Coffee Cocoa Cake

Coffee Cocoa Cake

Fast, easy and oh-so-moist!

5 ounces (10 Tbsp) soft unsalted butter (+ a bit more for the pan)

1 2/3 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. table salt

7-1/4 oz. (1-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons) unbleached all-purpose flour; more for the pan

2-1/2 oz. (1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)

1 tsp. baking sod

1 tsp. baking powder

1-1/2 cups good-quality brewed coffee, cooled to warm

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 9-inch-square baking pan. Line the bottom of the pan with a square of parchment, butter the parchment, and then flour the bottom and sides of the pan. Tap out any excess flour.

In a stand mixer, put the butter and sugar in the bowl and, using the paddle attachment, cream until smooth, about 1 minute. Blend in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated, about 20 seconds. Then switch to a whisk and blend in the rest of the ingredients by hand. Mix in the vanilla and salt. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and baking powder directly onto the batter. Pour in the coffee. Gently whisk the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and mostly free of lumps.Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula.

Bake until a skewer inserted in the center comes out with only moist crumbs clinging to it, 40 to 43 minutes. Set the pan on a rack to cool for 20 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan, invert the cake onto the rack, and remove the pan. Invert again onto another rack and let cool right side up until just warm. The cake can be wrapped in plastic and stored at room temperature for up to five days. It is delicious served with a big ol' dollop of whipped cream. I made this one in December (you might have guessed based on the serving utensil pictured below).