Mocha Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee. The word “mocha” refers to a coffee-based beverage that blends espresso with chocolate or cocoa. This cake captures the essence of that delightful coffee-chocolate combination, making it a perfect treat for coffee and chocolate lovers alike.

The history of the mocha flavor can be traced back to the ancient coffee trade routes, where coffee beans were transported from the Arabian Peninsula to Europe. The city of Mocha (now Al-Makha) in Yemen was a prominent port for coffee export during the 15th century. The term “mocha” was used to refer to coffee that was produced in or exported from this region.

The combination of coffee and chocolate began to gain popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. Coffee houses and chocolate houses became trendy gathering places in Europe, leading to the experimentation of blending the two flavors. Over time, this flavor combination made its way into various desserts, including cakes.

Today, Mocha Cake remains a beloved dessert that tantalizes the taste buds with its harmonious blend of chocolate and coffee, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 stick + 1 tbsp (125g) butter
• 1 cup (50g) cocoa
• 1 tsp instant espresso powder
• 1 cup (300g) sugar
• 1 cup (150g) plain flour
• 2 eggs

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line a 7-inch (18cm) cake tin.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
3. Stir in the cocoa, instant espresso powder, sugar, and plain flour into the melted butter, creating a smooth batter.
4. Scrape the batter into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake the cake for 20-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the middle is still gooey. Check the cake’s doneness starting at 20 minutes, as baking times may vary. The cake should have a fudgy texture in the center.
6. Once baked, let the cake cool in the tin for at least 30 minutes.
7. After cooling, remove the cake from the tin and serve it with fresh raspberries and a dollop of creme fraiche to complement the mocha flavors.

Mocha Cake is now ready to be enjoyed! The soft, gooey center combined with the intense flavors of chocolate and coffee makes this cake an irresistible treat. Serve it as a delightful dessert for any gathering or indulge in a slice whenever you crave a rich coffee-chocolate experience.

TIPS:

• Enhance the Mocha Flavor: For a richer mocha flavor, you can consider using high-quality cocoa powder and espresso powder. Look for unsweetened cocoa powder and a good-quality instant espresso powder. The better the ingredients, the more intense and enjoyable the mocha taste in your cake.
• Adjust Baking Time: The baking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of the cake tin. To ensure the perfect texture, start checking the cake for doneness at the 20-minute mark, but be prepared to adjust the baking time accordingly. You want the edges of the cake to be set, but the middle should still be slightly gooey. Overbaking can result in a dry cake, so it’s essential to keep a close eye on it towards the end of the baking time.