Chocolate Espresso Cake
The holiday season it the best time for baking and this is a perfect dessert, it’s festive and rich in chocolate! I made it for my husband’s law partners birthday. The espresso gives it such a nice coffee kick and the raspberry garnish just brightens it up. I also used coarse ground espresso instead of instant espresso powder to add a little more texture.
Ingredients
- 1 bar (4 oz.) dark chocolate baking bar, broken into small pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3 tbsp. coarse ground espresso powder
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 10 inch non-stick cake round pan.
Microwave the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl on high for 30 second intervals until the chocolate is completely melted. Stirring in between each one. Let cool.
Combine the dry ingredients in a small bowl, flour, baking soda, salt and espresso powder. Mix together until combined.
In large mixing bowl beat together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the melted chocolate, and beat for about 3 minutes just until combined. Start gradually adding the flour mixture into the cake batter alternating with the buttermilk. Continue to scape down the sides and make sure everything is combined and smooth. Pour into prepared cake pan.
Bake for about 35-40 minutes until firm and when you insert a toothpick it comes out clean. Cool.
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 (10 oz.) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Garnish with raspberries and espresso beans
Place ingredients into a small bowl and place on top of a sauce pan with boiling water. Stir until chocolate is just melted. Pour chocolate ganache over the top of the cake and spread so it spills over the edges. Smooth out if you wish but I like the organic free flowing look of the chocolate. Garnish with the raspberries and espresso beans!! Serve immediately.
