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–+ servings
Mocha Apple Cake
Mocha Apple Cake is a delightful twist on traditional apple cake, infusing the rich flavors of coffee and cocoa into a moist, fruit-laden batter. This cake balances warmth and depth, with tender bites of baked apple complemented by a coffee-infused frosting. Ideal for fall gatherings or casual coffee breaks, it showcases a charming mix of classic comfort and inventive flavor. The finely chopped apples add texture and sweetness, while the mocha frosting elevates the cake to something truly special.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cooling and Frosting 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 392 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1½ cup oil
  • 2 tbsp cocoa
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 3 cups baking apples (diced)

Mocha Frosting

  • 1 tbsp instant coffee (or 1 instant coffee packet)
  • 2 tbsp water (boiling)
  • 3 tbsp butter (softened)
  • 1½ tbsp cocoa
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup walnuts (chopped, optional)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Cake Pan

  • Grease a 9x13-inch pan or a 10-inch tube pan.

Step 2: Make the Batter

  • In a large bowl, beat eggs.
  • Add sugar, oil, and cocoa. Mix well.
  • Stir in salt and baking soda.
  • Add vanilla, then gradually mix in flour until just combined.
  • Fold in diced apples.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake at 350°F for 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool on a rack. If using a tube pan, remove the cake from the pan when cool.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

  • Dissolve instant coffee in boiling water.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together butter, and cocoa until smooth.
  • Add coffee mixture, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
  • Stir in chopped walnuts, if using.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

  • Spread mocha frosting over the cooled cake.
  • Let set before serving.

Tips

  • Swap walnuts for pecans for a sweeter, buttery crunch.
  • Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to complement the apples.
  • Use strong brewed coffee instead of instant for deeper flavor.
  • Replace oil with melted butter for a richer cake.
  • Add chocolate chips for extra mocha intensity.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness.
  • Frost only after cake is fully cooled to prevent melting.
  • Toast the nuts for enhanced flavor and aroma.
  • Bake in a tube pan (as noted) or a 9×13 pan if preferred.
  • Serve slightly warm with whipped cream for a café-style dessert.

Nutrition

Calories: 392kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 2.1gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 268mgPotassium: 154mgFiber: 2gSugar: 43gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1.4mg
Keyword apple cake, coffee frosting, comfort food, heirloom dessert, homemade, mocha cake, vintage recipe
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