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Chocolate Coffee Cake

Moist Chocolate Coffee Cake

This Moist Chocolate Coffee Cake blends rich cocoa and brewed coffee in a tender, fluffy cake, topped with a luscious chocolate coffee buttercream. Perfect for coffee lovers seeking a decadent dessert or special occasion cake.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup brewed hot coffee
Chocolate Coffee Buttercream
  • 340 g unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup cold brewed coffee
  • 80 g dark chocolate, melted and cooled

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch baking pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar.
  3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract; mix until almost combined.
  4. Stir in hot brewed coffee until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
  5. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
  6. For frosting, beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt; whip 1–2 minutes.
  7. Add cold brewed coffee and melted chocolate to the frosting. Mix on high until whipped and smooth.
  8. Assemble cake: Place first layer on serving plate with a small frosting dot underneath. Brush layer with cold coffee for 1–2 minutes, then spread half of the buttercream evenly.
  9. Top with second cake layer, brush with coffee, and frost with remaining buttercream. Create wave pattern with an offset spatula. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Use cake strips for even baking and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. For stronger coffee flavor, increase coffee used for brushing.