Rich Chocolate Layer Cake


This is a chocolate lover's dream cake: dark, rich, and tender. The frosting is thick and dense, almost a ganache. Smaller slices of this indulgent cake are perfectly satisfying.

Rich Chocolate Layer Cake Print Recipe


Ingredients

1 and 3/4 cups all purpose flour, plus more for pans
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa
2 tablespoons very dark cocoa, such as King Arthur Flour's black cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk (shake well before measuring) 
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour two 8" X 2" round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk lightly to combine and sift into the bowl of an electric mixer. 
3. In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. With the mixer on low, slowly pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl.
4. With mixer still on low, add the coffee slowly, and mix just until combined. Batter will be thin. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for about 35-39 minutes, or until a cake tester near the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.
5. Cool in pans on wire rack for 30 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto wire rack until completely cooled.



When the cakes are cool, prepare the frosting. It sets fairly quickly, so you don't want to make it ahead of time.


1/2 cup unsalted butter,softened

1 (16 oz.) box powdered sugar (confectioners sugar)
1/2 cup cocoa
2 tablespoons very dark cocoa, such a King Arthur Flour's black cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons milk or evaporated milk

Place butter in the bowl of an electric mixer and mix on low until smooth. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cocoas, and salt and whisk to combine. With mixer still on low, combine sugar mixture with butter until well combined. Slowly pour in the milk and continue to mix until completely combined. On medium, beat the frosting until smooth and spreading consistency, about 2 minutes. This is spread thinly and smoothly on the sides, with a little thicker layer in the middle and on top.




Rich Chocolate Layer Cake may have been taken to some of these great parties.



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134 comments:

  1. How about just sliding a piece of that gorgeous chocolate cake through your computer screen and I will be in heaven! Thanks for the giveaway…it is a splendid one :)

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    1. I think that would be a great invention...a cake portal in computer screens! We'll be rich, Kay! ;) Thanks for coming by, and I hope you have a great weekend!

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    2. PICK me a Slice Also . . . :) . . I am Droooling and Can only imagine how is must taste, Moist and Creamy filling Oh My Heavens . . :)

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  2. I have been looking for a good moist chocolate cake recipe and yours looks perfect! Sometimes you just need a good piece of creamy dreamy chocolate cake! The coffee machine looks pretty dreamy too, how cool they sent you one! I would love to have that in my kitchen~
    Jenna

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    1. Thank you, Jenna! The coffee brewer is dreamy- I think you picked the perfect word for it. :)

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  3. It looks sooo good! I love the dark color. Plus I don't think I had ever seen a cake with both coffee and buttermilk, it must be so moist!

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    1. Thank you, Agos- it's the best one I've tried! :) Coffee really adds to a chocolate cake, doesn't it? :)

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  4. Joy, your rich chocolate cake looks so so decadent and divine!!! I love how moist it looks :) can I have a cuppa together with the chocolate cake? They are definitely a perfect combination!

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    1. Grace, thank you so very much! I wish we could have a cuppa together with this cake- wouldn’t that be fun? Coffee and chocolate! ♥

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  5. I would definitely love a piece of this gorgeous chocolate cake to go with me coffee!

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  6. I love cake donuts with my coffee! Plain and simple.

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    1. I'm a fan of plain cake donuts, too, Susan! That sounds really good. :)

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  7. Coffee and cake have always paired so well together and yours, well, I am now craving chocolate cake and coffee.

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  8. How delicious your cake looks Joy. I love a good cup of coffee with chocolate cake. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe and offer the giveaway!.

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  9. This looks so scrumptious! It just looks so rich! Me want! Bookmarking!

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  10. Your rich chocolate cake looks amazing! Our son is a store manager at a Starbuck's and highly recommends the Verismo Brewing System. Thanks for having a giveaway for one!

    Happy Valentine's Day.
    Heather
    MySweetMission.net

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    1. Heather, I'm so glad to hear that! I knew I loved the Verismo Brewing System, and it's good to get an expert's opinion, too. That's awesome! :)

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  11. I do believe I would enjoy have this cup of coffee with that cake and also with those Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies you made last week!!

    HUGS

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    1. Yes, BOTH! No wonder I love you, Evelyn! You are my coffee lovin', chocolate eatin' sister! :)

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  12. For some strange reason I'm craving Pecan Pie. I'm not sure if that will go well with coffee?

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    1. Tammy, I think it sounds wonderful- let's have some! ;) Thank you for coming by!

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  13. Yum! I have a feeling I will be all chocolated out after today though! Yay for the giveaway! I hope I win!

