Heavenly Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe With Dried Fruits
Are you a coffee lover looking for a new way to enjoy your daily cup of joe? Look no further than this delectable Chocolate Coffee Cake with Dried Fruits and Nuts recipe. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a mid-day snack, this cake recipe will satisfy your cravings while delivering a much-needed caffeine boost.
Not only is this cake delicious, but it also features a range of healthy and nutritious ingredients. Dried fruits and nuts provide the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, while instant espresso powder adds a rich coffee flavor that’s sure to impress.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, like Christmas, or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet, this cake recipe is the perfect choice. So why settle for boring old coffee or store-bought snacks, when you can whip up a homemade treat that’s both tasty and satisfying? Try this recipe today and discover what all the fuss is about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a coffee lover? Do you enjoy having a sweet treat with your morning cup of joe? Look no further because this chocolate coffee cake with dried fruits and nuts recipe is the perfect choice for you!
What makes this recipe so special? First, it’s packed with flavor from the combination of rich dark chocolate, aromatic instant espresso powder, and a variety of dried fruits and nuts. The result is an indulgent and delicious cake that’s perfect to serve on special occasions or to simply spoil yourself with.
Secondly, this recipe is very easy to make. Only a few basic ingredients are required and there is no complicated preparation required. With simple steps, this cake can be made within less than an hour without making any mess in your kitchen.
Third, this chocolate coffee cake can be customized as per your preference by swapping the dried fruits or nuts for different ones to make a new unique variation. It’s a versatile recipe, so whether you prefer dates, apricots, raisins or cranberries – you can easily adapt it as per your liking.
Last but not least – this cake is moist and fluffy thanks to the addition of sour cream in the batter. The sour cream cuts the sweetness, balances out the flavors and keeps the cake delicate and tender. This provides a contrasting texture that’ll awaken your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
In short, this chocolate coffee cake with dried fruits and nuts recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to indulge in a flavorful dessert without any fuss whatsoever. From its simple ingredients list to its delicious taste – everything about this cake screams perfection. Go ahead and give it a try today!
Ingredient List
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups of self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder
- 1/4 cup of dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup of dried fruits (a mix of raisins, dried cranberries, dates, apricots, currants)
- 1 cup of nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 stick of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of honey
For the Streusel topping:
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of oats
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
- A pinch of salt.
Note: This recipe can be modified to include other dried fruits and nuts depending on taste preference. Be sure to finely chop the fruit and nut mixture to ensure the right balance in every bite.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get into the detailed recipe of our Chocolate Coffee Cake With Dried Fruits and Nuts.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of self-raising flour
- 2 tbsp of instant espresso powder
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 cup of mixed dried fruits (raisins, dried cranberries, dates, apricots and cherries)
- 1/2 cup of mixed nuts (almonds, cashews and hazelnuts), roughly chopped
- 4 ounces of dark chocolate, chopped
Step One: Preheat Your Oven to 350°F
Before diving deeper into this recipe, preheat your oven to the desired temperature. It is essential to have a stable oven temperature before you start baking.
Step Two: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, add the self-raising flour, instant espresso powder, and baking powder. Sift them together two or three times until they complete mix.
Step Three: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, first cream the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes soft and fluffy. Add the sugar and keep whisking until everything mixes well. Crack in the eggs one by one and keep whisking until all three eggs are well combined. Now add in the milk and honey until everything blends in well again.
Step Four: Combining Everything
Fold in the mixed dry ingredients with a spatula slowly. Then add in the mixed dried fruits and nuts plus chopped chocolate chunks as well. Use a spatula to combine everything well for around 30 seconds.
Step Five: Prepping Your Pan
Take an 8×8 square baking pan and grease it with a little bit of butter. Pour the batter and spread it evenly using the spatula.
Step Six: Bake
Bake for around 35-40 minutes, or until the cake turns golden brown, and a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake.
Step Seven: Chocolate Ganache
After baking, let your cake cool for 10 minutes before adding chocolate ganache as a topping. Use a heatproof bowl and microwave the chocolate chunks until they begin to melt. Add some more milk to loosen up to your desired consistency.
Serve your Chocolate Coffee Cake With Dried Fruits and Nuts with tea or coffee, or just have it as a snack. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this chocolate coffee fruit nut cake recipe is that it’s very adaptable to substitutions and variations based on your taste preference or dietary requirements. Here are some ideas to consider:
– For a gluten-free version, swap out the self-raising flour for a gluten-free flour mix and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum.
– Instead of the sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or milk kefir for a tangy flavor.
– If you don’t have all the dried fruits listed on hand, use what you do. Dates, apricots, figs, prunes, currants, cranberries, raisins, blueberries, cherries or a mixture of these will work.
– For a vegan-friendly cake recipe, replace the eggs with applesauce or yogurt and butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to make it dairy-free.
– If you want to give your cake a festive touch during Christmas holidays or want to avoid refined sugar altogether in your diets, add honey instead of sugar. This will give it a lovely sweetness and make it more moist and tender.
– Want to make this into individual portions? Try baking this recipe into muffins instead of a large cake.
– Chocolate lovers can swap out some or all of the dried fruit for chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chunks for a decadent chocolate fruitcake.
