This indulgent chocolate cake is soft, moist, and perfectly complemented by a rich, silky frosting. Infused with a touch of coffee, the cake has a delicate balance of flavors, bringing out the warmth of the chocolate while adding a subtle, satisfying bitterness from the coffee syrup. The creamy mascarpone frosting is smooth and luxurious, making every bite feel like a treat. Baked in a tart pan for an elegant look, this cake is sure to impress, whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
You’ll fall in love with this cake because it combines the deep flavors of chocolate and coffee, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that isn’t too sweet or too rich. The cake itself is light and fluffy, while the creamy frosting adds a velvety smoothness that melts in your mouth. The use of coffee gives the cake a sophisticated twist, making it a perfect pairing with your afternoon coffee or tea. It’s simple to make, yet looks and tastes like something you’d get from a fancy bakery.
Perfect Occasion:
This cake is perfect for any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a homemade dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. It works well for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, but it’s also a great choice for more casual get-togethers like coffee with friends. If you want a cake that feels a bit more refined yet still comforting, this coffee-infused chocolate cake is ideal.
Decoration Tips:
For a polished and elegant presentation, dust the top of the cake with a light layer of cocoa powder right before serving. If you want to add a little extra flair, consider piping some whipped cream along the edges or adding chocolate shavings on top of the frosting. You can also garnish with a few whole coffee beans for a rustic, coffeehouse-style touch. Make sure to let the frosting cool completely before dusting with cocoa to ensure a clean, smooth finish.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (100 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (100 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (100 ml) milk
- 2 cups (200 ml) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (heaping)
- 1 packet of vanilla extract
- 1 packet of baking powder
For the Frosting:
- 2½ cups (600 ml) milk
- 1 cup (100 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 packet of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese (100g)
For the Coffee Syrup:
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- ½ cup hot water
For Sprinkling:
- Cocoa powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a tart pan. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add in the vegetable oil and milk, stirring to combine. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, vanilla, and baking powder, then gently fold everything together until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared tart pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan. - Make the Frosting:
In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, egg yolk, and flour until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool completely, stirring occasionally. Once cooled, fold in the mascarpone cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. - Prepare the Coffee Syrup:
Dissolve the instant coffee in the hot water, stirring until fully combined. - Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, use a brush to gently soak the cake with the coffee syrup, ensuring the liquid is absorbed evenly. Spread the mascarpone frosting over the cake in an even layer. Refrigerate the cake until fully chilled. - Final Touches:
Just before serving, lightly dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!