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  14. Replies
    1. Hey, thanks so much, Patti! Happy Friday! :)

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  15. Hi Joy, wow your cake looks so yummy! Too bad I couldn't have a piece! Happy Valentines Day!
    Julie

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    1. Happy Valentine's to you, too, Julie! It's great to see you! :)

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  16. That cake reminds me so much of the chocolate cake my mom's sister used to make for holidays. Gah! I'll take that, thankyouverymuch. :) Oh, and great giveaway. Pinning!

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    1. Oh, nice- I'm so glad this made you think of good times with your family! Thank you for pinning, Melissa, and thanks for the visit!

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  17. Looks delish - never thought about adding coffee to the cake mix - Pinning!

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    1. Hi, JoAnn! It's funny how you can't specifically taste the coffee, but it really enhances the chocolate flavor. Thank you for pinning!

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  18. Leslie:
    I would love to win this giveaway. I enjoy coffee with all manner of cookies and scones.
    leslieannstevenson@yahoo.com

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    1. Leslie, I can tell I want to hang out with you. :) A scone and coffee sounds fantastic right now. Thank you for coming by, and good luck!

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  19. The cake recipe Rich Chocolate Layer Cake would go great with a cup of Starbucks coffee made with the Verismo Brewing System form Staples. Would love to win it.

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    1. Faye, you are absolutely right- it does go great! Coffee and chocolate are real favorites of mine. ♥ Good luck! :)

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  20. I'm thinking the dessert above! It looks AMAZING!!!!!!!!

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    1. Thank you, Julie! We reeeally loved it. ;)

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  21. I am definitely ordering that black cocoa just so I can make this cake! I love their flour but I never heard of black cocoa and as someone who loves dark chocolate -- I can't wait to try it out. Thank you Joy! (and Happy Valentine's day, too!)

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    1. Kc, I really do love that black cocoa of theirs. It's really strong, so you don't want a lot, but it does add a beautiful dark taste and color. Happy Valentine's to you and Miss Amara! :)

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  22. Your cake recipe looks delicious!
    Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  23. HOLY CATS -- YUM! Nothing better than chocolate cake and hot coffee! Pinning this one! Thanks for sharing.....

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  24. Ooo- Staples carries coffee makers? Wow! That would be perfect in my kitchen! I love cinnamon rolls topped with pecans with my coffee!

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  25. OMG! That looks scrumptious! I'm salivating right now. I'm going to try making this Joy! Thank you for sharing the recipe!

    ~ Vashti

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  26. I'm not a coffee drinker, but I am a chocolate cake lover. This looks awesome, Joy.
    Have a great weekend.

    Linda @ Tumbleweed Contessa

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  27. I would pair your delicious cake with the Starbucks coffee, I can't wait to make this cake!

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  28. Joy, your cake makes we want to invite myself over a cup of coffee and slice of cake! (and I don't drink coffee :) Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday on Organized 31.

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    1. LOL! I would love for you to come over for cake, Susan, and I would fix whatever drink you preferred! :D You know I love Inspire Us Thursday!

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  29. Joy, this looks perfectly delicious! I wish I had a slice for Valentine's dessert tonight. I'm pinning this one for sure and hope to get a chance to try your recipe.

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  30. We have a lot of family b-days coming up, and I know several people who would love this (including me)! Will definitely pin this! :)

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  31. I 'd love to enjoy a fudgy brownie with my coffee.

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  32. Joy, this looks so enjoyable (pardon the pun.) So rich and dark- my favorite! I'd love to try it using the darkest cocoa for both measurements. Oh my goodness, that would be delicious. You can bet I'm pinning this! Yum! Thanks for the giveaway too. I'd more than love to win. You photos are fantastic too, btw.

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  33. I called my daughter over to drool over this cake. I just finished breakfast but I still have some coffee. I would love a piece of your DELICIOUS looking cake right NOW!
    You could sell this cake!
    Thanks for sharing on Saturday Dishes "CHOCOLATE" Blog Hop. I pinned it!
    Blessings,
    Diane Roark
    www.recipesforourdailybread.com

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  34. thanks for sharing yet another amazing recipe on Friday Frenzy. WOw totally pinning this for my hubs bday

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  35. Visiting from Serenity Saturday. This looks so amazing. My husband had to pull me away from the computer because I was going into a chocolate cake trance. I could live on this cake.

    Oh Yummy...

    -andi

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  36. I love a good chocolate cake and wouldn't one of those coffees just be divine with it :)

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  37. I would enjoy a homemade copycat Starbucks lemon cake. Thanks!

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  38. I would like a Cronut with my coffee, I haven't tried one yet but they look amazing

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    1. Anna, I haven’t had a cronut, either! They do look amazing, and I think the perfect time to try one for the first time would be with Starbucks coffee, lol! ;) Thank you for coming by!

