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    Home » Recipes » Cake

    Dark Chocolate Mocha Cake Recipe

    Published: May 11, 2020 · Modified: Apr 23, 2022 by Laura Reigel · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump To Recipe Comments
    dark chocolate mocah cake pinterest image by foodology geek.
    mocha cake pinterest image.

    This ultra-easy cake recipe is a super dark chocolate cake with a hint of coffee flavor. It's wonderfully delicious! Mocha cake is one of my favorite chocolate cake recipes because it's always perfectly moist and never too sweet. 

    Rich Chocolate Mocha Cake with a fluffy chocolate whipped cream icing. Severed with vanilla ice cream.
    This Rich and Moist Chocolate Mocha Cake With A Light Whipped Chocolate Frosting Is Fail-Proof.

    This mocha cake recipe is a cake recipe that was given to me by my good friend Kit. 

    Her Aunt Cherie used to make this cake for her when she was growing up! It used to be her go-to birthday cake recipe! 

    We made this cake one afternoon and I fell in love with so many things about this rich but fluffy and moist cake. 

    plate of chocolate mocha cake with ice cream | foodology geek

    What you are going to love about this recipe

    • Minimal Ingredients: It only requires a few easy-to-find ingredients and has minimal instructions.
    • Fool-proof: It's impossible to mess up this chocolate cake.
    • Always Delicious: I can't think of a time that it hasn't come out moist and delicious.
    • Fluffy Mocha Frosting: The mocha cake frosting is so ridiculously fluffy. I love that it's not too sweet! It complements the rich dark chocolate cake perfectly. 

    PRO-TIP: You can also make this recipe as a sheet cake instead. It is YOUR cake!

    Chocolate Mocha Cake on a plate with ice cream
    Fantastically rich and moist- this mocha cake is a sure win for any birthday celebration.

    Foodology Geek Recipe Tips

    Ingredients Needed For Mocha Cake with Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting

    • Dry Ingredients: Sugar, all-purpose flour, and cocoa powder.
    • Leavening: Baking soda, baking powder, and salt. 
    • Wet Ingredients: Eggs, milk, oil, strong brewed coffee, and vanilla extract. 
    • Frosting: Heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cocoa powder. 

    How To Make a Mocha Cake

    1. Get Ready to Bake: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Grease and flour 2 round cake tins. 
    2. Mix: Add ALL of the cake ingredients (except the coffee) to a large mixing bowl. Mix until everything is combined. 
    3. Add strong hot coffee: Then mix everything one more Time. 
    4. Bake: Bake the cake for about 30 minutes. If you have a probe thermometer the internal temperature of the cake should be about 205℉. 
    5. Cooling: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely before frosting, at least 2 hours. 

    How to make Mocha Cake Frosting

    1. Make sure the heavy whipping cream is extra cold.
    2. Add the ingredients to your mixing bowl. Besat until the frosting is fluffy and has stiff peaks.  
    slice of mocha cake on a blue plate with a few bites eaten.

    FAQs and Variations

    • 9 x 13 - inch cake pan: The baking Time may increase slightly for a 9 x 13-inch pan. I find it most accurate to use a probe thermometer to make sure the case is done without a doubt. 

    If you like this cake, I have a few more dessert recipes that you definitely should try:

    Banana Cake

    Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
    A wonderful change of pace from traditional Chocolate, Yellow, or White cakes. This delicious banana cake is great for any occasion from picnics to birthday parties!
    SEE THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
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    Spiced Apple Cake

    Homemade Apple Cake Recipe
    This easy cake is an ideal any occasion. It's great for breakfast, can be taken to a potluck, stands on its own as dessert...or is right at home for any coffee break.
    SEE THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
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    Carrot Cake with Pineapple

    Carrot Cake
    This isn't your average carrot cake. Oh no, this recipe features a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level: pineapple! The sweet and tangy fruit pairs perfectly with the spices in the cake, resulting in a tasty cake that you'll love. Plus, it's easy to make - perfect for the days when you need some baking therapy. So go ahead and give it a try - we promise you won't be disappointed!
    SEE THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
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    Vanilla Cupcakes

    Ultimate Vanilla Cupcakes
    This recipe is from our friend Stef at The Cupcake Project. She is the undisputed queen of cupcakes.
    PIN FOR LATER
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    St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes
    These rich dark chocolate Guinness cupcakes with Bailey's frosting are filled with Jameson's whiskey filling. Top them off with St. Patrick's day cupcake sprinkles.
    Honestly, I could eat these cupcakes every day. They're moist and chocolaty and the Bailey's frosting is divine.
    SEE THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
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    Apple Crisp

    Easy Apple Crisp
    This informal apple crisp is a quick delicious summer dessert. It is perfect for a BBQ.
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    Apple Crisp With Ice Cream by foodology geek

    ➽ Did you make this recipe? I love to see what's going on in your kitchen. Please show me what you're cooking. 🍳 Tag me @foodologygeek on your favorite social channel! Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. If you loved ❤︎ this recipe, please leave a five ★ review and a comment!

    mocha cake recipe with ice cream. moist chocolate cake with a mocha frosting.
    Favorite Saved!

    Dark Chocolate Mocha Cake

    Laura Reigel
    This delicious chocolate mocha cake is perfect for the first-time baker. It is EASY! 
    PRINT PIN SAVE SAVED
    Prep Time 2 hrs 20 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 2 hrs 50 mins
    Course Dessert, Easy
    Cuisine baked goods, Cake, Cupcakes, Family Recipes
    Servings 12
    Calories 488 kcal

    Equipment

    • probe thermometer

    Ingredients
      

    Chocolate Mocha Cake

    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 2 cups all purpose flour OR cake flour
    • ¾ cup cocoa powder
    • 2 eggs
    • ¾ cup vegetable oil or coconut oil
    • ¾ cup milk whole or 2%
    • 2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ tsp vanilla
    • 1 cup strong brewed coffee boiling

    Chocolate Icing

    • 1 cup whipping cream (½ pint)
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla
    • 4 tablespoon cocoa
    • 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    Chocolate Mocha Cake

    • Preheat the oven to 350℉
    • Grease and flour 2 - 9" round pans (or one 13" x 9" pan).
    • Combine all of the ingredients - EXCEPT the coffee. Mix until blended.
    • Add the hot coffee. Mix again.
    • Bake the cakes for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Approx. 45 mins for 13" x 9" pan)

    Whipped Chocolate Icing

    • Put all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl with beaters. REFRIGERATE AT LEAST 2 HOURS.
    • Beat until there are stiff peaks and the icing is a spreadable consistency.

    Laura's Tips + Notes

    Refrigerate or keep cool until ready to serve. This is NOT the cake to transport on a hot day! If you want to take it to a potluck, we recommend using a cream cheese icing instead. There are two on the site: Banana Cake and Cinnamon Rolls.

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 488kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 5gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 334mgFiber: 2gSugar: 49gCalcium: 65mgIron: 2.1mg
    Keyword cake, chocolate, family recipe, Kit
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Snap a 📸 and share it. Tag me @foodologygeek and don't forget to hashtag #foodologygeek!

     

    More Cakes

    • Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
    • The BEST Carrot Cake
    • New York Cheesecake Recipe
    • Homemade Apple Cake Recipe
    8979 shares

    About Laura Reigel

    Laura is the owner and CEO of Foodology Geek. She holds a degree in Physiology and Neuroscience as well as a Certification as a Nutrition Coach. Laura uses her love of cooking and science to create healthy real food recipes that you'll love eating.

    As a certified recipe hoarder, and meal prep maven Laura is passionate about sharing her love for cooking easy from-scratch recipes. She also shares the occasional family recipe and all of the technical details.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lindsey

      February 19, 2021 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      Definitely the best mocha cake ever ! Thanks so much! Its definitely my favorite

      Reply
    2. Lindsey

      January 10, 2021 at 12:09 pm

      5 stars
      One of my favorite !
      I do love the whipped cream and how it’s so light and complimentary to the cake. Thanks for sharing !

      Reply
      • Laura

        January 18, 2021 at 1:03 pm

        Thank you Lindsey! I'm so happy that you loved this chocolate cake recipe. The whipped cream frosting isn my favorite too!

        Reply
    3. Rachel Pesch

      October 31, 2020 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this cake today and it was DELICIOUS!! Love the whipped frosting as I'm not a buttercream frosting fan.

      Reply
      • Laura

        November 05, 2020 at 2:54 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you. so much, Rachel, for the awesome review. I really love this light and fluffy frosting as well. I am so happy to hear that you loved this cake. 💜

        Reply
    4. ronak mehta

      August 05, 2020 at 8:08 pm

      I tried out cake with the above recipe. The cake was very soft and tasty. Thank you.

      Reply
    5. Emily

      April 24, 2020 at 6:51 pm

      5 stars
      I ended up making this today for my husband's birthday, (he hates coffee, but loves mocha, go figure!) and it was a hige success! This was a very easy cake to make and turned out perfect!

      Reply
      • Laura

        April 27, 2020 at 12:51 pm

        Emily, Thank you so much for the review! I am so glad his birthday cake turned out great.

        Reply
        • Que

          February 28, 2021 at 4:31 pm

          Can i use instant coffee? If so what measurement? Thank you

          Reply
          • Foodology Geek

            March 04, 2021 at 9:49 pm

            Yes, you can use instant coffee for this. Depending on the brand of instant coffee, measurements may vary. You can use instant coffee or instant espresso. Just follow the measurements specific to your favorite brand and then maybe add just a a little extra so the coffee is strong. I hope that helps. 💜

            Reply
      • Syndi

        July 24, 2020 at 3:39 am

        I made this for my husband's birthday. Cake was too heavy and probably would not make again. ;(

        Reply
        • Laura

          July 25, 2020 at 7:01 pm

          So sorry to hear that Syndi! Is there any thing that maybe I could help with here? I wonder what went wrong.

          Reply

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    Hi, I'm Laura! Welcome to Foodology Geek restaurant-inspired recipes & culinary science.

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