Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe

If you love the bold flavors of coffee and chocolate mingled in every delicious bite, this Chocolate Coffee Cake recipe is about to make your day! Imagine a moist, tender crumb bursting with rich cocoa, a gentle buzz of espresso, and a buttery crumb topping that’s downright irresistible. It’s the ultimate treat for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or whenever you want something truly special with your cup of joe. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or keeping it as your go-to pick-me-up, this Chocolate Coffee Cake never fails to get rave reviews!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed that such everyday ingredients come together to create something so unforgettable. Each plays a unique role, from enhancing the deep chocolate flavor to giving the cake its plush, cozy texture and signature crumbly top.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a fluffy yet sturdy cake and crumb topping.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cake its deep, luxurious chocolate flavor and rich color.
• Instant espresso powder: Elevates both the cake and topping, intensifying the chocolate and adding a luscious coffee note.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to lighten the batter for a soft, cake-like texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the chocolate and coffee notes.
• Unsalted butter: Adds moisture, richness, and a delicate crumb, both in the cake and the crumb topping.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without being overbearing.
• Brown sugar: Provides a subtle molasses flavor and the perfect soft chew in the topping.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with warmth and depth.
• Sour cream: The secret to a moist, tender crumb that stays fresh longer.
• Hot brewed coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor and contributes extra depth to the cake.
• Powdered sugar (optional glaze): For a pretty, sweet finish if you want a little extra flair.
• Brewed coffee or milk (for glaze): Mixes with the powdered sugar to create a smooth drizzle.

How to Make Chocolate Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or if you prefer easy cleanup, line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your Chocolate Coffee Cake releases easily and bakes evenly every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Taking a moment to make sure these are evenly blended helps guarantee a consistent crumb and prevents any clumps of cocoa or leavening.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy. Plan for about 3 minutes of mixing; this adds air and sets the stage for a cake with real lift and tenderness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to wrap the entire batter in its sweet, aromatic embrace.

Step 5: Add Sour Cream

Mix in the sour cream until your batter is velvety smooth. You’ll notice the mixture becomes thick and luxuriously creamy—this is your guarantee of a moist and irresistible Chocolate Coffee Cake.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix gently, just until everything is combined. Once the flour streaks disappear, pour in the hot brewed coffee and stir until the batter is smooth and slightly thinned out. The aroma at this step is absolutely delightful!

Step 7: Pour and Smooth the Batter

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. This gives your cake a level surface for the crumbly topping to sit and bake to perfection.

Step 8: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and espresso powder. Stir in the melted butter until moist crumbs form. Sprinkle this mixture generously and evenly over the cake batter, making sure every last corner is covered—this topping is the highlight for many!

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Chocolate Coffee Cake for 35 to 40 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), it’s ready. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan—the aromas in your kitchen will be utterly tempting!

Step 10: Glaze and Finish

If you’d like an extra dose of sweetness, stir powdered sugar with brewed coffee or milk to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving for a decorative (and delicious!) finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Coffee Cake

Garnishes

This cake absolutely shines with a little flourish! Dust lightly with cocoa powder, add a scatter of mini chocolate chips, or drizzle that luscious coffee glaze for a bakery-worthy finish. A dollop of whipped cream or a few chocolate curls never hurts either.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chocolate Coffee Cake with a creamy latte or a strong cup of black coffee to mirror its flavors. For brunch, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries, a simple fruit salad, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to turn dessert into a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into neat squares and stack them for a striking treat tray at gatherings, or serve individual slices on little plates at tea time. For special occasions, try baking in a round or bundt pan and finishing with a generous dusting of powdered sugar—absolutely stunning!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Coffee Cake keeps beautifully. Cover the pan tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container; it will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, and the crumb topping maintains its delicious texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll taste just as fresh for up to three months—perfect for those moments when you crave a quick chocolate fix!

Reheating

Gently microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes. This brings the cake back to its just-baked glory, with aromas of chocolate and coffee wafting through your kitchen once again.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Coffee Cake without espresso powder?

Absolutely! While the espresso powder brings out the chocolate flavor and adds depth, the cake will still be delicious if you leave it out. The coffee in the batter keeps the mocha vibe going strong.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Full-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will deliver the same moist crumb and tangy flavor that makes this cake irresistible.

Can I bake this in a different pan size?

Yes! For a thicker cake, try an 8×8-inch pan (just increase the bake time slightly). Cupcake tins also work—reduce the bake time and keep a close eye on them for doneness.

Is this Chocolate Coffee Cake very sweet?

It’s sweet but balanced by the bitterness of cocoa and coffee, plus the depth from brown sugar. If you prefer it less sweet, simply reduce the sugar by a few tablespoons.

Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?

Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a swirl of raspberry jam make fantastic additions. Just sprinkle nuts over the topping or gently fold them into the batter for extra flavor and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself and your loved ones to this Chocolate Coffee Cake and get ready for oohs and ahhs all around! Every bite is a warm hug of flavor—the perfect blend of rich cocoa, bold coffee, and irresistible crumb. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a new favorite in your baking rotation!

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