Description
A rich and moist chocolate mocha cake with espresso-infused frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (285g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (118 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (118 ml) sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 cups (280g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ cup (40 g) cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 tablespoon (5g) instant espresso powder (optional)
- 2 ½ teaspoons (9 g) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- 1 ¼ cup (296 ml) hot brewed coffee
- 3 tablespoon (45ml) heavy whipping cream, divided
- 2 1/2 tablespoons (15g) instant espresso powder, divided
- 2 cups (459g) unsalted Butter, cold
- 8 cups (1041g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4–6 ounces (113-170g) dark chocolate, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare three 8-inch round baking pans, line the bottom with parchment paper, and grease the sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well incorporated.
- Mix in the sour cream and beat until combined.
- Sift together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Add half the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, followed by half of the coffee, and mix at low speed.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and coffee. Beat until well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the three pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-24 minutes. Test with a toothpick.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, microwave 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, dissolve 1 tablespoon espresso powder, and chill.
- Whip cold butter for 5-7 minutes until spreadable.
- Add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat well.
- Add remaining ingredients and beat until smooth.
- Assemble the cake by layering with frosting and decorating as desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but is optional.
- Chill frosting before piping for better consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg