We discovered Black Joe Cake when a friend claimed it was the richest coffee-infused cake they’d ever tasted. Thick layers of chocolatey batter get a boost from strong coffee giving each bite a satisfying depth and moist crumb.
We love how a dash of cocoa brings out the coffee’s flavor without overpowering the sweetness. Each slice pairs perfectly with a smooth topping or a scoop of ice cream turning any occasion into a cozy moment. This indulgent recipe isn’t complicated and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for anyone who enjoys a caffeinated twist in their chocolate desserts.
Black Joe Cake Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 3/4 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking soda | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Strong coffee (cooled) | 1 cup |
| Whole milk | 1/2 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl whisk strong coffee, whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Carefully pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir until the batter becomes smooth and silky.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let the cake rest for 10 minutes. Slice and garnish with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce if we want extra sweetness.
Ingredients
We rely on a few quality staples to create a deeply chocolate-infused dessert with a hint of coffee.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup strong coffee cooled
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients
- Whisk or electric mixer to blend our batter until smooth
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate flour cocoa and coffee ratios
- Rubber spatula to scrape every bit of batter from the sides
- Cake pan in a recommended size from the table below
- Wire rack to cool the cake evenly
| Pan Type | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Round Cake Pan | 8 inch or 9 inch |
| Rectangular Pan | 9 x 13 inch |
Directions
Here is how we assemble our Black Joe Cake. We follow these steps for a moist and satisfying finish.
Prep the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Grease the cake pan and dust it with flour.
- Sift the all-purpose flour cocoa powder sugar baking soda baking powder and salt into a large bowl.
- Gather the cooled strong coffee vegetable oil eggs milk and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
Mix the Batter
- Whisk the wet ingredients until smooth.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Pour the wet mixture into the well.
- Stir slowly with a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the cake texture light.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Place it on the center rack.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
| Baking Temperature | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| 350°F | 30 to 35 minutes |
- Cool the cake on a wire rack before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
We love to serve slices of Black Joe Cake in a few simple ways. Our favorite methods include:
- Classic Whipped Cream
We top each slice with whipped cream for a light finish. A few chocolate shavings add a dash of color.
- Fresh Berries
We sprinkle fresh strawberries or raspberries on each portion. This adds a burst of tartness that balances the sweet cake.
- Ice Cream Scoops
We place vanilla or coffee ice cream beside a warm slice of cake. This contrast of hot and cold elevates each bite.
- Chocolate Drizzle or Ganache
We drizzle melted chocolate or prepared ganache. This accentuates the cake’s bold cocoa flavor.
When we plan to slice the cake for different gatherings, we follow this table for guidance:
| Pan Size | Approximate Slices |
|---|---|
| 8-inch round | 8 |
| 9-inch round | 10 |
| 9 x 13-inch pan | 12 |
We also enjoy pairing our coffee-infused cake with a freshly brewed cup of strong coffee or a foamy cappuccino. We find that each sip complements the cake’s deep flavor.
Conclusion
This cake’s straightforward approach leads to a memorable treat for chocolate and coffee fans. We love how a single slice can transform an ordinary day into a moment of pure joy
We encourage everyone to explore different garnishes or coffee pairings and make it their own. Here’s to savoring every bite with delight and sharing it with those who appreciate this delicious fusion of flavors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Black Joe Cake?
Black Joe Cake is a chocolate cake infused with strong coffee. Its thick, chocolatey batter gains extra richness and moisture from cooled coffee. A touch of cocoa adds deep flavor without overshadowing the cake’s sweetness. It’s simple to bake and pairs well with various toppings like whipped cream or ice cream.
How do I make the batter?
Begin by sifting the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt) into one bowl. In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients (cooled coffee, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla). Combine them gently without overmixing to keep the texture light.
Which equipment do I need?
Gather mixing bowls, a whisk or electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, and a rubber spatula. Use an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan, or opt for a 9 x 13-inch pan if you’d like more slices. A wire rack is also handy for cooling the cake evenly.
How many slices can it yield?
An 8-inch round pan typically cuts into 8 slices. A 9-inch round pan can yield about 10 slices, and a 9 x 13-inch rectangular pan provides around 12 slices. Adjust the slice sizes according to your needs or preferred serving portions.
What toppings do you recommend?
Classic choices include whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate ganache, or even a drizzle of warm sauce. Ice cream is also a popular option for added sweetness and creaminess. Feel free to mix and match different toppings to find your favorite combination.
Can I pair it with coffee?
Absolutely. The cake’s coffee-infused flavor goes perfectly with a freshly brewed cup, an espresso, or a frothy cappuccino. The extra java aroma complements the cake’s deep chocolate notes, making for a delicious, caffeine-loving treat.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover Black Joe Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer to keep it longer, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze slices for extended storage. Let it warm slightly before serving.