Chocolate Cake With Coffee Flavor

Name: Chocolate Cake With Coffee Flavor
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 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; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup freshly brewed strong coffee; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sugar & Spice Kitchen

I love baking, and nothing delights me more than the aroma of chocolate combined with coffee wafting through my kitchen. This Chocolate Cake With Coffee Flavor is not just a sweet treat; it’s a delightful fusion that elevates every bite. The rich cocoa, coupled with the rich undertones of coffee, creates a moist loaf that's perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a family gathering or a cozy afternoon, this cake truly satisfies my cravings and impresses my guests.

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-15T01:41:35.754Z

When I first combined chocolate and coffee in a cake recipe, I was uncertain about how the two flavors would meld together. After several trials, I discovered that the coffee not only enhances the chocolate but also adds a depth of flavor that’s irresistible. I remember the first time I served this cake at a dinner party; the response was overwhelming, and the compliments kept flowing!

One specific tip that I found essential is to use freshly brewed coffee instead of instant. The nuanced flavors truly shine through, making each bite a luxurious experience. Your guests will be ask for seconds, and you might just become known as the go-to baker in your circle!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of coffee
Moist texture that stays fresh for days
Perfect for both casual treats and elegant gatherings

The Role of Coffee in Chocolate Cake

The combination of coffee and chocolate may seem simple, but the impact of coffee is profound. Coffee enhances the rich chocolate flavor by bringing out its natural depth and complexity, resulting in a cake that tastes intensely chocolaty without overpowering your palate. Be sure to use freshly brewed strong coffee for the best results; instant coffee can work in a pinch, but it won’t provide the same nuanced flavor profile that brewed coffee will. A dark roast works beautifully here, creating a seamless integration with the cocoa.

When adding coffee to your batter, it’s essential to allow it to cool to room temperature before mixing it in with your other wet ingredients. This prevents the heat from cooking the eggs prematurely. The final batter will be quite thin, which is normal and ensures a moist texture after baking. If you’re looking for a coffee flavor that packs a bit more punch, try adding a tablespoon of coffee grounds directly to the batter; just make sure to choose a fine grind.

Frosting Perfection

The frosting is just as crucial as the cake itself in this recipe. Using unsweetened cocoa powder in the frosting balances the cake’s sweetness while enhancing its overall chocolate profile. Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start mixing; this will create a smooth, creamy frosting that spreads easily. Beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until you see a glossy sheen, indicating that the sugar and cocoa have fully integrated with the butter.

If you prefer a thicker frosting, simply reduce the amount of milk you add, or increase the powdered sugar. Conversely, if it's too thick, add a splash of milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a small pinch of sea salt to the frosting; it will deepen the chocolate taste and create a surprising contrast that elevates the overall experience.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cake With Coffee Flavor

For the Cake

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
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup freshly brewed strong coffee

For the Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Gather Your Ingredients

Instructions for Baking

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually stir in the coffee.

Combine Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just blended.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are cool, remove them from the pans and frost them evenly with the chocolate frosting.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake, serve it on plates, and enjoy the delightful blend of chocolate and coffee flavors.

Enjoy Your Creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra coffee kick, consider adding espresso powder to the batter or using coffee-flavored liqueur in the frosting.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Chocolate Cake With Coffee Flavor can be made a day in advance, making it a fantastic option for gatherings. Once baked and cooled, wrap each layer in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. This not only keeps the cake fresh but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. If you frost it ahead of time, it's best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain its moisture.

If you would like to freeze the cake, think about frosting it with a thinner layer of icing or none at all. Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for up to three months. When you're ready to serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving—a simple trick to retain moisture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra touch when serving, consider dusting the top of the frosted cake with cocoa powder or a light sprinkle of instant espresso powder. This adds a professional finish and hints at the flavors within. Serve slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in texture and temperature that really highlights the chocolate-coffee combination.

If you're feeling creative, customize the flavors by adding a splash of coffee liqueur into the frosting for added richness or perhaps dark chocolate shavings on top for a more dramatic presentation. Drizzling a thin layer of chocolate glaze over the frosted cake can also elevate the experience, making it look as amazing as it tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use instant coffee instead of freshly brewed coffee?

While you can use instant coffee, freshly brewed coffee gives a richer flavor to the cake.

→ How can I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer.

→ Can this recipe be made as cupcakes?

Yes! This batter can be used to make approximately 24 cupcakes. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.