Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake Recipe (Rich, Moist, and Full of Flavor)
If you’re looking for a cake that delivers bold flavor, deep chocolate notes, and a hint of spice, this Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake is your new go-to. It’s a rich, moist cake infused with cinnamon, a touch of cayenne, and traditional Mexican chocolate, all balanced by the creamy depth of milk. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you want to impress with something extraordinary — this is chocolate cake with attitude.
🎂 What Is Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake?
Mexican chocolate milk cake is a twist on classic chocolate cake that blends the warm spices of Mexican cuisine — typically cinnamon and a subtle kick of chili — with velvety chocolate and milk for a dense, tender crumb. It combines the comforting texture of a milk-based cake with the spicy, earthy tones of authentic Mexican chocolate or cocoa.
🥛 Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent treat:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (or ground Mexican chocolate like Abuelita or Ibarra)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup hot brewed coffee or boiling water (enhances the chocolate flavor)
🔥 Optional Mexican Chocolate Frosting
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
👨🍳 How to Make Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk:
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Oil
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine & Add Coffee
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until combined but don’t overmix.
Slowly pour in hot coffee or boiling water and mix gently. The batter will be thin — that’s what makes the cake so moist.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
🍫 Make the Mexican Chocolate Frosting
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cocoa, milk, cinnamon, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Pour over cooled cake and spread evenly.
✨ Toppings & Variations
- Sprinkle with chopped Mexican chocolate or cinnamon-sugar.
- Top with dulce de leche drizzle or whipped cream.
- Add toasted pecans or almonds for crunch.
- Substitute the cayenne with ancho chili powder for a smoky kick.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Texture
- Don’t skip the coffee — it enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting.
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Store covered at room temperature for 2 days, or in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, wrap slices and freeze for up to 2 months.
🎉 When to Serve Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake
- Cinco de Mayo
- Birthdays
- Holidays
- Dinner parties
- Just because you want dessert with a twist
This cake is bold enough to impress, but simple enough for any day of the week.
💬 Final Thoughts
Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake is not your average dessert. It’s rich, spicy-sweet, and irresistibly moist. The warmth of cinnamon and cayenne mixed with creamy milk and deep chocolate make this the ultimate celebration of flavor and culture. One slice, and you’ll understand why it’s a fan favorite for any occasion.
