Prepare yourself for a treat that’ll blow your taste buds away! This Chocolate Espresso Marble Cake with Crumb Topping is the perfect combination of rich, indulgent chocolate and the bold kick of espresso. It’s everything you want in a cake: moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness, with a crunchy topping that adds the perfect finishing touch. Trust me, this cake will become your new go-to when you need a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Espresso Marble Cake with Crumb Topping
This cake isn’t just about flavor—it’s about creating a moment. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you need something amazing to enjoy with your coffee, this cake is a winner. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for dessert, breakfast with a hot cup of coffee, or as a sweet snack anytime.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and accessible, but the result is anything but ordinary.
Quick and Easy: A one-bowl recipe that comes together in no time and fills your kitchen with the delicious aroma of chocolate and coffee.
Customizable: Love a stronger coffee flavor? Add a little extra espresso. Want a more decadent crumble topping? You got it!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with chocolate lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. The swirl of flavors and the crunchy topping are sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients in Chocolate Espresso Marble Cake with Crumb Topping
This cake might look fancy, but it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look:
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour: The base for the cake, giving it structure.
- Cocoa powder: The rich chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with espresso.
- Baking powder and baking soda: For that light, fluffy texture.
- Salt: To balance all the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Eggs: They help bind everything together and give the cake its richness.
- Butter: Adds moisture and richness for that soft, tender crumb.
- Sugar: For sweetness, of course.
- Espresso: The star ingredient that brings that beautiful coffee flavor.
- Vanilla extract: For a touch of warmth and depth.
- Milk: To make the batter smooth and just the right consistency.
For the Crumb Topping:
- All-purpose flour: The base of the crumb mixture.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Butter: To bring everything together into that irresistible crumbly texture.
- Cinnamon: A dash of spice to take the topping over the top.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started and create this delicious, irresistible cake!
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake cooks evenly, giving you that perfect texture.
Prepare Your Cake Pan:
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (or a similar-sized pan) with butter or line it with parchment paper to make removing the cake easy.
Mix the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, melted butter, sugar, espresso, vanilla, and milk until smooth and combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined—be careful not to overmix!
Make the Marble Effect:
Take about half of the cake batter and add a little extra cocoa powder if you want a more intense chocolate layer. Then, in the prepared cake pan, pour the first half of the batter, followed by spoonfuls of the remaining batter. Use a knife to swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the beauty of marbling is in the randomness!
Prepare the Crumb Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until you get a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle it generously over the top of the batter.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake the cake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The crumb topping should be golden and crisp.
Let it Cool:
Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s cooled, slice it up and serve! Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream, this cake is sure to become your new favorite.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280
(Note: Nutritional info may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Chocolate Espresso Marble Cake with Crumb Topping
This cake is perfect on its own, but if you want to make it even more special, consider serving it with:
- A hot cup of coffee or espresso to really complement the coffee flavor in the cake.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious touch.
- Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flair.
Additional Tips
- For a richer coffee flavor: Use a strong brewed espresso or a high-quality instant espresso powder to intensify the flavor.
- Make it your own: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Store leftovers: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.
FAQ’s
- Can I use decaf espresso in this recipe?
Yes! If you prefer decaf, feel free to use it for a less caffeinated version of the cake. - Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cake stays moist and delicious for several days, so it’s great for making ahead. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes really well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. - How do I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar in the batter or skip the crumb topping if you prefer a less sweet cake. - Can I use a different type of sugar?
You can use coconut sugar or another sweetener, but keep in mind it may change the flavor and texture slightly. - Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
It’s not necessary, but sifting the cocoa powder and flour helps ensure the cake has a light, smooth texture. - Can I add nuts to the cake?
Yes, chopped walnuts or almonds would add a great crunch to the cake, especially in the marbled layers. - How do I prevent the crumb topping from getting soggy?
Be sure to bake the cake until the crumb topping is golden brown and crisp—this will help it stay crunchy. - Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, you can use a square or rectangular pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the size of the pan. - How do I make the cake more chocolatey?
You can add more cocoa powder to the batter or even mix in some melted chocolate for an extra rich flavor.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Espresso Marble Cake with Crumb Topping is the perfect blend of rich chocolate and bold coffee, with a crunchy, sweet topping that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a morning coffee or serving it as a dessert for guests, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with every bite!
Print
Chocolate Espresso Marble Cake with Crumb Topping
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 38min
- Total Time: 58min
- Yield: 9servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Espresso Marble Cake with Crumb Topping combines the rich flavors of chocolate and espresso in a moist, tender cake, swirled for a beautiful marble effect. Topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb, it’s the perfect indulgence for coffee and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping:
– 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup (65g) light brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Cake Batter:
– 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon espresso powder
– 1 1/3 cups (170g) all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 2 tablespoons (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20cm) square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crumb topping: In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Chill until ready to use.
3. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and espresso powder until combined.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
7. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
8. Transfer half of the batter to another bowl and stir in cocoa powder to create the chocolate batter.
9. Alternate spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared pan. Use a knife to swirl the batters together gently.
10. Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly over the batter.
11. Bake for 35–38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
– For a more intense coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder to 1.5 tablespoons.
– The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
– Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1slice
- Calories: 330kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg