Print

Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe

5 from 136 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare coffee: Brew and weigh out 360 g of black coffee. Allow it to cool slightly while you prepare other ingredients.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until smooth and lump-free.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Prepare the coffee buttercream: In a small cup, combine the black coffee and instant espresso powder, stirring to dissolve. Sift the powdered sugar.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Final buttercream mix: Scrape down the sides again and whip for a final 2 minutes for a smooth, fluffy finish.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Apply crumb coat: Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs, then chill if desired.
  15. 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