Chocolate Coffee Cake

Chocolate Coffee Cake is a rich, moist treat that balances deep cocoa notes with the subtle depth of brewed coffee. It is finished with a sweet glaze, milk chocolate chips, and crushed peanuts for a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Why This Chocolate Coffee Cake Works

This recipe relies on a straightforward mixing method that keeps the texture tender and consistent. Using room-temperature coffee is the key step here, as it blends smoothly into the batter without changing the temperature of the fats. The combination of milk chocolate and peanuts on top creates a classic flavor profile that makes this cake a reliable choice for any dessert occasion.

Ingredient Notes

• Brewed Coffee: Make sure it is at room temperature before adding it to the batter to keep the consistency smooth.
• Dark Brown Sugar: This adds a touch of moisture and a deeper molasses flavor compared to using only granulated sugar.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: These melt slightly when hitting the warm cake, creating a nice contrast with the crunchy peanuts.

Chocolate Coffee Cake

Chocolate Coffee Cake

This rich and moist chocolate cake features a bold coffee infusion and is finished with a sweet glaze, chocolate chips, and crunchy peanuts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Rest 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Ingredients

  

Cake Batter

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup brewed coffee room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Glaze and Topping

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanuts crushed

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Add the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, whisking until everything is well combined.
• Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients, then stir gently until just combined.
• Pour in the room temperature coffee and mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.
• Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until you have a smooth, pourable glaze.
• Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, then immediately sprinkle with the milk chocolate chips and crushed peanuts so they stick to the glaze.
• Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve.

Keyword Chocolate Coffee Cake

Tima’s Tips

• Using room temperature coffee prevents the butter and eggs from seizing, which helps ensure the cake has a tender crumb.
• You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature, adding the glaze and toppings just before you are ready to serve.

Variations

• Swap the peanuts for chopped walnuts or pecans if you prefer a different nut texture.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to intensify the coffee flavor.
• Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate if you prefer a less sweet topping.

Common Questions I Get

If you make this, let me know how it turned out in the comments below — I'd love to hear from you.