Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting

A rich and decadent treat, Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting is perfect for any occasion. This single-layer cake boasts an intense chocolate flavor, enhanced by the robust essence of espresso. Topped with a silky brown butter frosting, this dessert is not only visually stunning but also delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply treating yourself, this cake will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and espresso creates a deep, rich taste that satisfies any chocolate lover.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Ideal for parties or an intimate dinner, this cake can be customized with toppings like nuts or fresh berries.
• Impressive Presentation: The brown butter frosting adds a gourmet touch that makes this cake look as good as it tastes.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the addition of espresso and butter, each bite is moist and flavorful.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Having these tools will make your experience easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• 9×13 Baking Dish
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: Ensures smooth blending of ingredients without much effort on your part.
• Mixing Bowls: Allows you to combine ingredients effectively without spills.
• Saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and chocolate evenly for your batter.

Ingredients

A single layer of rich, dark chocolate espresso cake, topped with brown butter buttercream frosting come together to create the most luxurious sheet cake.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (170) Unsalted Butter
– 3 double shots (6 oz) Espresso
– 1/2 C (40g) Cocoa Powder
– 1 (3.5 oz) Ghirardelli 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar, roughly chopped
– 1 1/4 C (240g) Light Brown Sugar
– 1/2 Tbsp Bourbon Vanilla Extract
– 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
– 3 Large Eggs
– 2 Egg Yolks
– 1 C (120g) All Purpose Flour
– 1/2 Tbsp Baking Soda
– 2 sticks (226g) Unsalted Butter
– 4 C (450g) Powdered Sugar
– 1 tsp Bourbon Vanilla Extract
– 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
– 3 Tbsp (45ml) Heavy Cream, cold

How to Make Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Prep a 9×13 baking dish by greasing the sides and bottom. There’s no need for parchment paper since the cake will remain in the dish.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Espresso

In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, melt unsalted butter along with espresso. Once melted completely, remove from heat.

Step 3: Add Cocoa Powder and Chocolate

Immediately add cocoa powder and chopped chocolate into the saucepan. Stir until completely melted; some cocoa lumps may remain but will mix in later.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine dark brown sugar, kosher salt, and bourbon vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the large bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Step 6: Add Eggs

Add eggs and egg yolks to the bowl. Whisk until glossy and smooth.

Step 7: Incorporate Flour

Add all-purpose flour and baking soda. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 8: Bake Cake

Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Bake for about 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it.

Step 10: Prepare Brown Butter

While the cake bakes, melt additional unsalted butter in a large saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir constantly while scraping the bottom of the pan.

Step 11: Brown Butter

When browned bits appear at the bottom of the pan and give off a nutty aroma, remove from heat. Transfer browned butter to a heatproof bowl to cool completely.

Step 12: Make Frosting

In a stand mixer with whisk attachment, mix cooled brown butter with powdered sugar at low speed for thirty seconds. Increase speed until fully combined; don’t forget to scrape down sides halfway through mixing.

Step 13: Finish Frosting

Add bourbon vanilla extract, kosher salt, and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth.

Step 14: Frost Cake

Spread frosting evenly across cooled cake before serving!

Enjoy your delicious Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting, perfect for any celebration!

How to Serve Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting

Serving your Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting can elevate the experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance this rich dessert.

Classic Pairings

• Coffee: A hot cup of coffee complements the espresso flavor in the cake, creating a harmonious blend.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate, providing a refreshing balance.

Festive Touches

• Fresh Berries: Garnishing with raspberries or strawberries adds a pop of color and a tart flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
• Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkling chocolate shavings on top makes for an elegant presentation and intensifies the chocolate flavor.

Unique Additions

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can add a light texture to each bite.
• Nuts: Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans for added crunch, enhancing both texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting

To achieve the best results with your Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, butter, and other ingredients are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
• Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements for your ingredients to ensure consistency in baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake; overmixing can lead to tough texture.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for the best taste.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different extracts or spices to customize the cake’s flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your delicious cake can enhance its overall appeal. Here are some options that work well with this decadent dessert.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cake.
2. Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses such as brie or mascarpone which pair nicely with chocolate desserts.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These provide an extra chocolate hit while adding a fun twist to your dessert table.
4. Espresso Martini: This cocktail echoes the espresso in the cake, making it a perfect drink pairing.
5. Pistachio Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti offers a delightful contrast and is perfect for dipping into coffee.
6. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A simple caramel sauce enhances flavors without overpowering the cake’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making a Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Using Cold Ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent the batter from mixing properly, resulting in a dense cake.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients like flour and sugar to ensure accuracy for the best results.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much after adding flour can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined for a light and airy texture.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for precise baking conditions.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is crucial. If you frost while warm, it will melt the frosting and create a mess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator without losing moisture.

Freezing Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting

• Wrap slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, place cake on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting.

How do I make my cake more chocolatey?

You can enhance the chocolate flavor by using higher-quality cocoa powder or adding chocolate chips to the batter.

Can I substitute coffee for espresso?

Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee instead of espresso if you don’t have it on hand. The flavor will still be rich!

How long does this cake last?

The dark chocolate espresso cake stays fresh for about 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months if frozen properly.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What should I serve with this cake?

Pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to balance out the rich flavors of the dark chocolate espresso cake.

Final Thoughts

The Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or fruits. This luxurious sheet cake is perfect for any occasion, so give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!