If you’re a fan of coffee and chocolate, this Mocha Chocolate Cake will steal your heart. Rich, moist, and perfectly balanced between sweet and bold, it’s the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or a cozy night in, this cake is sure to impress.
What sets this cake apart is the marriage of two bold flavors—deep cocoa and robust espresso. The coffee enhances the chocolate without overpowering it, giving every bite a luscious, complex depth.
The texture is incredibly moist thanks to buttermilk and oil, while the cocoa and espresso work together to create a rich, dark crumb. The mocha frosting, made with real espresso or strong coffee, adds a smooth, creamy finish that’s hard to resist.
You don’t need to be an expert baker to make this cake. The batter comes together in one bowl, and the ingredients are pantry staples with a few coffeehouse upgrades. It’s approachable and impressive all at once.
This cake layers beautifully, making it great for birthdays, anniversaries, or when you simply want a standout dessert. Top it with chocolate shavings, espresso beans, or a light dusting of cocoa for extra flair.
It’s also versatile—you can bake it as a layer cake, sheet cake, or even cupcakes. No matter the format, the flavor shines through.
This recipe is perfect for creating a memorable dessert moment. Whether it’s for a dinner party, holiday table, or just to treat yourself, it never fails to deliver.
For extra mocha magic, serve with a scoop of coffee ice cream or a hot espresso. The pairing is divine and brings out the bold notes in the cake.
It stores well, too. Keep leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making that second-day slice even better.
Every forkful is soft, rich, and bursting with flavor. It’s a true celebration cake—and you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy it.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or keeping it all to yourself, this cake delivers comfort, decadence, and a serious chocolate fix.
Get ready for compliments—people will ask for seconds, and for the recipe.
If you love café-inspired desserts that feel like a hug in every bite, this is the one to bake.
Servings: 12 slices
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee or espresso
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2–3 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Carefully add hot coffee and mix until well combined. Batter will be thin.
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, espresso, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth, adding milk a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Frost the cooled cakes, stacking layers with frosting in between.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings or espresso beans if desired.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips:
- Make cupcakes with the same batter—bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Use instant coffee if you don’t have brewed espresso.
- For extra decadence, drizzle with chocolate ganache.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp or refrigerate.
- Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
It’s rich, bold, and ridiculously good. The combo of chocolate and coffee is pure dessert perfection. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make—this mocha cake is a guaranteed hit.
Summary: This Mocha Chocolate Cake is a decadent dessert with bold coffee-chocolate flavor, a moist crumb, and a smooth mocha frosting. Perfect for special occasions—or anytime you crave something indulgent.
