Chocolate Cake With Espresso

Name: Chocolate Cake With Espresso
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 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 freshly brewed espresso; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup cocoa powder; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Golden Bakes

I absolutely love making this Chocolate Cake With Espresso whenever I want to impress friends or family. The rich, decadent flavor of chocolate perfectly balanced with a hint of espresso creates a delightful experience that everyone raves about. It's surprisingly simple to prepare, and the best part is that you can customize it easily with various frostings or toppings. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, making it a favorite in our household for both celebrations and casual gatherings.

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:05:37.463Z

When I first crafted this Chocolate Cake With Espresso, I was searching for a way to elevate a classic dessert. By adding espresso, I discovered a new depth of flavor that truly enhances the chocolate. The result? A cake that is not only moist but also bursting with rich undertones. I remember baking this for a family gathering and watching it disappear in minutes, which motivated me to perfect my technique.

Rather than just dumping espresso into the batter, I tried various methods of incorporating it, finally landing on brewing it fresh and using it right away. This ensures that the coffee flavor is vibrant yet not overpowering. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top after frosting brings out the sweetness, making each bite a luxurious indulgence.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh espresso
Moist and tender crumb with a perfect crumb structure
Ideal for any occasion, from birthdays to dinner parties

The Impact of Espresso

Incorporating espresso into this chocolate cake elevates its flavor profile significantly. The bitterness of the espresso enhances the chocolate, creating a more complex taste that is rich without being overly sweet. When measuring your espresso, ensure to use fresh brew for maximum flavor. I recommend brewing a strong coffee; an espresso shot should suffice to amplify the chocolate notes without overpowering your cake.

For a deeper coffee flavor, consider using espresso powder, which can be dissolved in warm water to create an instant coffee boost. Just be mindful of your measurements—start with a tablespoon and adjust based on your taste preference. This simple swap can add a new layer of richness, especially relevant if you're using a cocoa powder that’s on the milder side.

Frosting Insights

The frosting is where you can truly personalize this chocolate cake. The heavy cream in the frosting ensures a silky, smooth texture, which nicely balances the dense cake layers. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or even non-dairy alternatives, but note that this may slightly alter the fluffiness of your frosting. I find whipping the cream slightly before adding it ensures it blends in more seamlessly, keeping the icing light and airy.

If you're feeling adventurous, enhance your frosting with a hint of espresso by adding a teaspoon of chilled espresso. This twist not only maintains the coffee theme but also gives the frosting a delightful kick. Make sure to mix it gently to maintain the airy texture—overmixing can lead to a heavier frosting, which might not hold as well on top of the cake.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance its richness. For an elegant touch, consider garnishing with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. Not only does this enhance presentation, but it also adds a nuanced chocolate note with each bite. Just a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the cake further by enhancing flavors and adding a touch of surprise with the sweetness.

For gatherings, slice the cake into smaller portions and serve with fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, which can complement the chocolate's richness beautifully. If you prefer a more casual approach, serving the cake warm with a simple glaze can provide a comforting, homestyle feel—perfect for a relaxed family dinner.

Ingredients for 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 freshly brewed espresso
1 teaspoon white vinegar

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Gather all the ingredients above before starting your baking adventure!

Instructions for Baking

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 mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, espresso, and vinegar until smooth.

Combine Mixtures and Bake

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, add powdered sugar and cocoa, and gradually mix in the cream and vanilla until smooth.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Cake with Espresso!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a shot of espresso to the frosting. Also, using high-quality cocoa powder will enhance the overall flavor of your cake.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This chocolate cake holds up well, making it an ideal candidate for make-ahead desserts. You can prepare the cake layers a day or two in advance. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will retain its moisture and flavors effectively, allowing you to frost it just before serving. Simply allow the layers to reach room temperature before frosting to help the frosting adhere better.

If you have any leftovers, store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat individual slices, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to warm slightly without melting the frosting.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

If your cake turns out dry, several factors may be at play. Ensure you are accurately measuring your flour—too much can lead to a dense or dry cake. Also, don’t overbake; start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time, looking for the cake to spring back when gently pressed or a toothpick to come out clean.

On the flip side, if your cake is too moist, consider allowing it to bake a few additional minutes. Also, check the ratio of wet to dry ingredients. Adjusting slightly on the liquid side, like using a quarter cup less espresso, can help if you find your batter too runny. Always measure dark cocoa accurately, as the finer texture absorbs liquid differently.

Scaling the Recipe

Should you need to serve a larger crowd, this recipe scales well! Simply double the ingredients and divide the batter evenly among three 9-inch cake pans to ensure even baking. Be careful with the baking time; it may require an additional 5-10 minutes, so monitor until done. Alternatively, you can bake in a sheet pan for a layered sheet cake version, adjusting cooking time accordingly as a larger surface area may cook faster.

If you're planning to make a smaller cake, you can halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller pan. A single 8-inch round cake tin works perfectly. Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking, as it may take a bit less time than the original recipe. Just stay vigilant and test with a toothpick regularly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use decaf espresso?

Yes, feel free to use decaf espresso if you prefer a caffeine-free option.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cakes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute for each egg.