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Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe

Chocolate Coffee Cake is a tender, moist treat layered with a buttery cinnamon crumble and infused with rich cocoa and brewed coffee. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and depth—ideal for breakfast or dessert. Finish it with melted chocolate or powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 squares
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls (2–3)
  • Whisk
  • Electric hand or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¾ cup 170 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¼ cup 60 grams strongly brewed coffee, cooled
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup 50 grams vegetable oil
  • ½ cup 40 grams dark (Dutch-processed) cocoa powder
  • 1 ¼ cups 157 grams all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup 60 grams whole milk, room temperature
  • ¾ cup 150 grams granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

Crumble

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, melt the butter completely for the crumble.
  • Add sugar and cinnamon and whisk to combine.
  • Fold in flour until crumbly, then set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter, oil, and sugar until fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between each, then mix in the vanilla.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients while slowly pouring in a mixture of milk and coffee.
  • Stir until smooth, then pour into the prepared pan.
  • Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the batter and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool completely in the pan or for 30 minutes if you prefer it slightly warm.
  • Finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Use brewed coffee that’s cooled to room temperature for best texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added—mix just until combined.
  • If the crumble seems too wet, chill it briefly before topping the batter.