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Chocolate Espresso Cake

Indulge in Rich Chocolate Espresso Cake Bliss

This Chocolate Espresso Cake combines rich chocolate and bold coffee flavors, perfect for dessert lovers.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Consider whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
  • 3/4 cup Cocoa Powder Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar Swap for light brown sugar for milder sweetness.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Balances flavor and sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Essential leavening agent.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Essential leavening agent.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
  • 2 large Eggs Bind ingredients together.
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Use melted butter for a richer flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Brings aromatic sweetness.
  • 1 cup Hot Coffee Enhances the mocha essence.
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Creates a silky, luxurious texture.
  • 1 cup Sugar (for Frosting) Sweetens frosting.
  • 8 ounces Chocolate (Dark & Semi-Sweet) Choose high-quality chocolate.
  • 2 tablespoons Instant Coffee Granules Offers smooth coffee flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Water Helps dissolve coffee granules.

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • spatula
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Espresso Cake
  1. Prepare the frosting by combining dark and semi-sweet chocolate with instant coffee granules. Heat heavy cream and sugar until the sugar dissolves, then pour it over the chocolate and whisk until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round pans. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix eggs, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, oil, vanilla, and hot coffee until combined. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until smooth.
  3. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Prepare coffee soak by whisking hot water and remaining instant coffee granules until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
  5. Once the cakes are cool, slice each layer in half horizontally, creating four layers. Brush each layer with coffee soak, then spread chilled frosting on top, repeating for each layer.
  6. Apply a crumb coat with a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake and chill for 15-20 minutes to set.
  7. Smooth a final layer of frosting over the cake and decorate as desired. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Quality ingredients and proper mixing are key for the best results. Chill the frosting for easy spreading.

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