Ingredients
Scale
For the Mocha Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup brewed coffee, cooled (strong for more flavor)
For the Mocha Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee or espresso
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust for consistency)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chocolate shavings
- Coffee beans
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled brewed coffee. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Mocha Buttercream Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed until combined.
- Pour in the coffee, vanilla extract, and salt, then mix well.
- Add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, coffee beans, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve this decadent mocha cake with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy the perfect balance of chocolate and coffee flavors in every bite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g