When chocolate meets coffee, magic happens. This Coffee Chocolate Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that brings together the deep intensity of cocoa and the bold kick of freshly brewed coffee. Moist, tender, and topped with a luscious chocolate-coffee ganache or frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you crave something indulgent and unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
☕ Intensely flavorful – Coffee enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor
🍫 Ultra-moist texture that stays soft for days
🎂 Great for special occasions or elegant desserts
🧁 Pairs beautifully with whipped cream, berries, or a latte
🕒 Make-ahead friendly – even better the next day!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup strong hot coffee (freshly brewed or espresso)
For the Frosting (Chocolate Coffee Ganache):
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tsp instant espresso powder or 2 tbsp strong coffee
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then slowly mix in the hot coffee. Batter will be thin.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Ganache
Heat the cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Add instant espresso or strong coffee. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add butter if desired. Let it thicken slightly at room temperature before frosting.
Step 4: Assemble and Frost
Place one cake layer on a plate, spread ganache on top, add the second layer, and cover the top and sides with ganache. For a clean finish, chill the cake briefly to let the ganache set.
Tips & Variations
- Use espresso powder to boost coffee flavor without adding more liquid
- Add a layer of coffee whipped cream or mocha buttercream between layers
- Top with chocolate shavings, cocoa nibs, or chocolate-covered espresso beans
- Swap ganache for a coffee cream cheese frosting for tangy contrast
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Chocolate Cake is every chocolate and coffee lover’s dream. The flavors are bold yet balanced, the texture is unbelievably moist, and the ganache gives it a bakery-worthy finish. Whether served at a dinner party or made just because, it’s a cake that impresses every time.