This delightful coffee and cocoa cake is perfect for those who love rich, aromatic flavors with a touch of sweetness. The cake itself is moist and fluffy, while the creamy Lotus topping adds a velvety finish that will leave you wanting more. It’s a great dessert to pair with a cup of coffee or to enjoy as a sweet treat any time of day.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 150g sugar
- 8g vanilla sugar
- 80ml oil
- 100ml milk
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 180g flour
- 20g bitter cocoa powder
- 15g baking powder
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 well-filled tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 300ml milk
- 1 tablespoon Lotus cream
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until frothy.
- Add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Gradually pour in the oil while mixing, followed by the milk and instant coffee. Stir until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and instant coffee. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the Lotus cream until fully melted and incorporated.
- Let the topping cool slightly before spreading it evenly over the cooled cake.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Once the topping is set, slice the cake into squares or wedges and serve. The rich coffee and cocoa flavors pair perfectly with the creamy Lotus topping for an indulgent treat.
Possible Questions About the Recipe
- Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar, coconut sugar, or even a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol if you prefer. Brown sugar will add a slightly richer, caramel-like flavor, while sugar substitutes can help reduce the overall calorie content. - Can I make this cake without the instant coffee?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of coffee, you can simply omit the instant coffee from both the cake and topping. The cake will still be deliciously rich thanks to the cocoa and vanilla. - Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. - How do I store this cake?
This cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge, where it will last for up to 5 days. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. - Can I use a different topping?
Of course! If you prefer something simpler, you can top the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple chocolate ganache. However, the creamy Lotus topping adds a unique flavor and texture that complements the coffee and cocoa notes in the cake.
Conclusion
This Coffee and Cocoa Cake with Creamy Lotus Topping is a true delight for those who appreciate bold flavors and indulgent desserts. The combination of rich coffee and cocoa in the cake provides depth and warmth, while the creamy, caramel-like Lotus topping offers a smooth contrast that elevates each bite. Whether you’re enjoying it as an afternoon treat or serving it as a dessert after dinner, this cake is sure to impress with its complex flavors and satisfying texture.
Not only is this cake easy to make with everyday ingredients, but it’s also versatile enough for customization. Whether you adjust the sweetness, change the topping, or experiment with different flour options, the recipe offers plenty of room for creativity. The steps are simple and straightforward, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
Tips for a Perfect Coffee and Cocoa Cake
- Mix the dry ingredients well: Ensure the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder are thoroughly sifted and combined to avoid lumps and achieve an even texture.
- Room temperature ingredients: For the best results, make sure your eggs, milk, and oil are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together smoothly and ensures even baking.
- Enhance the coffee flavor: If you’re a coffee enthusiast, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the coffee flavor in both the cake and topping.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
- Chill the topping before spreading: Allow the topping to cool and thicken slightly before spreading it on the cake. This makes it easier to achieve a smooth finish and prevents it from running off the sides.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugars: 24g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Vitamin A: 2% DV
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on the specific brands and measurements used.)
Additional Tips:
- Layering idea: If you want to make this cake even more special, you can slice the baked cake in half horizontally and add an extra layer of Lotus cream between the layers before spreading the topping on top.
- Serving suggestion: Serve this cake slightly chilled for a firmer texture, or warm it slightly for a gooey, melty topping. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon snack.
- Presentation matters: For a visually appealing finish, sprinkle some cocoa powder or crushed Lotus biscuits over the top of the cake.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee and Cocoa Cake with Creamy Lotus Topping is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Its rich, dark color and velvety topping make it look as good as it tastes. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. The balance of flavors—sweet, slightly bitter, and creamy—makes it an indulgent yet well-rounded dessert that you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can adapt to suit your preferences, making it a must-have in your baking repertoire!