Coffee Chocolate Cake

This Coffee Chocolate Cake is truly the best you’ll ever taste! With three layers of rich, moist chocolate cake filled with creamy coffee buttercream, it’s perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy family gatherings. The combination of coffee and chocolate delights dessert lovers and the decadent flavors will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The blend of coffee and chocolate creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Moist and Tender: Made with sour cream and vegetable oil, each slice melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Occasion: Great for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet treat after dinner.
• Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Impressive Presentation: Three beautiful layers make this cake a showstopper at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will help streamline your efforts.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pans (9-inch round)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Baking pans: A good quality set ensures even baking for perfectly shaped layers.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around baked cakes, preventing sogginess.

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

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Pans

Grease three 9-inch round baking pans with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Granulated sugar
4. Dark brown sugar
5. Cocoa powder
6. Baking powder
7. Baking soda
8. Salt

Whisk these together until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix:
1. Black coffee
2. Vegetable oil
3. Sour cream
4. Eggs
5. Vanilla extract

Use an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Both Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix; you want a light batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Once baked, remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

Step 8: Prepare Buttercream

While cakes cool, prepare your coffee buttercream by beating room temperature butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, followed by cooled black coffee and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled, layer them with generous amounts of coffee buttercream between each layer and on top of the cake for a stunning finish!

Now you’re all set to enjoy this delightful Coffee Chocolate Cake!

How to Serve Coffee Chocolate Cake

Serving Coffee Chocolate Cake is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert presentation.

With Fresh Berries

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

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla adds creaminess and balances the cake’s intensity.
• Coffee Ice Cream: For coffee lovers, this combination intensifies the flavor profile.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Homemade Caramel: A warm drizzle of homemade caramel brings an extra layer of sweetness.
• Store-bought Caramel: For a quick option, store-bought caramel sauce still adds a nice touch.

Served with Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream enhances the cake without overpowering it.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding a hint of vanilla or coffee extract for added depth.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Assorted Desserts: Pair slices of Coffee Chocolate Cake with brownies, cookies, or fruit tarts for variety.
• Mini Slices: Cut smaller pieces for guests to sample multiple desserts at once.

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How to Perfect Coffee Chocolate Cake

To ensure your Coffee Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs, sour cream, and butter to room temperature helps create a smooth batter.
• Measure Accurately: Use kitchen scales for precise measurements of ingredients like flour and sugar for consistent results.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter just until combined to prevent dense cakes; overmixing can lead to tough texture.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with few crumbs, your cake is ready!
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure cakes are completely cool before applying the coffee buttercream to avoid melting.
• Add Espresso Powder: For an extra kick of coffee flavor, mix in instant espresso powder into the batter or frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Chocolate Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Coffee Chocolate Cake can enhance its flavors and make for a delightful meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness that balances the cake’s richness.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Dip fruits or marshmallows into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat alongside your cake.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creaminess contrasts nicely with the cake’s texture.
4. Coffee or Espresso: Serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or espresso to complement the cake’s coffee flavor.
5. Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea create an interesting flavor contrast while providing warmth.
6. Nutty Granola: A small bowl of granola can add crunch and an earthy flavor that pairs well with sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Coffee Chocolate Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix well and results in a moist cake.
• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar. Too much or too little can affect the texture of your cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to less desirable results.
• Skipping the cooling time: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and sliding off.
• Ignoring the coffee flavor: If you love coffee, consider adding instant espresso powder for an extra kick. This enhances the overall flavor of your Coffee Chocolate Cake!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• • Containers: Use an airtight container or wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap.

Freezing Coffee Chocolate Cake

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Coffee Chocolate Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Coffee Chocolate Cake:

Can I use decaf coffee for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute decaf coffee if you prefer a caffeine-free version of Coffee Chocolate Cake.

What type of cocoa powder is best?

Unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder is ideal for a rich chocolate flavor in your Coffee Chocolate Cake.

How do I make my cake more moist?

Adding sour cream is key! It keeps the cake moist while contributing to its delicious flavor.

Can I substitute butter with oil?

While butter adds flavor, using vegetable oil will keep your Coffee Chocolate Cake moist. You can use both if desired!

How should I frost my Coffee Chocolate Cake?

Use smooth coffee buttercream for best results. Make sure it’s at room temperature before spreading on the cooled layers.

Final Thoughts

The Coffee Chocolate Cake is an incredible dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with delightful coffee undertones. Its versatility allows for various customizations, such as adding nuts or extra espresso powder. Try this recipe today, and enjoy every delightful bite!