- Divide and bake batter: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared baking pans. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes: Remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Then carefully remove the cakes from pans and cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the coffee buttercream: In a small cup, combine the black coffee and instant espresso powder, stirring to dissolve. Sift the powdered sugar.
- Cream butter: Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter on medium/high speed for 4 minutes to lighten it. Scrape down the bowl and beat another 2 minutes.
- Add sugar and flavor: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and coffee mixture in two parts, whipping thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated. Optionally add vanilla paste for enhanced flavor.
- Final buttercream mix: Scrape down the sides again and whip for a final 2 minutes for a smooth, fluffy finish.
- Level cakes and assemble: Trim the domed tops of the cooled cake layers to create even, flat surfaces. Place the first layer on your serving platter or turntable.
- Frost each layer: Spread about three large scoops of buttercream evenly over the first layer using an offset spatula. Repeat with the second layer and then add the third layer on top.
- Apply crumb coat: Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs, then chill if desired.
- Final frosting: Spread the remaining buttercream evenly over the cake, smoothing the sides and top for a polished appearance.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs, sour cream, and butter to ensure smooth batter and frosting.
- Instant espresso powder is optional but enhances the coffee flavor in the frosting.
- You can substitute brewed coffee with cooled espresso shots for a more intense flavor.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the buttercream.
- For best results, chill the cake after applying the crumb coat before the final frosting layer.
Keywords: coffee cake, chocolate cake, coffee chocolate cake, coffee buttercream, layered cake, mocha cake