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Step-by-step Coles cakes preparation at home with simple ingredients

Coles-Inspired Chocolate Celebration Cake

A rich, moist chocolate cake inspired by Coles’ classic supermarket favorite — recreated at home with premium cocoa, cultured butter, and silky chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion that calls for indulgence.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Australian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake Base
  • 2 cups cake flour about 250 g, sifted
  • 0.75 cup cocoa powder about 65 g, high-quality like Cadbury Bournville
  • 1.75 cups caster sugar about 350 g
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter about 170 g, softened
  • 3 large free-range eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup full-cream milk about 240 ml
  • 1 tsp instant coffee powder enhances chocolate flavor
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1.5 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract preferably natural
  • 0.5 tsp salt
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter about 225 g, softened
  • 4 cups icing sugar about 500 g, sifted
  • 200 g dark chocolate melted and cooled
  • 3 Tbsp thickened cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt balances sweetness

Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sifter
  • Two 20 cm round cake pans
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Offset spatula

Method
 

  1. Step 1 – Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line two 20 cm round pans with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, instant coffee, and salt into a bowl. Whisk to combine.
  3. Step 3 – Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
  4. Step 4 – Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla until smooth.
  5. Step 5 – Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. Step 6 – Bake: Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to wire racks.
  7. Step 7 – Make Frosting: Beat butter until light and creamy. Gradually add icing sugar, mixing on low speed. Blend in melted chocolate, cream, vanilla, and salt. Whip until smooth and fluffy.
  8. Step 8 – Assemble: Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting between layers, then cover top and sides evenly. Decorate with berries, curls, or gold dust.

Notes

Use all ingredients at room temperature. Do not overmix to keep the cake tender. Chill slightly before frosting for cleaner layering.