Chocolate Espresso Cake

So excited to share this recipe from Simple Cake by Odette Williams. Rich, light, airy and perfectly chocolatey it comes together in a pinch.
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Nothing speaks to me more than chocolate cake. And cookies. But today, we’re talking Chocolatey Chocolate Espresso Cake from my latest favorite obsession, freshly released Simple Cake by Odette Williams. Simple Cake simplifies the cake world to the only ten cake recipes you’ll need, 15 cake toppings and endless options.

There are recipes for Tangy Olive Oil Cake, Versatile Coconut Cake and Lovely Lemon Yogurt Cake (just to name a few). In the toppings category she covers Tres Leches, Beautiful Buttercream, Raspberry Curd, Silky Marshmallow Frosting and Nana’s Simple Glaze. Have I mentioned Self-Care Cake? This might be next on my list. Or maybe Summertime S’mores Cake? All of the cakes are super accessible, never overly fussy and complete show stoppers. You. Will. LOVE THEM!

For more info on Odette + more of her beautiful recipes + she also is the creator of the most beautiful aprons and stationary, hop on over to her site!!

Let’s bake some really delicious chocolate cake, shall we?

Simple Cake Cookbook by Odette Williams

About This Chocolate Espresso Cake

This cake comes together quickly with ingredients you have in your kitchen, nothing too complicated. The great thing about Odette’s book is that every recipe comes with hella options. Which I love. Have you ever gathered all of your ingredients to make something fabulous only to realize you don’t have just the right pan?

Don’t fret, Odette will give you options that include muffin tins, cake rounds, baking dishes and ramekins. Even better, she’ll also give you heaps of ideas on how to tweak the cake and make it unique to your style and cravings.

For this particular cake she suggests Toblerlone Ganache (I literally can’t), Tres Leches with Condensed Milk Whipped Cream or Nutella Whipped Cream (and this is just a small sampling!!). Is your mouth watering yet??

Do you see why I’m calling this the Little Black Dress of Chocolate Cakes?

Chocolatey Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe | DisplacedHousewife

Espresso in Chocolate Cakes

I decided to use the coffee option that Odette offers with this cake. So instead of using 1 cup of boiling water as the base recipes details, I used 1/2 cup fresh-brewed espresso (you could use fresh-brewed strong coffee) and 1/2 cup boiling water.

She recommends using a full 1 cup of coffee…but I just did a long shot with my Nespresso maker and then filled the remainder with boiling water to equal 1 cup. I can never, ever turn down coffee + chocolate. Ever. Prepare yourself for a light, dare I say ‘fluffy’, moist and perfectly chocolatey cake.

Chocolatey Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe | DisplacedHousewife

Chocolate Espresso Cake Ingredient Notes

COCOA

You can use either Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa or just regular unsweetened cocoa powder. I always prefer Dutch-process for the rich color and flavor, but if you can avoid having to run to the store, I support that.

OIL

I use my favorite Sunflower Seed Oil as it imparts zero flavor. But, I have to say, I love olive oil and chocolate and can’t help but think that would make a fun cake.

COFFEE

If you don’t want to use espresso/coffee, you can just use all hot water as noted above.

Chocolatey Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe | DisplacedHousewife
Chocolatey Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe | DisplacedHousewife
Chocolatey Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe | DisplacedHousewife

To Decorate

I used stencils to put the words on the cake but you could just as easily print them off of your computer rather than buying them. I had a hankering for Thai food so didn’t mind the 30 minute drive to Michael’s in Lompoc. I also thought a dusting of cocoa powder could be pretty. Sprinkles? I mean, always. Get frisky.

Chocolatey Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe | DisplacedHousewife

Chocolate Espresso Cake

So excited to share this recipe from Simple Cake by Odette Williams. Rich, light, airy and perfectly chocolatey it comes together in a pinch.
4.78 from 9 reviews
Print Save Rate
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Cake
Keyword: Chocoalte, Espresso, Cake, Baking, Dessert

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups (225 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) grapeseed oil, (or any mild- flavored oil (I like Sunflower Seed Oil))
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh-brewed espresso, ((you could also use strong coffee))
  • Confectioners' sugar to sift over the top

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13X9 baking dish with butter, line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper, and grease the paper. (I’ll let you just grease, line the bottom of the pan, and lightly flour the sides if you’re feeling lazy.)
  • Place a large sifter or a sieve in a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and sift. Add the sugar and whisk until combined.
  • In another large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla together.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until there are no lumps and the batter is smooth.
  • Carefully pour in the boiling water and espresso and stir until combined. (Watch the little ones with the hot water!) Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake in the center of the oven for approximately 30 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, and the cake bounces back when lightly pressed.
  • Sift powdered sugar over the top and you're done!
Thanks for baking with me! Please rate + comment this recipe and tag me on social @displacedhousewife #displacedhousewife so I can see your beautiful treats! xo

Reprinted with permission from Simple Cake by Odette Williams, Ten Speed Press 2019.

Comments

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe

I love your comments, reviews and questions! If you love this recipe, please rate it when you leave a comment. Star ratings 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 help people discover my recipes. Your support means a lot, I look forward to chatting with you!

Rebecca xox

Recipe Rating




108 Comments

  • Mimi Renaud March 26, 2019 at 2:36 PM

    In honor of spring, Lovely Lemon! Yum!

    Reply
  • Liz March 26, 2019 at 1:50 AM

    Love a basic yellow cake with cream cheese frosting

    Reply
  • Siena March 26, 2019 at 12:18 AM

    5 stars
    Anything chocolate!! Dark, fudgey, and chocolatey is all I ever want in a cake!

    Reply
  • Blair March 25, 2019 at 11:17 PM

    Oh my goodness WOW! Your descriptions are putting my tastebuds into overdrive! Im not sure if my last comment went though due to internet issues, so I’m putting my fav cake out here again to enter into the give away! Chocolate, coconut or carrot are my favorite depending on my mood!!

    Reply
  • Melissa T. March 25, 2019 at 7:48 PM

    Been loving olive oil cakes with brown butter frosting!

    Reply
  • Amanda W. March 25, 2019 at 7:39 PM

    German chocolate

    Reply
  • Susan Lamb March 25, 2019 at 6:24 PM

    Chocolate peanutbutter cup cake

    Reply
  • Nadia Murray March 25, 2019 at 2:39 PM

    Lemon pound cake – syrup infused and glazed. Sweet and tart at the same time.

    Reply
  • Anne W Pikula March 25, 2019 at 2:19 PM

    Coconut cream cake. 2nd is chocolate espresso cake so I’m definitely going to try this recipe. Thanks!

    Reply
  • Briana March 25, 2019 at 1:45 PM

    Favorite cake seems like it would be every cake, but I will say that I can never turn down a light and fluffy angel food cake, especially is there’s some jammy fruit to go with it!

    Reply
  • Lindsay March 25, 2019 at 1:44 PM

    Anything s’mores is ALWAYS my favorite! They can always be customized!

    Reply
  • Sarah March 25, 2019 at 7:11 AM

    I love chocolate cake! Bundt cake, sheet cake, round cake.. if it’s chocolate and tasty, I’m in! Thank you for testing and sharing this recipe!

    Reply
    • Briana March 25, 2019 at 1:44 PM

      Favorite cake seems like it would be every cake, but I will say that I can never turn down a light and fluffy angel food cake, especially is there’s some jammy fruit to go with it!

      Reply
  • Kate L. March 25, 2019 at 6:11 AM

    So many “favorites “…right now, I have tres leches cake on my mind – – maybe made with coconut milk and with a coconut flavored whipped cream frosting.

    Reply
  • Erin Martyn March 25, 2019 at 3:42 AM

    Shirley Corriher’s Magnificent Golden Cake is one of my absolute favorites! Fillings and buttercream options are endless! I also have a fantastic chocolate cake recipe that is similar to Odette’s cake and I love it as well! The coffee really brings out the chocolate flavor ☕️

    Reply
  • Barrie March 25, 2019 at 3:03 AM

    Favorite cake? Singular? I don’t understand the question.

    I guess if I could only eat one cake for the rest of my life, it would be the fudgiest of dark chocolate cakes, with loads of chocolate ganache frosting and chocolate shavings.

    Reply
  • Veronica March 25, 2019 at 2:32 AM

    My favorite cake is all strawberry – strawberry cake, homemade strawberry jam, and a strawberry cream cheese frosting!

    Reply
    • Jeanne K March 25, 2019 at 5:26 AM

      I will start by saying I’ve never met a cake I didn’t love but if I had to pick a favorite it would probably be something chocolate. I can’t wait to try this recipe and as an absolute Cake Lover, I would be thrilled to win this cookbook!

      Reply
  • Pam March 25, 2019 at 12:55 AM

    My mom’s chocolate cake (which seems similar to this one) with cream cheese frosting.

    Reply
  • Patty S March 25, 2019 at 12:40 AM

    How exciting for a chance to win!! I love a tender white cake, amaretto flavor, or plain. It’s yummy with a homemade jam, or lemon curd for between the layers and lightly frosted such as the naked style!!

    Reply
  • Georgia Elder March 24, 2019 at 11:52 PM

    Tyler Florence’s Triple Chocolate Threat from his Real Kitchen cookbook is DIVINE!

    Reply
  • Blair March 24, 2019 at 11:08 PM

    OH MY GOODNESS I can’t with your descriptions of this book!! My salivary glands are going into over drive my favorite cake is either chocolate or coconut!! Or both!! Can’t wait to make this cake!

    Reply
  • Melissa March 24, 2019 at 11:03 PM

    My favorite cake is a triple ginger cake (fresh, crystallized and powdered) with lemon buttercream frosting. I usually only make it once a year because it’s pretty indulgent.

    Reply
  • Jennifer G. March 24, 2019 at 8:34 PM

    I love any cake with German buttercream

    Reply
  • Patricia A Foley March 24, 2019 at 7:58 PM

    Yellow cake with chocolate frosting for the win!!!!

    Reply
  • Pam Chism March 24, 2019 at 6:57 PM

    5 stars
    German Chocolate! From scratch of course!

    Reply
  • Michele Falk March 24, 2019 at 6:39 PM

    My two favorite cakes are a filled angel food cake with whipped cream, and a chocolate stout cake with Irish cream frosting. They also work for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea in a pinch.

    Reply
  • Kelly N March 24, 2019 at 6:24 PM

    5 stars
    I think my favorite cake to eat is really moist chocolate with a load of vanilla buttercream. My favorite to make is sour lemon. Mmmm.

    Reply
  • Sandra March 24, 2019 at 6:10 PM

    My favourite cake is the homemade easy chocolate cake that my mum made. It is similar to this one and just loved it when she lightly dusted it with icing sugar!

    Reply
    • Marcie March 24, 2019 at 7:47 PM

      I love a strawberry cake! I make one for my dads birthday every year!
      Or honestly any birthday cake I get to make for friends or family – I love birthdays and seeing the birthday person enjoy the first bite is the best!

      Reply
  • Andrea D. March 24, 2019 at 5:44 PM

    I don’t think that I have ever had a cake that I didn’t like, but if I had to pick a favorite, I would probably say carrot cake!

    Reply
    • Kelly Nichols March 24, 2019 at 6:12 PM

      5 stars
      I think my favorite cake to eat is really moist chocolate with a load of vanilla buttercream. My favorite to make is sour lemon. Mmmm.

      Reply
    • Kelly March 24, 2019 at 6:17 PM

      Oops sorry. I left my comment wrong!

      Reply
  • Trudi Flagg March 24, 2019 at 5:45 PM

    Yummmmmmmmmmm!

    Reply
  • Mel March 24, 2019 at 5:54 PM

    Honey cake with fleur de sel from the Vanilla Bean Blog! Crazy good.

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:40 PM

    I totally agree!!! Totally delicious, accessible cakes! xoxo

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:41 PM

    Right?!?!

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:41 PM

    I know! I can’t wait to make it!! xoxo

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:42 PM

    Me too!! xo

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:43 PM

    I hope you love it!! xoxo

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:43 PM

    You’ll love it!! xox

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:43 PM

    HEAVEN!!!

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:45 PM

    SUCH a good cake!!!!!

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:45 PM

    She’s the queen! xo

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:45 PM

    I love those and it’s been wayyyy too long since I’ve made them!! And nothing shallow about crumb cake!! xoxo

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:46 PM

    Good luck to you!!! I can’t wait to try that Lemon Yogurt Cake too!! xo

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:47 PM

    Love Jeannine’s but I haven’t tried that cake — putting it on my list!! xoxo

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:47 PM

    Good luck to you — this cake is foolproof!!! xox

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth March 24, 2019 at 8:48 PM

    Thanks sweet Anne — I love to hear that!!!! Good luck, I think you’ll love this book too!! xoxo

    Reply
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