Mocha Upside-Down Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich, chocolate-infused upside-down cake with a mocha flavor, perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts seeking a moist, flavorful treat.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 cup cold double-strength coffee

Instructions

  1. Mix the sugar, baking powder, flour, and salt together.
  2. Melt the unsweetened chocolate and butter together in a double boiler, then add to the first mixture and blend well.
  3. Mix the milk and vanilla together.
  4. Combine the milk-vanilla mixture with the dry ingredients and mix well.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased 8 x 8-inch pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you want to make this dairy-free, almond or oat milk can replace regular milk. Ensure the chocolate is finely chopped for even melting. If you don't have unsweetened chocolate, you can use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil instead.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this decadent cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with Virginia'S Lemon Ice Cream for a refreshing contrast. For a complete coffee-themed meal, consider serving it with a cup of strong brewed coffee or espresso.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Mocha Upside-Down Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This keeps the cake moist and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mocha Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 339 calories, with 4g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1060mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).

339 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 12.9g 16% DV
Carbs 53.3g 19% DV
Fiber 6.5g 23% DV
Sugar 33.2g 66% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1059.8mg 46% DV
Potassium 497.3mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 23.6mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.6mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 13.2mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 165.4mg 13% DV
Iron 3.5mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, you can use instant coffee. Just dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant coffee in 1 cup of hot water to create a similar flavor. However, brewed coffee is recommended for a deeper taste.

What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

If your cake sinks, it may be due to underbaking or overmixing the batter. Ensure you bake it until a toothpick comes out clean. Also, try mixing only until just combined to avoid incorporating too much air.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free, and you should achieve a similar result!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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