Indulge in the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee with this decadent cake, topped with smooth and luscious Lotus cream. Perfect for any occasion, this cake brings together the deep, bittersweet notes of coffee with velvety chocolate, finished off with the unique, caramelized taste of Lotus Biscoff spread. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: A moist, chocolatey cake with a hint of coffee for depth.
- Lotus Cream Topping: The creamy, caramel-like Lotus spread elevates the cake to a whole new level.
- Perfect for Coffee Lovers: Coffee enhances the chocolate’s flavor while adding a subtle kick.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed strong coffee (hot)
For the Lotus Cream Topping:
- 1/2 cup Lotus Biscoff spread (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes:
- Crushed Lotus Biscoff cookies
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Coffee Cake Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until fully combined. The batter will be thick.
- Add Coffee: Slowly pour the hot coffee into the batter while mixing. The batter will thin out significantly, which is normal. This step intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes the cake super moist.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Lotus Cream Topping
- Whip Cream: In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add Lotus Spread: Gently fold in the Lotus Biscoff spread, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Chill: Place the topping in the fridge for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly before spreading on the cake.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the Lotus cream over the top.
- Add Second Layer: Place the second layer of cake on top and spread the remaining Lotus cream over the top of the cake.
- Garnish: For extra indulgence, sprinkle the cake with crushed Lotus Biscoff cookies and chocolate shavings if desired.
Step 6: Serve
- Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before slicing to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Don’t Skip the Coffee: Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, don’t worry! The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a strong coffee taste.
- Lotus Spread: Lotus Biscoff spread can be found in the peanut butter aisle of most grocery stores. If unavailable, you can substitute with caramel spread.
Variations:
- Add Layers: Make the cake extra special by adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers before topping with the Lotus cream.
- Lotus Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix some softened cream cheese into the Lotus cream for a tangier topping.
- Espresso Twist: Swap the regular coffee for espresso for an even more intense coffee flavor.
Healthier Alternatives:
- Substitute Coconut Sugar: For a healthier option, replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar.
- Greek Yogurt: Swap the vegetable oil for Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while keeping the cake moist.
Conclusion:
This Chocolate Coffee Cake with Lotus Cream is the perfect combination of rich chocolate and smooth, caramel-like Lotus spread. Whether for a birthday, celebration, or a cozy weekend treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings with its irresistible flavors.