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Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe

Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rich chocolate espresso cake blends intense cocoa depths with bold coffee notes, creating a sophisticated dessert. Silky ganache and delicate crumb promise a luxurious experience that will delight your senses with each indulgent bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) flour
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) brewed espresso, cooled

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

  • Chocolate ganache

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by lightly greasing and dusting with flour.
  2. Create a dry mixture by thoroughly whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl until uniformly blended.
  3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously beat sugar and vegetable oil together. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract, cooled espresso, and buttermilk until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent over-mixing. Distribute batter evenly between prepared cake pans.
  5. Position cake pans in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into cake center – it should emerge clean without wet batter.
  6. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool completely inside pans, ensuring they reach room temperature before removing.
  7. Once fully cooled, generously cover cake layers with rich chocolate ganache, creating a decadent and glossy finish.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality cocoa powder and freshly brewed espresso for an intense, rich chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake.
  • When mixing wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing to prevent a tough, dense cake texture; stop stirring as soon as ingredients are just combined.
  • Ensure espresso is completely cooled before adding to prevent cooking the eggs and creating an uneven batter consistency.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 282 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 198 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg