Here's The Secret To Making Amazing Chocolate Cake

Ah, chocolate. It's the cure-all for a bad day. It makes us happy for a reason; chocolate has long been known to boost serotonin levels. So why not enjoy all that chocolate has to give in the form of the perfect chocolate cake? Whether you plan on baking a chocolate sheet, layered, spring-form, or Bundt cake, we have the secret to making all of that chocolatey goodness dance on your taste buds — coffee.

Click here for the 15 best chocolate cake recipes slideshow.

Yes, strong coffee, your favorite morning stimulant, also enhances that chocolate flavor. Coffee and chocolate share the same flavor profile, so when you add a hint of coffee to chocolate, you increase those rich flavors with hints of spice. Using a small amount, like one cup of strong coffee or one to two tablespoons of instant espresso, won't add a coffee flavor to your cake.

When you mix your cake, either replace some of the liquids in the recipe with strong brewed coffee or espresso or dissolve one or two tablespoons into the liquids in the recipe. Try adding a kick of flavor to this German Chocolate Cake recipe, or use coffee when making Flourless Chocolate Cake for a decadent effect. Once you try this improved chocolate flavor, you will add it to all your favorite cocoa-laden desserts, from mousse to pie.

The accompanying slideshow is provided by special contributor Emily Jacobs.

Angela Carlos is the Cook Editor at The Daily Meal. Find her on Twitter and tweet @angelaccarlos.