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  39. Chocolate cake has always been my son's favorite. He even remembers family travels based on where he ate the best chocolate cake! Consequently, I am always searching for chocolate cake recipes to try and compare. When I saw your opening photo, I knew this luscious cake would be next on the list! Thanks, Joy! Interestingly, our current favorite ( from The Cake Book by Tish Boyle) also uses buttermilk to produce a wonderfully moist texture. Adding coffee always brings out a richness in chocolate flavor. Delicious. :)

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    1. Wendy, I love your story about your son remembering family trips based on where the best chocolate cake was eaten! He needs to publish his travel guide....I really think it would be quite popular! ;) I'm going to find Ms. Boyle's recipe right now....I'm always interested in more chocolate cakes. :) Thanks, Wendy!

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  40. Any dessert would do :) and it's really more of a breakfast treat, but I think I'd go with cinnamon crumb coffee cake!

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  41. This looks like it would make great coffee

    Cindi

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  42. This looks so rich and decadent! A chocolate lover's dream. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  43. This cake looks fantastic! I hope I will have an occasion to make it soon :D

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  44. That looks so yummy!!!! Zannie @ mymixingspoon

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  45. This cake looks incredible! So rich and it would be quite fabulous with Starbucks!

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  46. Oh my word! That Cake!! Thanks for the suggestion on the better chocolate. Getting that richness is the key. Have a wonderful Week!!

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  47. Stopping by from Sweet Tea Social - that cake looks wonderful. You can tell just from the photos how moist it is. Yum.

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  48. Buttermilk sounds wonderfully rich and a great zing.. thanks for sharing this cake with us on foodie friday.

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  49. I love my biscotti recipe with Starbucks coffee! Or a delicious slice of chocolate cake like your recipe here. This recipe talks to the chocolate lover in me. It looks so good.

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  50. Yum! I entered the giveaway. Thanks for linking it up to Snickerdoodle sunday, and of course I would have Snickerdoodles with my Starbucks coffee!

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  51. We would definitely enjoy this dessert! I just showed Cliff the picture of your cake, and he said "When are we having that?"!!!!

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  52. Wow, that cake looks incredibly delicious Joy!! So moist and yummy! :)

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  53. That cake looks delicious, I will have to give it a try.

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  54. Oh my goodness! What perfect "comfort food" for this weary, endless winter! It reminds me of the cakes my mom made - two layers - the ONLY way to make one before we started the sheet-cake easy way out!

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  55. Your cake looks so delicious. I'm going to give it a try but I don't think mine will look as professional as yours.
    Ali xx

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  56. Thanks for linking this up at The Magical Slow Cooker Sunday Dinner! I entered your contest, what a great coffee maker!

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  57. Hi yesterfood,

    We have just sent you a message through email regarding our project.
    We MyTaste.com one of the biggest recipe search engine in United States and in the world, would like to invite your blog to be featured on our site and make your recipes available to many people.

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  58. Cafe AND chocolate in that cake?? I'm thinking this would be perfect for Starbuck's coffee!! Here from the Grand Social; Gracias.

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  59. I can't resist dark chocolate, I am on board with the dark cocoa in both the cake and icing. My goodness this looks fabulous, Joy.
    My favorite dessert to pair with coffee is a classic pecan pie.
    Thanks for linking!

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  60. Your cake looks amazing! I just found your blog and I love your take on food and recipes..I will be following.

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  61. How exciting! Your cake looks so yummy, and I love that you use coffee in it! I do that with my chocolate cake as well, because the coffee brings out the flavor beautifully. As for what dessert I would enjoy with a cup of coffee, I love a good fruit danish every once in a while! Thanks for a great recipe and giveaway, Joy! Hope you're having a great night. :-)

    Ashley @ PioneerMomma.com

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  62. I would make chocolate chip cookies to go with the coffee! So YUMMY! Thanks for the cake recipe! We love chocolate cake at my house!

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  63. This looks to DIE for!! Thank you for the giveaway and for sharing it with us at Sewlicious Home Decor! Pinned to the party board! :)

    Marti

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  64. Joy, this is the most beautiful and delicious cake I have seen in a long while! of course chocolate is my favorite!

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  65. I'd have a double espresso with some Brownie Bites!
    ~ Megin of VMG206

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  66. This looks so extremely yummy, moist and delicious. Pinned it. Thanks so much for Linking up to the Most Fabulous Jol
    ~ Keren from Fabulous-FarmLiving

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  67. I'm a purist... coffee is it's own reward! I do like a nice biscotti now and then, if it's not too sweet!

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  68. I would love a nice slice of cherry cheesecake with my coffee! Thanks so much for hosting this giveaway!

    Eloise
    furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net

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  69. i would enjoy any dessert with a Starbucks. This cake would rank high on the list!

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  70. Wow! Looks at that cake. Looks like it would be fantastic!! And perfect with a cup of coffee. Thanks for sharing at Saturday Dishes.

