Chocolate Cake With Espresso

Name: Chocolate Cake With Espresso
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling brewed espresso; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 tablespoon brewed espresso

Highlighted under: Cozy Food

I absolutely adore the rich depth of flavor in this Chocolate Cake With Espresso. The combination of dark chocolate and a subtle espresso kick creates a cake that is both decadent and satisfying. Each bite is a delightful explosion of taste, making it perfect for any occasion. It's surprisingly straightforward to make, and I love how the chocolate pairs beautifully with the coffee elements, enhancing the overall sweetness. This is a recipe I keep coming back to when I want to impress friends and family with my baking skills.

Created by

Cleo Winter

Last updated on 2026-02-01T22:57:37.242Z

When I first tried making a chocolate cake with espresso, I was captivated by how well the flavors mingled together. The espresso elevates the chocolate, creating a richer cake than any plain chocolate recipe. I discovered that using high-quality cocoa powder and freshly brewed espresso makes a noticeable difference in the taste and texture. I also like to add a touch of vanilla for added depth.

As I experimented with this recipe, I realized the importance of not overmixing the batter. Keeping it light and airy ensures the cake rises beautifully and remains moist. Each time I bake this cake, it brings smiles and satisfied sighs from everyone who tries it, reminding me why it’s become a staple in my dessert repertoire.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with a bold espresso kick
Moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth
Perfect for coffee lovers and special occasions

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of high-quality cocoa powder and brewed espresso is essential for achieving that deep, rich flavor in your Chocolate Cake With Espresso. Using Dutch-processed cocoa powder can enhance the cake's dark color and flavor profile. I recommend selecting a cocoa powder that is 100% unsweetened for the best results. The bitterness from cocoa, complemented by the coffee, creates a balanced sweetness rather than an overwhelming sugary taste.

Don’t forget the role of the eggs and milk: they provide moisture and richness while also aiding in the cake’s structure. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to optimize their incorporation into the batter, helping to achieve a lighter texture. If you need a dairy-free option, consider substituting the whole milk with almond or oat milk, keeping the fats balanced with a plant-based oil.

Perfecting the Cake Technique

When mixing the dry and wet ingredients, it’s important to avoid over-mixing the batter. This can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined and a few lumps remain, as the boiling espresso will cook the batter slightly and help blend everything together. To prevent the cake from doming, ensure your oven is preheated properly; an unsteady temperature can produce unpredictable results.

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This step is crucial as it prevents the cakes from breaking apart. As you frost, a crumb coat—an initial thin layer of frosting—will help seal any loose crumbs and make your final layer smoother and more aesthetically pleasing.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

To maintain the cake’s moisture and flavor, store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. For even longer storage, the unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Serving this cake warm can elevate the experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and espresso flavors. For a gourmet touch, consider drizzling a bit of espresso syrup or flavored chocolate sauce over the top just before serving. It enhances the cake’s coffee profile and adds an enticing visual appeal.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Chocolate Cake With Espresso:

Cake Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling brewed espresso

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon brewed espresso

Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Chocolate Cake With Espresso:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Carefully stir in the boiling espresso until well combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with cream and espresso, until reaching your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled, layer them with frosting in between and on the top and sides. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Cake With Espresso!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, try serving this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.

Frosting Tips

Achieving a light and fluffy frosting is key to complementing the dense cake. Beat the softened butter until creamy and pale, then gradually add the powdered sugar for the best texture. If the frosting is too thick, a tablespoon of milk can help reach the desired consistency; just be cautious not to thin it too much.

Additionally, the espresso added to the frosting enhances the coffee notes throughout, creating a cohesive flavor experience. If you want an extra flavor boost, consider infusing a small amount of coffee liqueur or vanilla bean paste for a gourmet touch.

Baking Variations

To switch things up, consider adding chocolate chips or walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you could substitute part of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce, which can reduce calories without compromising moisture.

For a fun twist, you can also layer this cake with a different filling like raspberry or orange zest, both of which compliment chocolate well. Just be sure that whatever filling you choose is not too wet, as this can affect the cake's structural integrity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use decaf coffee?

Yes, decaf coffee works just fine if you prefer to avoid caffeine.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute in this recipe.