Decadent Chocolate Cake
Rich, moist, and intensely chocolatey. This cake is perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
Sarah Johnson
Passionate home baker and founder of BakeryYou
Introduction
This decadent chocolate cake is everything a chocolate lover dreams of - rich, moist, and intensely chocolatey. It's the kind of cake that makes birthdays extra special and turns any ordinary day into a celebration.
The secret to this cake's incredible moisture and deep chocolate flavor lies in the addition of hot coffee, which enhances the chocolate without making the cake taste like coffee. Don't worry - even non-coffee drinkers will love this cake!
The Complete Guide
The Ultimate Chocolate Experience
This isn't just any chocolate cake - it's THE chocolate cake that will become your go-to recipe for every celebration. The combination of cocoa powder and hot coffee creates an incredibly rich, complex chocolate flavor that's simply irresistible.
Why This Recipe Works
Hot Coffee: The coffee doesn't make the cake taste like coffee - instead, it intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds incredible moisture.
Buttermilk: Creates a tender, fine crumb and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Perfect Ratios: The balance of wet to dry ingredients ensures a moist cake that's never dense or dry.
Step-by-Step Photos
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs, buttermilk, and other dairy ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing and texture.
- Don't Skip the Coffee: Hot coffee is the secret ingredient that makes this cake incredibly moist and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Storage: This cake actually gets better the next day! Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Recipe Variations
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Ganache Cake: Top with rich chocolate ganache instead of frosting.
Black Forest Cake: Add cherry filling between layers and top with whipped cream and cherries.
Mocha Cake: Add 2 tablespoons instant coffee to the batter for a coffee-chocolate flavor.
Chocolate Mint: Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and fold in chocolate chips.
Recipe
Ingredients
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How it works: This recipe originally serves 12 people. Use the buttons below to adjust the serving size and all ingredient amounts will automatically recalculate for you!
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, tapping out excess flour.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3
In another bowl, beat eggs, then stir in buttermilk, hot coffee, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don't overmix - the batter will be thin.
The batter is supposed to be thin - this creates a moist cake
Step 5
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Don't overbake - the cake should spring back when lightly touched
Step 6
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Cooling completely prevents frosting from melting
Recipe Tags
Nutrition Facts
💡 Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods