Name: Chocolate Coffee Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 100 ml strong coffee; 150 g butter (softened); 120 g dark chocolate (chopped); 3 large eggs; 150 g brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 120 g flour; 30 g dark cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; a pinch salt; 50 g dark chocolate (for frosting); 70 ml cooking cream

Chocolate Coffee Cake is the perfect indulgence for any coffee and chocolate lover. This moist, rich cake combines the deep flavors of dark chocolate with the bold essence of strong coffee, creating a delectable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself to a slice with your afternoon coffee, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s relatively simple to make, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve that bakery-quality taste right at home. Let’s dive into the world of this luscious Chocolate Coffee Cake!

Why It Works Every Time

The secret to a perfect Chocolate Coffee Cake lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The strong coffee enhances the chocolate, creating a depth that is irresistible. Using high-quality dark chocolate adds richness, while the brown sugar gives the cake a moist, tender crumb. The addition of baking powder ensures that your cake rises beautifully, while the pinch of salt brings out the sweetness, making every bite an explosion of flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your baking repertoire.

What You’ll Need

To make this incredible Chocolate Coffee Cake, gather the following ingredients:

100ml strong coffee
150g butter, softened
120g dark chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs
150g brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
120g flour
30g dark cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
a pinch of salt
50g dark chocolate, for frosting
70ml cooking cream

Essential Tools for Success

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools ready:

Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
Whisk – to beat the eggs and mix the batter smoothly.
Spatula – for folding in the chocolate and batter.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
Baking pan – an 8-inch round or square pan works well.
Cooling rack – to properly cool the cake.

Cooking Chocolate Coffee Cake: The Process

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started on making this delightful Chocolate Coffee Cake.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with a little butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, combine the 120g of chopped dark chocolate with the butter. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring continuously.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This step is crucial for removing lumps and ensuring an even distribution of the dry ingredients.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the 100ml of strong coffee. Mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare your frosting. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the 50g of dark chocolate and 70ml of cooking cream. Stir until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly before spreading over the cooled cake.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the chocolate frosting over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Slice, serve, and enjoy your decadent Chocolate Coffee Cake!

International Equivalents

For those cooking in different regions, here are some measurements that might help:

100ml = 3.4 fl oz
150g = 5.3 oz
120g = 4.2 oz
3 large eggs = approximately 150g
1 tsp = 5ml

Problems & Prevention

Baking can sometimes lead to unexpected results. Here are some common problems and tips for prevention:

Dense Cake: Make sure not to over-mix the batter after adding the flour.
Dry Cake: Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and don’t overbake.
Sunken Cake: This can happen if the oven door is opened too early during baking. Avoid opening it before the minimum baking time.
Frosting is Too Runny: Allow the chocolate and cream mixture to cool slightly before spreading; it thickens as it cools.

Shelf Life & Storage

To keep your Chocolate Coffee Cake fresh, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

If you enjoyed this Chocolate Coffee Cake, you might also love:

Ready, Set, Cook

With this Chocolate Coffee Cake recipe, you are well on your way to impressing your friends and family with your baking skills. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate life’s little moments or even to enjoy a cozy night in. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven. Happy baking!