Decadent Mocha Chocolate Cake (or Cupcakes)
Indulge in this Decadent Mocha Chocolate Cake, a divine creation that promises to satisfy your chocolate cravings with its ultra-moist texture and rich flavor. Inspired by Starbucks coffee, this recipe brings together the deep, fudgy notes of cocoa and the subtle allure of espresso for a delightful treat. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a birthday dessert or just a sweet afternoon boost, you'll find that each bite is a harmonious blend of chocolatey goodness. Best of all, this one-bowl recipe is simple enough for cooks of all skill levels, ensuring that you can whip up this luxurious dessert with ease. Transform your gatherings with this stunning cake or adorable chocolate cupcakes – either way, prepare for compliments galore!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
granulated sugar
2 cups (none)
unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup (sifted)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (none)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
canola oil
1/2 cup (none)
milk
1 cup (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Starbucks black coffee
8 ounces (cooled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, canola oil, vanilla extract, and cooled Starbucks black coffee. Whisk together until well combined.
3
Gradually mix in the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until smooth.
4
Slowly add the flour and milk to the mixture, alternating between the two, stirring gently. Don’t worry if the batter seems runny; this is what keeps the cake incredibly moist.
5
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Pour the batter evenly into the pans, or if making cupcakes, line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners and fill each cup about three-quarters full.
6
Bake the cake for 25 minutes or the cupcakes for 20-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8
Frost the cool cakes with your favorite icing; Magnolia Bakery's Buttercream Frosting works wonderfully. For the cupcakes, consider adding a decorative two-tone icing with your favorite buttercream and food coloring for a fun, festive touch.
9
TIP: For even moister cupcakes, store them in a Tupperware container overnight before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Decadent Mocha Chocolate Cake?
This cake features a rich chocolate flavor with deep, fudgy notes of cocoa and a subtle allure of espresso inspired by Starbucks coffee.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is a simple one-bowl recipe designed for cooks of all skill levels to whip up with ease.
What is the secret to the cake's ultra-moist texture?
The moisture comes from the specific combination of ingredients, including coffee and oil, and a batter that remains relatively runny before baking.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you begin mixing your ingredients.
What type of coffee should I use for the mocha flavor?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of cooled Starbucks black coffee.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a full cake?
Yes, this batter can be used to make cupcakes by lining two 12-cup muffin tins and filling each cup three-quarters full.
How long should the cake bake?
The cake should be baked for approximately 25 minutes.
What is the baking time for cupcakes?
Cupcakes should be baked for 20 to 23 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should I let the cakes cool in the pans?
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out.
Where should the cakes finish cooling?
After the initial 10-minute cooling period in the pan, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
What frosting is recommended for this mocha cake?
Magnolia Bakery's Buttercream Frosting is highly recommended for this recipe.
What ingredients are whisked together first?
Combine the eggs, canola oil, vanilla extract, and cooled black coffee in a large mixing bowl first.
What dry ingredients are added after the wet ingredients?
Gradually mix in the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
How should the flour and milk be added?
Slowly add the flour and milk to the mixture, alternating between the two while stirring gently.
How much flour is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Should the cocoa powder be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, you should use 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and it should be sifted.
How much sugar is in the Decadent Mocha Chocolate Cake?
The recipe requires 2 cups of granulated sugar.
What kind of oil should I use for baking?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of canola oil.
How many eggs are needed and how should they be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 large eggs that have been beaten.
Does this recipe use baking soda or baking powder?
This recipe uses both: 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
What size cake pans should I grease?
You should grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Can I add a decorative touch to the cupcakes?
Yes, you can use a two-tone icing technique with your favorite buttercream and food coloring.
How can I make the cupcakes even more moist?
Store the cupcakes in a Tupperware container overnight before serving to increase moisture.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Is milk a necessary ingredient for this cake?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of milk, added alternately with the flour.
How much salt is included in the batter?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is this a one-bowl recipe?
Yes, it is a one-bowl recipe, making it very easy to clean up.
What occasions is this cake best for?
It is perfect for birthdays, festive gatherings, or as a sweet afternoon boost.
Does the coffee need to be hot when added to the batter?
No, the Starbucks black coffee must be cooled before being added to the mixture.