Incredible Chocolate Coffee Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup cocoa powder (regular or dutch-processed)
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (shaken)
• 1 cup very hot coffee (or 1 cup very hot water and 2 tsp of instant coffee or 1 tsp espresso powder)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 8 oz quality chocolate (bittersweet, dark, or semisweet bars or quality chips. We like Ghirardelli.)
• 2 1/2 sticks butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder (regular can be substituted)
• 1 tsp instant coffee
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Chocolate Coffee Cake ---

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare two 9-inch circle pans with a layer of parchment, then spray well with baking spray. For a parchment tutorial, see the link in the post above.

3. 3

   In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with hand beaters, combine all the dry ingredients on low until evenly mixed. Use a rubber spatula to help as needed.

4. 4

   Add all the wet ingredients. Mix on low until combined, scraping the sides and bottom well.

5. 5

   Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Tap the pans on the counter a few times to release excess air bubbles.

6. 6

   Bake on the middle rack for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean or with only a few small, moist crumbs.

7. 7

   Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then flip onto a wire rack to cool completely.

8. 8

   --- Chocolate Frosting ---

9. 9

   In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 30 second increments, stirring in between until it is fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool.

10. 10

    In a food processor, add butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and salt. Pulse until smooth, thick, and creamy. Scrape with a rubber spatula.

11. 11

    Add corn syrup and vanilla. Pulse until just combined, then scrape the bowl.

12. 12

    Add the cooled melted chocolate. Pulse until just combined.