Description
This sophisticated mocha cake is a dream for chocolate and coffee lovers. By blooming cocoa powder in hot coffee, the recipe achieves a deep, intense chocolate profile that is balanced by a light, airy espresso buttercream. Using buttermilk and vegetable oil ensures a moist, tender crumb that stays fresh for days. Perfect for afternoon tea or celebratory gatherings, this bakery-quality dessert is remarkably straightforward to prepare in your own home kitchen.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup hot strong coffee
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
2–4 tsp instant espresso powder
2 tbsp warm milk
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350ºF and prepare your pans with parchment paper.
Whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Combine the vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, coffee, and vanilla in a separate container.
Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans.
Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool cakes completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Beat the butter for 3 minutes until light and airy for the frosting base.
Dissolve the instant espresso powder into the warm milk, then incorporate into the butter with powdered sugar until smooth.
Frost the cooled cake layers as desired.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best emulsion. You can substitute hot water for coffee if desired, though coffee significantly enhances the chocolate depth. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg