Easy chocolate loaf cake with coffee frosting Recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that perfectly blends rich chocolate with a delightful coffee kick, this Easy chocolate loaf cake with coffee frosting is your ideal treat. Bursting with deep cocoa flavors and topped with a luxuriously creamy coffee frosting, this cake offers a harmonious balance that will wow your taste buds. Whether you are baking for a casual afternoon snack or a special occasion, this recipe promises a moist, tender crumb infused with subtle coffee essence, making it a beloved favorite to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this stunning Easy chocolate loaf cake with coffee frosting, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each chosen to contribute beautifully to the cake’s texture, flavor, and color. From butter that ensures a tender crumb to the instant coffee that adds a rich depth, these essentials come together for an irresistible dessert.

• Butter: Using room temperature butter helps create a light and fluffy cake batter as well as a silky frosting texture.
• Granulated sugar: It sweetens the cake while helping to achieve a soft, delicate crumb.
• Instant coffee: This ingredient adds a subtle coffee richness that enhances the chocolate without overpowering it.
• Eggs and egg yolk: They add moisture, richness, and help bind all ingredients together perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch brightens the overall flavor, complementing the chocolate and coffee notes.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure while keeping it tender.
• Cocoa powder: This provides the vibrant chocolate intensity and beautiful dark color.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise gently, creating a soft, airy texture.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds luscious creaminess and a hint of caramelized sweetness to the frosting.
• Hot water: Helps dissolve the instant coffee for a smooth and flavorful frosting.

How to Make Easy chocolate loaf cake with coffee frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 355°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking. Next, line your 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Lining the pan not only prevents sticking but also makes it easy to lift the cake out after baking with clean edges.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Coffee

Using a stand mixer, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and instant coffee until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration stage is important — it usually takes 3 to 5 minutes and builds the foundation for a moist and tender loaf.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now, add the vanilla extract and the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Including the egg yolk here adds extra richness and helps create a velvety crumb in the cake. Make sure your eggs are also at room temperature to blend seamlessly with the batter.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder on a low mixer speed just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so work carefully to keep that tender texture intact. Once combined, pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake your chocolate loaf for 40 to 45 minutes. To check doneness, insert a wooden skewer into the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Coffee Frosting

Mix the instant coffee with the hot water and set it aside to cool. In your mixer, whip the room temperature butter until it’s pale and fluffy, then add the cold sweetened condensed milk and continue whipping for another 1 to 2 minutes until fully incorporated. Finally, add the cooled coffee mixture and whip one last time to create a smooth and creamy frosting.

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the coffee frosting on top. For a charming touch, use the back of a spoon to create elegant C-shaped swirls, giving your rustic loaf a sophisticated finish. Sprinkle with cacao nibs or chocolate sprinkles for added texture and a touch of flair.

How to Serve Easy chocolate loaf cake with coffee frosting

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like cacao nibs or finely grated dark chocolate not only looks visually stunning but also introduces crunch and deeper chocolate notes that complement the creamy coffee frosting.

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs beautifully with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a lighter bite, try serving with fresh berries that add a bright, tart contrast to the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the loaf into thick pieces and serve on a wooden board or a pretty cake plate to invite guests to indulge. For gatherings, layer cake slices with frosting and some whipped cream to build an impressive yet simple trifle. You can even toast slices lightly and drizzle with a little honey for a delightful morning treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Easy chocolate loaf cake with coffee frosting fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keeping it refrigerated will preserve the frosting and maintain the cake’s moistness for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before frosting. If you freeze it frosted, be aware that the frosting texture may shift slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

If you’d like to warm your slice, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brightens the flavors and softens the frosting, making it even more heavenly to bite into. Just be careful not to overheat or the frosting might separate.

FAQs

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?

While brewed coffee adds liquid which may affect the cake’s texture, you can substitute the instant coffee with a strong brewed coffee concentrate for a similar flavor. Just reduce other liquids slightly to compensate.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed to substitute 1:1. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well to keep the cake light and fluffy.

How long does the coffee frosting last on the cake?

The frosting stays fresh and creamy for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature if covered, or up to 4 days refrigerated. Beyond that, it might begin to lose its fluffy texture.

Can I use regular powdered sugar instead of sweetened condensed milk for the frosting?

Sweetened condensed milk brings a unique creaminess and slight caramel flavor that powdered sugar alone cannot replicate. If needed, you can try a buttercream frosting with powdered sugar, but expect a different texture and taste.

What is the best way to ensure my cake comes out moist?

Using room temperature ingredients and not overmixing your batter are key to maintaining moisture. The butter and eggs contribute richness, and baking just until a skewer comes out clean prevents drying out the cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a cake that delivers both comfort and a bit of sophisticated flavor, this Easy chocolate loaf cake with coffee frosting is a must-try. Its perfect balance of chocolate and coffee makes it incredibly addictive and a real crowd-pleaser. Bake it for your next gathering or a cozy evening treat—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

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