This Homestyle Chocolate Cake with Coffee Notes is a dream for anyone who loves a deep, rich chocolate flavor with a subtle hint of coffee. The moist, tender cake layers are made without eggs, resulting in an incredibly light and airy texture. Paired with a creamy and tangy frosting, every slice is a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is an ideal choice for a special celebration or a cozy family dessert night.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Layers (two 20 cm / 8-inch pans):
- 390 g (3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 50 g (½ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably for baking
- 400 g (2 cups) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 500 ml (2 cups) hot, strong brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 100 ml (½ cup) light olive oil
Instructions for the Cake:
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the hot coffee, vinegar, vanilla extract, and olive oil.
- Combine and Mix: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a mixer on low speed, mix until just combined.
- Finish the Batter: Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix on high speed for another minute until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans (each will have about 670 g or 24 oz). Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 340 g (12 oz) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 225 g (1 cup / 2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 660 g (5.25 cups) powdered sugar
- 90 g (¾ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions for the Frosting:
- Whip the Base: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and beat for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Season and Finish: Add the salt and vanilla extract and beat for a few more seconds.
- Assemble the Cake: Generously spread the frosting between the cake layers and over the top and sides of the cake. The frosting is light and fluffy, so don’t be shy!
- Store and Serve: Store the finished cake in the refrigerator. For the best texture, take it out about 30 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly, though it’s delicious served chilled as well.
Enjoy your Homestyle Chocolate Cake with Coffee Notes!
Baker’s Tip: To make the cake even more decadent, add a teaspoon of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur or a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting. This gives it a new flavor dimension that’s perfect for a special occasion.
