Chocolate Cake With Coffee Flavor

Name: Chocolate Cake With Coffee Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Favorites

I’ve always loved the combination of chocolate and coffee, so when I decided to bake a cake, I knew I had to incorporate both. This Chocolate Cake with Coffee Flavor quickly became a favorite in my home. The rich, deep flavor of coffee intensifies the chocolate, creating a dessert that feels indulgent and sophisticated. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress.

Created by

Ottoline Reeves

Last updated on 2026-02-15T04:49:36.044Z

When I first experimented with adding coffee to my chocolate cake recipe, I was amazed at how it transformed the dessert. The coffee not only deepened the flavor but also added a unique twist that made the cake stand out. I remember serving it to friends, and their reactions were priceless—everyone asked for seconds!

One tip I’ve learned is to use strong brewed coffee for the batter and to enhance the chocolate flavor further. It creates a moist cake that’s equally delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Every bite is a delightful experience!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The deep, rich chocolate flavor enhanced by bold coffee notes.
A moist texture that stays fresh for days.
Perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike!

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of cocoa powder can significantly impact the flavor of your cake. For a deeper, richer chocolate taste, opt for Dutch-process cocoa powder. Its alkalized nature contributes a milder acidity that pairs beautifully with the coffee, resulting in a more profound chocolate flavor. If you only have natural cocoa powder on hand, you can use it, but be mindful that the cake may have a sharper taste.

Using brewed coffee is essential for this recipe, as it enhances the chocolate flavor. Make sure to let the coffee cool before adding it to the batter; hot coffee can alter the texture of the cake. I recommend brewing a strong cup to ensure the coffee notes are prominent without overwhelming the cake.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cake

When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Stir until just combined to maintain the cake's tender texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so aim for a mixture with a few small flour streaks remaining. It’s okay to have a few lumps; they will bake out.

If you're looking for a decoration that complements the flavors, consider adding chocolate shavings or coffee beans on top of the frosting. These not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a delightful crunch and an extra burst of flavor with each slice.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, vegetable oil, coffee, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa, alternating with brewed coffee and vanilla, beating until smooth.

Frost the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, then add the second layer and frost the top and sides.

Enjoy this cake as is or with your favorite ice cream!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chocolate shavings on top of the frosting or serving with a dollop of whipped cream.

Storing Your Cake

This Chocolate Cake with Coffee Flavor can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it covered helps maintain its moisture and prevents it from drying out. If you need to store it longer, consider refrigerating it for up to one week, but make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. This way, the flavors remain intact, and you can enjoy a slice of joy any time you crave it!

Variations and Creative Serving Ideas

To give your cake a unique twist, experiment with flavored extracts or add-ins. A splash of almond extract can introduce a lovely nutty note, while chocolate chips can add pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cake. Alternatively, fold in some finely chopped nuts for an appealing crunch.

Consider serving the cake with a dollop of whipped cream infused with vanilla or pairing it with a scoop of coffee ice cream for a delectable dessert experience. The creaminess of the ice cream perfectly balances the rich flavors of the cake, creating a comforting yet sophisticated treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.

→ How can I make the cake more chocolatey?

You can add chocolate chips to the batter for added richness.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! The cake stays moist for days when stored properly in an airtight container.

→ Is there a substitution for coffee?

If you prefer not to use coffee, you can use hot water or milk, but the flavor will be less intense.