If you’re a chocolate and coffee lover like me, then this simple chocolate coffee cake recipe is going to be your new favorite treat.
This cake brings together the rich, bold flavors of cocoa and coffee for a dessert that’s perfectly moist, deliciously decadent, and easy to make.
There’s no need for complicated ingredients or steps—just a few pantry staples and about an hour of your time.
The subtle hint of coffee enhances the chocolate, creating a deep, irresistible flavor that’s perfect for any occasion, enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it as an after-dinner dessert.
Let’s dive in and create a cakeSimple Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe that’s bound to impress and satisfy every chocolate and coffee craving!
How To Prepare Simple Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Time: 35 Minutes
Total Time: 50 Minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 8 Servings
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round or square cake pan
- Mixing bowls (two sizes)
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup milk (or dairy-free milk of your choice)
- ¼ cup brewed coffee (strong)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the crumb topping:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1 Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. If you like, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2 Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, brewed coffee, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. You can use a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed for this step. Be careful not to overmix—just until the batter is smooth.
3 Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon (if using). Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
4 Assemble the Cake
Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the top of the batter.
5 Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Special Note
For the best flavor, use freshly brewed coffee and high-quality cocoa powder in this Simple Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe. The coffee enhances the chocolate taste, making it richer and more intense.
Feel free to adjust the coffee amount to suit your flavor preference.
Nutrition Facts Simple Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe
Calories: 300
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 3g
Serving Suggestions For Simple Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe
1 Coffee Pairing:
Since this is a simple chocolate coffee cake recipe, it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or espresso. I recommend serving a slice with your favorite brew for a truly indulgent treat.
2 Toppings:
You can also top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The crumb topping adds texture, but you can make it extra special with a little extra sweetness on top.
Tips And Variations
1 Make it Mocha:
If you want to intensify the coffee flavor, you can substitute the brewed coffee with instant espresso powder dissolved in water for a stronger mocha taste.
2 Gluten-Free Version:
Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with structure.
3 Add-ins:
For a more decadent treat, try adding chocolate chips or chopped walnuts into the batter before baking. They’ll add extra texture and flavor to the cake.
What chocolate is best with coffee?
When pairing chocolate with coffee, dark chocolate is often the best choice. Its rich, slightly bitter flavor complements the boldness of coffee, creating a harmonious balance.
Look for chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content, as it’s not overly sweet and enhances the coffee’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
Milk chocolate can also pair well, especially with milder coffee, adding creaminess and sweetness.
For a more intense experience, try espresso beans coated in dark chocolate—they combine the best of both worlds in one delicious bite.
What Does Adding Coffee To Chocolate Cake Do?
Adding coffee to chocolate cake intensifies the chocolate flavor, making it taste richer and more complex.
Coffee’s natural bitterness enhances the cocoa, bringing out deeper, bolder notes without overpowering the chocolate.
Even a small amount of coffee can make the chocolate taste more robust, creating a cake that’s extra indulgent.
Interestingly, you might not even taste the coffee itself—it simply amplifies the chocolate, resulting in a more flavorful and satisfying dessert.
Conclusion
This simple chocolate coffee cake recipe is the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and a hint of coffee, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
It’s easy to make, using just a few basic ingredients, but the result is a moist, flavorful cake that’s sure to impress.
A beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, this recipe is a reliable go-to for when you want something sweet and satisfying without much fuss.
Serve it with a cup of coffee or enjoy it on its own—either way, this cake is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite of this chocolate, coffee-infused delight!