Espresso Cake Dark Mocha

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Espresso Cake Dark Mocha, a perfect blend of coffee and chocolate that will delight your taste buds.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-24T22:46:27.736Z

This Espresso Cake Dark Mocha is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of espresso and dark chocolate. Perfect for coffee lovers, this cake is moist and packed with flavor, making it a great addition to any gathering or celebration.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with bold espresso
  • Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for coffee lovers and special occasions

The Perfect Pairing of Coffee and Chocolate

Espresso Cake Dark Mocha is a delightful fusion of two beloved flavors: coffee and chocolate. The intense richness of dark cocoa powder complements the robust coffee notes of brewed espresso, creating a cake that is both decadent and satisfying. Whether you're enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it at a special occasion, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of these ingredients creates a depth of flavor that stands out, making every bite a memorable experience.

For those who love coffee, this cake is a dream come true. The espresso not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also adds an aromatic quality that elevates the overall taste profile. It’s perfect for anyone who craves a little caffeine kick in their dessert. Plus, the cake’s moist and fluffy texture ensures that it’s not just about flavor; it’s about the experience of enjoying a beautifully crafted treat.

A Moist Cake for Any Occasion

One of the standout features of this Espresso Cake Dark Mocha is its incredibly moist texture. This is achieved through the careful balance of ingredients, particularly the combination of eggs and butter. The result is a cake that melts in your mouth, making it an excellent choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or even casual gatherings. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning. The rich, dark color of the cake contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting, making it a showstopper on any dessert table. Whether you choose to decorate it simply or add more flair with chocolate shavings or berries, this cake will be the centerpiece of your celebration.

Tips for the Perfect Bake

To ensure your Espresso Cake Dark Mocha turns out perfectly every time, pay attention to the quality of your ingredients. Use high-quality cocoa powder and freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor. Additionally, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. This step is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture that everyone loves.

Don’t skip the cooling process! Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is essential for a beautiful finish. If the cake is warm, the frosting will melt and slide off, leading to a less-than-perfect presentation. Once cool, take the time to frost the cake evenly, and feel free to get creative with toppings to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start baking for a smoother process.

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup brewed espresso, cooled
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp brewed espresso, cooled
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Espresso Cake Dark Mocha.

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Espresso

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the cooled espresso and vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, followed by espresso and vanilla.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top and sides of the cake.

Enjoy your homemade Espresso Cake Dark Mocha with a cup of coffee!

Serving Suggestions

This Espresso Cake Dark Mocha is perfect for pairing with a variety of beverages. For coffee enthusiasts, serving it alongside a rich espresso or a creamy cappuccino enhances the coffee flavors in the cake. If you prefer something lighter, consider serving it with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which balances the rich chocolate notes beautifully.

Additionally, this cake can be dressed up for special occasions. Consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra touch. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, not only add a pop of color but also provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

Storing Your Cake

To keep your Espresso Cake Dark Mocha fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a particularly warm climate, you may want to refrigerate it to prevent the frosting from melting. This cake can last up to five days, but trust us, it will be hard to resist finishing it sooner!

If you need to make the cake ahead of time, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso?

Yes, you can use instant coffee mixed with hot water to achieve a similar flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake can be baked a day in advance and frosted when ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute, but the texture may vary.

Espresso Cake Dark Mocha

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Espresso Cake Dark Mocha, a perfect blend of coffee and chocolate that will delight your taste buds.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Easy Baking Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Cake Ingredients

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  3. 1 cup granulated sugar
  4. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  5. 2 large eggs
  6. 1/2 cup brewed espresso, cooled
  7. 1 tsp baking powder
  8. 1/2 tsp baking soda
  9. 1/4 tsp salt
  10. 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup powdered sugar
  3. 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 2 tbsp brewed espresso, cooled
  5. 1 tsp vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the cooled espresso and vanilla extract.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 06

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 07

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, followed by espresso and vanilla.

Step 08

Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top and sides of the cake.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g