Name: Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup (150 grams) light brown sugar, packed; 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup (65 grams) all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons (10 grams) cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon espresso powder; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips); 2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour; 1¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar; ¼ cup (20 grams) cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons (2 grams) espresso powder; 1¼ teaspoons (5 grams) baking powder; ½ teaspoon (4 grams) baking soda; ¾ teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt; 1 cup (242 grams) whole milk; 12 tablespoons (168 grams) unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg + 1 large yolk, lightly beaten; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·5 from 24 reviews

Let me introduce you to your new favorite bake: the Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe. Imagine everything you love about a bakery-style coffee cake – the tender crumb, buttery streusel, and that cozy aroma – but with a deep, chocolatey twist and a hint of espresso to pull all those rich flavors together. Whether you enjoy a thick slice for breakfast or save it for dessert with a scoop of ice cream, this cake is pure weekday (or weekend!) magic. Trust me, every bite feels like a little celebration.

Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised at how simple yet essential these ingredients are, but each one plays a key part in building the lush texture, punchy chocolate flavor, and that signature coffee cake aroma. Grab your pantry staples and let’s talk about what makes each component so special in the Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe!

Light brown sugar (3/4 cup): Lends a deep, molasses-y sweetness to the filling and streusel, creating that classic coffee cake ripple.
Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds warm spice and balances out the richness of the chocolate.
Kosher salt (3/4 + 3/4 teaspoons): Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup + 2 cups): The structural backbone for both cake and streusel, ensuring a tender crumb and perfect crumble.
Cocoa powder (2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup): Brings rich chocolate flavor that runs through both the cake batter and the streusel.
Espresso powder (1/2 teaspoon + 2 teaspoons): Deepens the chocolate notes and infuses a subtle coffee hit.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons + 12 tablespoons): Melted for both batter and streusel; butter guarantees moisture, flavor, and that craveable texture.
Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (2 ounces): Or use chocolate chips for convenience; little pools of melty chocolate throughout every slice.
Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens the cake base and helps achieve that fluffy rise.
Baking powder (1 1/4 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise to lofty heights.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives you extra lift and lightness.
Whole milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and richness for a soft, tender crumb.
Large egg + yolk: The combination makes the cake plush, rich, and sturdy enough to support its layers.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings out the flavors of every other ingredient and rounds out the whole bite.

How to Make Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and position the rack in the center—perfect for even baking. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly, then line the bottom with parchment. This ensures your Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe releases easily and looks bakery-beautiful when flipped out.

Step 2: Mix the Brown Sugar Filling and Streusel

Grab a medium bowl and combine your brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Be sure to mix well so every bite is warm and flavorful. Measure and reserve 1/4 cup of this mix for your gorgeous cinnamon swirl—set it aside for later. Now, add flour, cocoa powder, and espresso powder to the rest, stirring to combine. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture clumps—don’t be afraid to use your hands here to form those perfect streusel chunks!

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

Whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl (or straight into the big one to save on dishes), stir in the milk, melted butter, beaten egg and yolk, and vanilla. Mix just until combined — don’t stress if there are a few small lumps, as this keeps the cake extra-tender.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Pour about 2 and 1/4 cups of your cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out for a level base. Sprinkle your reserved brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter layer for a flavorful swirl in every slice. Gently dollop and spread the remaining batter over the filling—an offset spatula helps here, but a spoon works too! Finally, crumble your streusel mix into pea-sized to lima bean-sized chunks and shower it over the top of the batter. Sprinkle the chopped chocolate (or chips) for a melty, decadent finish.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 42 to 45 minutes. It’s ready when the center springs back gently under your touch and a toothpick stuck in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let your cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges, invert onto a rack, then flip onto your serving platter. Your kitchen should now smell absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Classic never fails: a casual dusting of powdered sugar gives a snowy finish, or add chocolate curls for extra flair. A quick drizzle of chocolate or coffee glaze adds a fancy touch, but honestly, this Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe shines all on its own.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte to play up those cozy flavors. For brunch, surround it with bowls of mixed berries, tangy Greek yogurt, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re going straight for dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into little squares and serve on a tiered dessert stand for a party effect. You can also layer a wedge in a sundae glass with whipped cream and berries for a decadent trifle. If you’re feeling fancy, serve individual slices warmed, with a shot of espresso (affogato style!) poured over each one.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh and moist for several days. Each slice of the Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe stays plush and flavorful!

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. Defrost slices overnight in the fridge for an emergency chocolate fix.

Reheating

Want that fresh-from-the-oven taste? Quickly warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or place in a 200ºF oven for a few minutes. The butter melts, the chocolate softens, and your Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe returns to its freshly-baked glory.

FAQs

Can I make this Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe without espresso powder?

Yes, you can leave out the espresso powder, although it truly deepens the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee. For a caffeine-free cake, skip it entirely — your cake will still be delicious and chocolate-forward.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

Dutch-processed cocoa gives you the deepest color and most intense chocolate flavor, but natural unsweetened cocoa works fine, too. Use whichever you have on hand for this Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe.

Can I use different chocolate in the streusel?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips can be swapped in to suit your taste or whatever’s in the pantry. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces if needed.

How do I keep the cake moist?

The key is not to over-mix the batter and to store leftovers properly wrapped. The brown sugar and extra yolk already boost moisture, so follow the directions and you’ll have a perfectly plush cake each time.

Can I bake this as muffins or in a square pan?

Definitely! For muffins, portion the batter and streusel into lined muffin cups and reduce the bake time to about 20–25 minutes. A 9-inch square pan also works; the layers will be a little thinner but every bit as tasty.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a bake that’s both simple and showstopping, this Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe is for you. With its tender crumb, generous swirl of spiced chocolate filling, and rich streusel topping, it’s bound to become a new staple in your kitchen. Go ahead — brew a fresh pot of coffee, grab your mixing bowl, and make this unforgettable cake. Happy baking!