5 Favorite Chocolate Cakes with a Fall Twist

Nothing says cozy season like chocolate cakes infused with warm autumn flavors. From spiced pumpkin layers to churro-inspired sweetness, these bakes bring a seasonal twist to classic chocolate indulgence. Each recipe here combines rich cocoa with comforting fall spices or textures—perfect for gatherings, holidays, or chilly evenings at home.

Quick Summary

This listicle features five chocolate cakes with fall-inspired flavors—from spiced pumpkin to churro. Each recipe includes easy ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and the comforting touch of seasonal spices and rich chocolate. Ideal for autumn celebrations or cozy weekends, these cakes are moist, flavorful, and irresistibly nostalgic.

1. Spiced Pumpkin and Chocolate Cake Recipe

Warm pumpkin spice meets rich chocolate in this cozy fall favorite. The tender pumpkin layers keep the cake moist, while the cocoa adds depth that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
  3. In another bowl, beat pumpkin, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk until smooth.
  5. Pour into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool and frost with chocolate cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

2. Easy Moist Coffee Chocolate Cake Recipe

Chocolate and coffee create the perfect bold, rich fall pairing. The subtle coffee notes deepen the cocoa flavor, giving this cake an espresso-kissed warmth that feels like a cozy afternoon treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1¾ cups flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup hot coffee
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1¾ cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch pans.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
  3. Mix sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl.
  4. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk and coffee until blended.
  5. Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting with mocha buttercream.

3. S’mores Cake Recipe

Everything you love about campfire s’mores—brought into cake form. Layers of chocolate sponge, marshmallow frosting, and graham cracker crumbs make every bite nostalgic and gooey.

Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line pans with parchment.
  2. Combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla.
  3. Mix in buttermilk, then fold in graham cracker crumbs.
  4. Bake for 30 minutes.
  5. Frost with marshmallow buttercream and top with toasted marshmallows and chocolate drizzle.

4. S’mores Layer Cake Recipe

Double the layers, double the nostalgia. This cake takes the s’mores idea to the next level with alternating chocolate and graham layers filled with marshmallow fluff and chocolate ganache.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers
  • 1½ cups marshmallow fluff
  • 1 cup chocolate ganache

Instructions:

  1. Bake chocolate cake layers as usual and let cool.
  2. Spread marshmallow fluff between layers.
  3. Add a thin layer of graham crumbs and drizzle ganache.
  4. Frost the entire cake with chocolate buttercream.
  5. Finish with toasted marshmallows and graham dust for that signature campfire vibe.

5. Churro Cake Recipe

This cake takes the comforting warmth of a churro and fuses it with chocolate richness. Every layer is coated in cinnamon sugar and frosted with velvety chocolate cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup cinnamon sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix dry ingredients together in one bowl.
  3. Combine wet ingredients in another and blend until smooth.
  4. Fold dry into wet, pour into pans, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
  5. Dust with cinnamon sugar and frost with chocolate cream cheese frosting.

Final Thoughts

Fall is the perfect excuse to bake something chocolatey with a cozy twist. These cakes blend spices, cocoa, coffee, pumpkin, and cinnamon into irresistible desserts that taste like autumn itself. From s’mores nostalgia to churro warmth, each one brings something special to your fall table.