Introduction

This Date Night Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and perfectly chocolatey—a delightful treat to share with someone special. Topped with a smooth chocolate cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to impress with minimal effort.

Date Night Chocolate Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup whole buttermilk
1/2 cup warm black coffee
Optional: sprinkles, strawberries, chocolate shavings for garnish
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 ounces block-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup + 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon (small pinch) kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously spray an 8-inch round baking pan (an 8-inch square pan works too) with baking spray. Line the pan with fitted parchment paper, spray the parchment again, and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and warm black coffee to the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Step 4: Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: To make the frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low and gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Add cocoa powder and continue beating until fully mixed. Stir in vanilla extract and salt, then beat once more to combine.
Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with sprinkles, strawberries, or chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use freshly brewed coffee for a deeper chocolate flavor; decaf works too if you prefer.
To make this cake dairy-free, substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar, and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.
For a more intense chocolate taste, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter.
If you want a lighter frosting, omit the cream cheese and double the butter with extra powdered sugar.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze the cake (without frosting) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk acidity.

What if I don’t have an electric mixer for the frosting?

You can whisk the butter and cream cheese by hand until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, stirring vigorously until combined, but it will take more time and effort.

Date Night Chocolate Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 134 reviews

This Date Night Chocolate Cake is a rich and moist treat perfect for any special evening. Featuring a tender chocolate cake made with buttermilk and espresso, it’s topped with a luscious cream cheese chocolate frosting that adds a creamy tangy contrast. Easy to make and beautifully presented, it’s an ideal recipe to impress your loved one.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup whole buttermilk
1/2 cup warm black coffee

Frosting Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 ounces block-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup + 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (small pinch)

Optional Garnishes

Sprinkles
Strawberries
Chocolate shavings

Instructions

Prepare the baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray an 8-inch round baking pan with baking spray, then line it with fitted parchment paper for extra non-stick assurance. Spray the parchment paper again with baking spray and set aside.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to blend all the dry ingredients evenly.
Add wet ingredients: Into the dry mixture, add the egg, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and warm black coffee. Whisk gently until just combined – be careful not to overmix to maintain cake tenderness. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting: Using a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer at medium speed, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Lower the speed to low, then gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined, roughly 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate cocoa and flavor: Add the cocoa powder to the frosting mixture and continue beating until fully integrated. Then mix in the vanilla extract and a small pinch of kosher salt just once more until combined.
Frost the cake and garnish: Once your cake has cooled completely, generously frost it with the cream cheese chocolate frosting. Decorate with optional sprinkles, fresh strawberries, or chocolate shavings as desired. Slice and serve your delicious Date Night Chocolate Cake and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure the warm black coffee is not hot when added to prevent curdling the batter.
Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
Using room temperature butter and cream cheese is essential for smooth, creamy frosting.
Parchment paper lining prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: chocolate cake, date night dessert, cream cheese frosting, moist chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake recipe, coffee chocolate cake