– If you want to add a crunchy texture to your cake try mixing nuts like almonds or hazelnuts in the batter. You can also add cinnamon to give it spicy warmth and cheeriness during winter months.
By trying different substitution and variation ideas for this recipe, you can create exciting twists on traditional chocolate coffee nut fruit cakes!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve baked this amazing chocolate coffee cake with dried fruits and nuts, it’s time to think about serving and pairing it. This cake is versatile enough to be served as a dessert or a breakfast treat.
When it comes to pairing, there are many options to consider. This cake goes perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea, enhancing the rich flavor of the chocolate and espresso powder. Alternatively, you can serve it with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful afternoon snack.
To elevate the flavors even further, try adding some fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries or blueberries on top of the cake. The tangy sweetness of the fruit will complement the rich chocolate and coffee flavors.
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, this cake would make a great addition to your dessert table, especially during Christmas time. Pair it with some spiced cider or hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair this cake, one thing is certain – it’s sure to impress your family and friends with its exceptional taste and texture.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making the chocolate coffee cake ahead of time will save you time and energy on the day of serving. You can prepare the cake up to 2 days before serving, store it in an airtight container, and keep it at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
To preserve the freshness and moisture of the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can also add a few slices of bread to the container to prevent the cake from drying out too quickly.
When it comes to reheating the cake, there are two ways to do so. The first method is to simply heat individual slices in a microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm, but be careful not to overheat as this can cause dryness. The second method is to reheat the entire cake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
If you have leftover chocolate coffee cake, don’t let it go to waste! Use it as a base for your morning coffee or tea by pairing it with a hot beverage. Alternatively, chop up some leftover cake into small pieces and mix it into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for an indulgent start to your day.
In conclusion, with proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy delicious and moist chocolate coffee cake even after it’s been made ahead of time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect chocolate coffee cake with dried fruits and nuts requires attention to detail and keen observation. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best possible results.
1. Use fresh ingredients
Freshness is key when it comes to making a delicious cake. Make sure your ingredients, especially the dried fruits and nuts, are fresh before using them. This will ensure that they bring out the best flavors in your cake.
2. Measure accurately
It is important to measure all the ingredients accurately to get the right texture and consistency. Use measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements, especially for flour, baking powder, and sugar.
3. Bring ingredients to room temperature
Bringing all the ingredients to room temperature before baking helps them mix evenly and prevents lumps from forming in your batter. Take out the butter and eggs from the fridge an hour before baking and let them reach room temperature.
4. Adjust baking time
Depending on your oven’s temperature and other factors, you may need to adjust the baking time. Check on the cake regularly as it bakes and insert a toothpick in the center of the cake to check if it’s done.
5. Don’t overmix
Overmixing your batter can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix your wet ingredients separately before incorporating them into your dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
6. Add sour cream
Sour cream can add a creamy texture and tangy flavor to your cake. If you want a more moist cake, try adding a dollop of sour cream to your batter.
7. Use good quality chocolate
Good quality chocolate can make or break your chocolate coffee cake with dried fruits and nuts recipe. Invest in high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for the best flavor.
By following these tips, you will be able to create a delicious chocolate coffee cake with dried fruits and nuts that is sure to impress even the toughest dessert critics.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the chocolate coffee cake with dried fruits and nuts recipe is a perfect treat for dessert enthusiasts who enjoy the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate combined with the earthy aroma of coffee. With its luscious texture, delightful streusel topping, and a combination of juicy dried fruits and crunchy nuts, this cake is sure to become your next favorite indulgence.
Whether you want to bake a cake for a special occasion or simply wish to pamper yourself with something delicious, this recipe is all you need. With easy-to-follow instructions and a flexible ingredient list that can be adjusted to suit your preferences – including substituting some ingredients for others – the chocolate coffee cake with dried fruits and nuts recipe makes baking enjoyable for everyone.
So why not give it a try today? You’ll be amazed at how simple yet divine this fruit and nut coffee cake is. Whether served as an accompaniment to afternoon tea or as part of your holiday spread, your family and friends are sure to love it. Trust me; this recipe will become your new go-to for any occasion. Enjoy!
Chocolate Coffee Cake With Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 145 g butter, softened
- 50 g sugar
- 3 teaspoons chocolate spread
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 3 eggs
- 300 g flour (can use part whole wheat)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 75 g mixed dried fruits and nuts (I used almonds, sultanas, hazelnuts and walnuts)
- 100 g semisweet chocolate chunks
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 5 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- In a big bowl cream butter and sugar for at least 5 minutes (this is important!). Add the chocolate spread and espresso and beat for another 2 minutes.
- Add each egg separately and beat in for 30 seconds each.
- In another bowl combine flour, baking powder, mixed dried fruits and nuts and chocolate chunks.
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir to combine using a wooden spoon.
- Then add milk and honey and stir to combine. Now add the remaining dry ingredients and quickly fold them inches.
- Spread dough in a paper-lined or greased loaf pan (length of 30 cm/12 inch).
- Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for 80 minutes or until a tester inserted in the centre comes out clean. Check after 50 minutes and if cake browns too much, cover it with a baking paper.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
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