A decadent, moist chocolate cake infused with coffee flavor and layered with creamy mocha frosting. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you crave a chocolate-coffee treat.
🕒 Prep & Bake Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Bake: 25–30 minutes per layer
- Total: 1 hour 15 minutes (including frosting)
🍳 Equipment Needed
- Two 8-inch (or 9-inch) round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper
🍰 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (brewed)
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Mocha Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2–3 tbsp brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3 – Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add buttermilk and hot coffee while mixing.
Step 4 – Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in batches, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5 – Bake the Cake
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 6 – Prepare Mocha Frosting
In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low first, then high.
Add brewed coffee, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Step 7 – Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly.
- Optional: Decorate with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Stronger Coffee Flavor: Use espresso or strong brewed coffee.
- Moist Cake: Brush layers with coffee syrup before frosting.
- Chocolate Ganache Drip: Add a ganache drip for an elegant finish.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition (per slice, 12 slices)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 55g
- Sugar: 40g
