Cinnamon Coffee Chocolate Cake
The Cinnamon Coffee Chocolate cake is a moist, rich cake infused with coffee and warm cinnamon, finished with a luscious coffee-chocolate ganache.
It’s perfect for chilly mornings, afternoon tea, or dessert with a twist of sophistication.
What makes this recipe special?
It’s all about balance.
The earthy notes of freshly brewed coffee enhance deep cocoa flavors, while a hint of aromatic spice adds complexity.
This dessert is so rich it blurs the line between breakfast and celebration due to its combination of cozy warmth with bold flavors.
Follow this recipe and you’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.
Ready to bake magic into your kitchen?
Let’s get the celebration started.
Essential Ingredients and Must-Have Tools
Great bakes start with two essentials: premium components and reliable gear.
Let’s break down what you’ll need to create a tender crumb with lasting freshness.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) brewed strong coffee (warm, not hot)
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
Coffee-Chocolate Ganache (optional but amazing):
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 4 oz (115g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Key Equipment and Pan Preparation Tips
Non-stick Nordic Ware pans work best.
Grease every crevice with softened butter using a pastry brush, then dust with flour. Tap out excess – this prevents sticking and ensures clean edges.
| Tool | Purpose | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Even batter blending | Use glass for easy scraping |
| Bundt Pan | Even heat distribution | Chill 10 mins before inverting |
| Measuring Cups | Precision | Separate wet/dry sets |
Let your batter rest 5 minutes before baking so flour hydrates properly.
Step-by-Step Baking Process
Transform your kitchen into a bakery with these foolproof steps.
Follow the instructions carefully to achieve a tender crumb and perfect swirl every time.
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan (or line with parchment).
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the warm coffee with the milk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and both sugars until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Ganache (Optional):
In a small saucepan, heat the cream and espresso powder over medium heat until just simmering.
Remove from heat, pour over the chopped chocolate, and let sit for 2 minutes.
Stir until smooth. Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth if desired.
Assemble:
Pour the ganache over the cooled cake and let it set for about 30 minutes at room temp or 10 in the fridge.
Tips, Variations, and Presentation Ideas
Turn every slice into an edible masterpiece with smart tweaks and inspired plating.
These simple upgrades transform your creation from everyday treat to brunch showstopper.
Creative Serving Suggestions for Breakfast or Brunch
Drizzle warm milk chocolate over individual slices for instant elegance.
Pair with freshly brewed coffee in mismatched mugs for a cozy vibe.
You can also try these crowd-pleasing ideas:
- Top with toasted coconut flakes and crushed pistachios.
- Serve alongside seasonal fruit skewers.
- Dust with cocoa powder using a stencil pattern.
Morning gatherings? Prep the batter the night before.
Bake in 35 mins while brewing coffee and your kitchen will smell incredible when the guests start arriving.
Variations to Customize Your Cake
Swap ingredients to match your mood or pantry stock.
Use almond milk instead of regular for nutty undertones.
You can also replace ½ cup flour with ground oats for heartier texture.
| Original | Swap | Flavor Boost |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Whole wheat | Earthy depth |
| Granulated sugar | Brown sugar | Caramel notes |
| Yogurt | Buttermilk | Tangy twist |
Experiment with streusel toppings, for instance, mix in chopped pecans or orange zest. For holiday versions, add ¼ teaspoon cardamom to the spice blend.
Simple yet Memorable
The Cinnamon Coffee Chocolate Cake proves that memorable moments often come from simple pleasures.
By blending rich cocoa with aromatic spices, you create a treats that turns ordinary mornings into celebrations.
The magic lies in smart techniques such as:
- proper measuring,
- layering flavors,
- trusting the process.
To be honest, quality ingredients make all the difference to ensure every bite feels indulgent yet balanced.
Whether served warm with afternoon tea or packed for a midday snack, this dessert adapts to your cravings effortlessly.
Now it’s your turn to shine. Preheat that oven and let the sweet adventure begin.
Would you like to make other delicious treats that mix chocolate and coffee?
Then take a look at my unique recipe for Espresso Covered Chocolate Pretzels.
FAQ
Can I substitute the coffee in the recipe?
Yes! Use decaf coffee or espresso for a milder flavor. For a caffeine-free option, try chicory root or hot water mixed with cocoa powder.
How do I prevent the cake from drying out?
Avoid overmixing the batter, and check doneness 5 minutes early using a toothpick. Let it cool completely before slicing to lock in moisture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slices briefly in the microwave before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your mix doesn’t include it for better texture.
Can I freeze this dessert for later?
Yes—wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 2 hours.
