0 Shares

The moment I took my first bite of Vietnamese iced coffee, I was swept away by the combination of rich coffee and silky sweetened condensed milk. This flavorful experience inspired me to create something truly unique: a Vietnamese Iced Coffee Cake that captures all the magic of that beloved beverage. Imagine layers of dense, moist cake enveloped in a creamy frosting and adorned with luscious mocha fudge swirls—each slice looks just as good as it tastes!

Perfect for celebrations or simply indulging yourself on a cozy afternoon, this cake is a delightful treat for coffee lovers and cake enthusiasts alike. The best part? It brings the café experience into your own kitchen, requiring just a few straightforward steps. Join me as we bring together a symphony of flavors that promises to elevate any gathering and have your friends asking for seconds!

Why will you love this Vietnamese Iced Coffee Cake?

Delightful Fusion: This cake beautifully blends robust coffee with sweetened condensed milk for an irresistible taste experience.
Visually Stunning: The decadent mocha fudge swirls make each slice a feast for the eyes, perfect for impressing guests.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen!
Versatile Treat: Perfect for celebrations or an afternoon treat, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee to elevate your experience.
Crowd-Pleaser: Coffee lovers and cake enthusiasts will unite over this delightful dessert, ensuring it won’t last long at your table!

Vietnamese Iced Coffee Cake Ingredients

For the Cake
• All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the cake; substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Ground Coffee or Instant Coffee Granules – Infuses the cake with rich coffee flavor; instant espresso can offer an even stronger taste.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Boosts the cake’s rise; ensure both are fresh for optimal fluffiness.
• Kosher Salt – Balances flavors beautifully; table salt works just as well.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; consider brown sugar for a deeper flavor note.
• Large Eggs – Provides moisture and binds ingredients together; room temperature eggs will blend better.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavors in both cake and frosting; avoid imitation for the best taste.
• Sour Cream – Brings moisture and richness; Greek yogurt is a great alternative.
• Canola Oil – Helps keep the cake moist; feel free to use vegetable oil instead.
• Strongly Brewed Coffee (preferably cold brew) – The main flavor hero; brew strong coffee or leverage espresso for more intensity.

For the Frosting
• Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich texture to the frosting; make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth whipping.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens and structures the frosting; powdered monk fruit makes a great low-sugar alternative.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Essential for that creamy frosting texture; evaporated milk can work, but the taste will differ.

For the Decoration
• Chocolate Sauce – Enhances the mocha flavor in the cake; homemade coffee fudge sauce can be a stellar substitute.
• Strongly Brewed Coffee (for fudge) – Deepens the chocolate flavor; similar to the coffee used in the cake.

How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee Cake

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will help your cakes release easily!
Make Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, ground coffee, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together granulated sugar, large eggs, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually mix in sour cream, canola oil, and brewed coffee. Finally, combine with the dry ingredients until just blended.
Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs. Allow them to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack.
Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, whip unsalted butter, vanilla, and salt until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, mixing well, then add sweetened condensed milk. Beat until the frosting is completely smooth and fluffy.
Assemble Cake: If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cakes. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top. Apply a thin crumb coat all over the cake to lock in moisture.
Frost: Use the remaining frosting to generously cover the entire cake. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes for the frosting to set beautifully.
Decorate: Combine chocolate sauce with a splash of brewed coffee to create swirls. Use dollops of frosting to artfully create a beautiful swirled pattern on top.
Serve/Store: Slice and serve immediately or cover and refrigerate. The cake can be stored in a cake dome or wrapped for up to two days, but trust me, it won’t last that long!

Optional: Top with chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Vietnamese Iced Coffee Cake

Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s perfect for a quick sweet fix!

Fridge: For extended freshness, store the cake in the refrigerator, wrapped or in a cake dome, for up to 5 days. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.

Freezer: Wrap individual cake slices or whole layers in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying again.

Reheating: If you desire a warm slice, gently microwave for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your Vietnamese iced coffee cake while it’s fresh!

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Vietnamese Iced Coffee Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture. Additionally, the frosting can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept in an airtight container in the fridge—this helps the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the cakes, frost them, and decorate with the mocha fudge swirls. You’ll have a stunning dessert that tastes just as fresh as if it were made that day, allowing for an effortless baking experience on busy weeknights!

Expert Tips for Vietnamese Iced Coffee Cake

Cool Completely: Always allow the cake layers to cool fully before assembly to prevent melting the frosting and maintain its structure.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for the best emulsification, resulting in a light, fluffy Vietnamese iced coffee cake.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until blended. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a tender one.
Use Fresh Leavening Agents: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal cake rise and fluffiness.
Frosting Techniques: Practice your frosting technique on a dummy layer if needed; this builds confidence for decorating the actual cake beautifully.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee Cake Variations

Get ready to explore creative twists on this delightful cake that will satisfy your cravings and spark your imagination!

Dairy-Free: Substitute sour cream with coconut milk or use dairy-free margarine in the frosting for a deliciously creamy texture without the dairy.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts to the cake batter for a wonderful crunchy surprise in every bite. The added texture complements the moist layers beautifully!
Chocolate Lavish: Incorporate cocoa powder into the cake mix to intensify the chocolate flavor and take the mocha profile to new heights; think of it as a chocolate-coffee double whammy!
Flavor Variations: Choose flavored coffee or liqueurs like Hazelnut or Irish Cream to give your cake a unique flavor twist. This will elevate your cake from great to gourmet!
Fruit Fusion: Toss in diced bananas or apples for a fruity surprise that provides moisture and a delightful contrast to the coffee notes.
Frosting Twists: Swap out half the sweetened condensed milk in the frosting for a fruity puree, like raspberry or mango, to create a refreshing flavor contrast.
Decadent Drizzle: Instead of chocolate sauce, try a salted caramel drizzle on top for a sweet and savory take that complements the coffee beautifully.
Caffeine Kick: Add a shot of espresso to the frosting for a stronger coffee punch, perfect for true coffee aficionados who crave that boost!

What to Serve with Vietnamese Iced Coffee Cake?

Get ready to create a magical dining experience that will delight your taste buds and elevate your dessert game.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee: This classic beverage beautifully complements your cake, reinforcing those rich coffee flavors while adding a refreshing twist.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream brings a light and airy contrast to the cake’s dense layers, enhancing the dessert’s indulgence.
Chocolate-Covered Almonds: These crunchy bites add textural contrast and a nutty flavor, balancing the sweetness of the cake with a delightful crunch.
Fresh Berries: Striking and vibrant, fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries add a bright, tart note that cuts through the cake’s richness and makes each bite pop.
Coconut Macarons: Their chewy texture and sweet coconut flavor create a delightful pairing, offering a tropical twist that complements the coffee notes beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream adds a comforting touch and exquisite contrast to the warm cake, making each forkful feel like pure indulgence.
Espresso Shot: For those who crave an extra caffeine boost, serve an espresso shot alongside the cake. The bold flavors will resonate with coffee aficionados and enhance their experience.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling some rich chocolate ganache over each slice elevates the dish to gourmet territory, intensifying those mocha notes and providing a luxurious finish.
Mint Tea: A steaming cup of mint tea rounds out the meal with its soothing properties and refreshing profile, cleansing the palate after a sweet treat.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee Cake Recipe FAQs

How can I select the best ground coffee for the cake?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor, choose a high-quality ground coffee that you enjoy drinking. Dark roast varieties will yield a deeper, more intense coffee flavor. If you prefer a smoother profile, opt for a medium roast. Instant espresso granules can also provide an excellent, robust flavor if you’re short on brewing time.

What is the best way to store leftover Vietnamese iced coffee cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors!

Can I freeze Vietnamese iced coffee cake layers?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each cooled cake layer individually in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, ensuring no air is trapped inside. You can freeze the layers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then frost once they’re fully defrosted. This method maintains the cake’s moisture and flavor beautifully.

What should I do if my cake is dense or doesn’t rise?
Very! A dense cake can result from overmixing or old leavening agents. Always mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined, and ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. If your cake still doesn’t rise as expected, double-check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for sweetened condensed milk in the frosting?
Definitely! Although sweetened condensed milk is key for flavor, you can use coconut cream or a store-bought dairy-free condensed milk alternative. If opting for coconut cream, add a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency while still keeping that creamy texture.

Are there any allergies I should be aware of when serving this cake?
Yes, be mindful that this cake contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. If you’re serving guests with gluten sensitivity, consider using a gluten-free flour blend. For dairy allergies, dairy-free margarine or cream can be used for the frosting, and be careful with the sweetened condensed milk substitute noted above. Always check ingredient labels to ensure safety!