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  71. Yum, this looks like a divine cake, Joy! Nothing beats a slice of a good ol' chocolate cake and I love how thick and creamy the frosting is. Can't wait to try this!
    x

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  72. A wonderful hot banana nut muffin!
    That cake looks beyond dark and rich Joy!! OMGosh I think I gained back the 30 lbs I just lost. Luscious is what that cake is.
    Spatulas On Parade

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  73. I need to try this cake, it looks so rich and moist and chocolate heaven!

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  74. Your chocolate cake looks amazing, Joy! I'd love to have a piece of it! I like to use buttermilk in baking too; it makes things so rich and moist. Thank you so much for sharing this luscious treat with us at the Hearth and Soul hop. x

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  75. Oh my gosh! This looks fabulous! I'm pinning for sure. Thanks for sharing at Share It Sunday.

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  76. Happy Friday! I just wanted to let you know your amazing cake is one of my featured favorites from last week's #GetHimFed Friday! :) You are welcome to come grab a featured badge and join the party again. Congrats!

    {TheBakingFairy.net}

    As for the giveaway... is it cheating if I said I would love a slice of your cake with my coffee? :)

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    1. Thank you, Valentina! I love #GetHimFed! :)

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  77. Oh my word, this looks amazing and so moist! YUM! This is a favorite at Sweet & Savoury Sundays :)

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    1. Lorraine, I am so happy you liked it! I will look forward to coming by again this week! :)

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  78. Joy,

    This truly looks like the BEST chocolate cake ever! I am featuring it later today on my blog from Saturday Dishes Chocolate hop.
    I pinned it! Thanks for sharing on Saturday Dishes Cakes & party ideas.
    Blessings,
    Diane Roark
    recipesforourdailybread.com

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    1. Cakes and parties- so much fun! Thank you, Diane! ♥

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  79. Oh my gosh, how moist and chocotely does that cake look!! I need some right now. Thanks for linking up at Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again this weekend!

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  80. Hi Joy, I just had to pop ovr and congratulate you on the cake. I've seen it featured all over blog land! Everyone loves it and I'm sure it's so delicious!

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    1. Julie, how wonderful- thank you! You are so awesome to come over and tell me. It really did turn out well- we all enjoyed it. Thank you for being so thoughtful and such a good bloggy friend! :) Hope you have a wonderful week! ♥

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  81. This cake looks so moist and tasty! Please come share it at Five Friday Finds. :) http://morselsoflife.com/five-friday-finds-125.html

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  82. This chocolate cake is making my mouth water! I wish I had a piece of it now!

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  83. Chocolate cake looks like the perfect combination for coffee!

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  84. Chocolate cake and coffee in one post? Awesome! I love both! Thanks for the recipe and the opportunity. I want both! :)

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  85. I drink coffee with ALL my desserts! I love chocolate cake, however, and yours looks fabulous!

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  86. Wow - looks amazing! I definitely would need a smaller piece of this cake. Thanks for linking up!!
    ~ Betsy @ Romance on a dime

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  87. I am a Seattle girl living in Texas, I always want a cup of Starbucks close by. Wish me luck!

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  88. I think I would like a slice of my Grandmas Spice cake with spice/caramel frosting. Thanks.

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  89. Ooh. I'd love to have the coffee with a slice of coffee cake! Or that amazing chocolate cake.

    rmamis02@gmail.com

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  90. I'd enjoy it with a slice of that yummy looking chocolate cake. Go ahead and send me a slice. ;-)

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  91. This cake is absolutely gorgeous. I know my husband will just love it for his birthday. Pinned it.
    Thank you so much for sharing it on Tasty Tuesday. I featured you this week.

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  92. Joy, what a fantastic chocolate cake recipe. Your photographs are incredible as well, I can nearly taste that luscious dark chocolate cake.

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  93. I would enjoy with a piece of cheesecake!

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  94. I would enjoy it with a brownie!

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  95. Love chocolate donuts with coffee ;D

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  96. Yep, definitely need one of these! I would enjoy warm apple crisp!

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  97. I would like cheesecake with it.

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

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  98. That cake looks so yummy. I need to try this recipe soon. :)

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  99. I have had this cake and it is truly the best chocolate cake I've ever had.

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    1. Caroline, you are amazing! Thank you for coming by and telling me! :)

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  100. Joy,

    You can link up this cake anytime. I think it is my all time favorite post. I love chocolate cake and this one looks amazing!
    Thank you for linking up at Saturday Dishes Blog Hop. I pinned it!
    Blessings,
    Diane Roark
    recipesforourdailybread com

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  101. Holy Moly, that looks so yummy. I think I need some right now. Thanks for sharing at Saturday Dishes.

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