If you’re looking for a cake that’s deeply chocolatey, incredibly moist, and guaranteed to impress, this Easy Moist Chocolate Cake with Coffee Buttercream is the one. Rich cocoa layers paired with a smooth, bold coffee buttercream create a flavor combination that feels classic, elegant, and completely irresistible.
This is the kind of cake that works for birthdays, celebrations, dinner parties, or anytime you need a reliable dessert that feeds a crowd. It’s simple enough for home bakers, yet polished enough to look like it came straight from a bakery.
Chocolate lovers will adore it. Coffee lovers will obsess over it. And even those who “don’t like coffee desserts” will be asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Coffee Cake
- Ultra-moist chocolate cake layers
- Rich cocoa flavor enhanced by coffee
- Smooth, creamy coffee buttercream icing
- Easy-to-follow recipe with bakery-quality results
- Perfect for celebrations and gatherings
If you believe chocolate desserts should be bold, indulgent, and unforgettable, this cake delivers.
Why Chocolate and Coffee Work So Well Together
Coffee doesn’t overpower chocolate—instead, it deepens and intensifies the cocoa flavor. That’s why espresso or brewed coffee is often used in professional baking. In this cake, coffee plays two roles:
- It enhances the chocolate flavor in the cake
- It adds a smooth, slightly bitter contrast in the buttercream
The result is a perfectly balanced dessert that’s rich but not overly sweet.
Ingredients Overview
This cake uses everyday ingredients, elevated by smart flavor pairing.
For the Chocolate Cake
- All-purpose flour – Structure with a tender crumb
- Granulated sugar – Sweetness and moisture
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Deep chocolate flavor
- Baking powder & baking soda – Light, even rise
- Salt – Balances sweetness
- Eggs – Structure and richness
- Milk or buttermilk – Keeps the cake moist
- Neutral oil or butter – Soft texture
- Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor
- Hot coffee or espresso – Intensifies the chocolate
For the Coffee Buttercream
- Unsalted butter – Smooth, creamy base
- Powdered sugar – Sweetness and structure
- Brewed coffee or espresso – Bold coffee flavor
- Vanilla extract – Balance
✨ Tip: Let the coffee cool slightly before adding it to the batter or frosting.
How to Make Moist Chocolate Cake with Coffee Buttercream
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two round cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Slowly stir in hot coffee—the batter will be thin (this is normal).
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Beat butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar and coffee gradually.
- Frost the cooled cake layers generously.
The cake stays incredibly moist, even after refrigeration.
Texture & Flavor Notes
This cake is:
- Soft and tender with no dryness
- Rich in chocolate flavor without bitterness
- Balanced by smooth, lightly sweet coffee buttercream
Every slice feels indulgent yet refined.
Tips for Bakery-Style Results
- Don’t skip the coffee—it’s key for flavor
- Use room-temperature ingredients
- Let cake layers cool fully before frosting
- Chill briefly before slicing for clean layers
Easy Variations
- Mocha cake: Add espresso powder to the buttercream
- Chocolate ganache drip: For a dramatic finish
- Cupcake version: Bake 18–22 minutes
- Sheet cake: Perfect for larger crowds
When to Serve Chocolate Coffee Cake
This cake is perfect for:
- Birthdays
- Dinner parties
- Holidays
- Office events
- Any gathering where you need a guaranteed hit
It’s especially popular with adults who love rich, grown-up desserts.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store frosted cake in the refrigerator up to 4 days
- Bring to room temperature before serving
- Cake layers freeze well up to 2 months
- Buttercream can be made ahead and chilled
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cake taste like coffee?
The cake tastes like chocolate; the buttercream has a noticeable but balanced coffee flavor.
Can I make it without coffee?
Yes, but coffee is highly recommended for best chocolate depth.
Is this cake vegetarian?
Yes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—flavors improve after resting.
Final Thoughts
This Easy, Moist Chocolate Cake with Coffee Buttercream is everything a great cake should be: rich, reliable, and deeply satisfying. It’s easy enough for home bakers, impressive enough for guests, and memorable enough to become a repeat favorite.
If you need one chocolate cake recipe to keep forever—this is it 🍫☕🍰
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Easy, Moist Chocolate Cake with Coffee Buttercream The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
This Easy Moist Chocolate Cake with Coffee Buttercream features rich cocoa flavor and silky, bold frosting. Perfect for birthdays and celebrations, it’s indulgent yet easy enough for home bakers.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 two-layer 8-inch cake 1x
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk or buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee or espresso
For the Coffee Buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
3 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tbsp brewed coffee or espresso (cooled)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until combined.
5. Slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix gently (batter will be thin).
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
9. To make the frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
10. Add brewed coffee and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy.
11. Frost cooled cake layers generously and decorate as desired.
Notes
Use hot coffee to intensify chocolate flavor.
Chill the cake briefly after frosting for cleaner slices.
Let butter and eggs reach room temperature before starting.
Store frosted cake in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
