Indulge in the rich, caffeinated decadence of Carey Neff's Espresso Cake, a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. This easy-to-make cake combines the bold intensity of espresso powder with the deep richness of cocoa, creating a perfectly balanced, aromatic treat. Made with a simple yet luxurious blend of pantry staples—including milk, eggs, and a splash of vanilla extract—and finished with a texture-enhancing splash of boiling water, this cake bakes up beautifully in just over half an hour. Whether layered with a velvety espresso buttercream or draped in a luscious chocolate ganache, this show-stopping dessert serves as the ultimate centerpiece at any gathering. Quick to prepare and delightfully indulgent, Carey Neff's Espresso Cake is a must-try recipe that’s guaranteed to please a crowd.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. Whisk together until evenly combined.
Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed (using a hand or stand mixer) until the batter is smooth and well blended.
Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting—such as a rich espresso buttercream or chocolate ganache—for an extra indulgent touch. Slice and serve!
Serving size | (1394.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3554.2 |
Total Fat 140.9g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 32.5g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.5g | |
Cholesterol 401.3mg | 0% |
Sodium 4205.8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 580.3g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 49.4g | 0% |
Total Sugars 316.1g | |
Protein 69.2g | 0% |
Vitamin D 189.4IU | 0% |
Calcium 532.8mg | 0% |
Iron 31.9mg | 0% |
Potassium 2588.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories