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Moist Espresso Layer Cake with Creamy Coffee Frosting

This rich and aromatic espresso cake is a dream for coffee lovers. Infused with bold espresso flavor, the cake layers are tender, moist, and perfectly balanced with a luscious cream cheese frosting enhanced with a touch of coffee. The combination of deep coffee notes and velvety frosting creates a sophisticated yet comforting dessert, ideal for special occasions or an indulgent treat. Inspired by classic coffee-flavored cakes, this recipe brings out the best of espresso’s robust character while maintaining a delicate sweetness. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or served as a show-stopping centerpiece, this cake is sure to impress.

Dessert | Vegetarian | Layer Cake | Mixing Bowl | Oven | Stand Mixer | Wire Rack | Butter | Coffee powder | Cream Cheese | Flour | Baking | Whipping | Festive | Overnight
Time to complete

Prep

30min

Cook

20min

Wait

1h 10min

Total

2h

Ingredients (Makes 12 servings)

Cake Batter

  • 325 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 100 g (½ cup) light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 133 g (⅔ cup) vegetable oil
  • 80 g (⅓ cup) buttermilk or whole milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar
  • 240 g (1 cup) sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp instant coffee, depending on desired strength
  • 180 g (¾ cup) boiling water

Frosting

  • 283 g (1¼ cups) unsalted butter, softened
  • 570 g (20 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
  • 360-480 g (3-4 cups) icing sugar, sifted

For Serving/Garnishing

  • Instant coffee or coffee beans (optional)
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 380
  • Fat: 22
  • Protein: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 1
Directions

Prepare the Cake Batter

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  • 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
  • 3. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Gently whisk until fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
  • 4. Dissolve the instant coffee in boiling water, then pour it into the batter. Fold gently until a smooth espresso cake batter forms.

Bake the Cake

  • 5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
  • 6. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with light, moist crumbs.
  • 7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting

  • 8. Ensure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened. Place them in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
  • 9. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and dissolved instant coffee. Beat on medium-low speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  • 10. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until the desired consistency and sweetness are achieved. Avoid overmixing to prevent a runny texture.
  • 11. If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate for 10-20 minutes to firm up slightly.

Assemble the Cake

  • 12. Trim the domed tops of the cooled cakes if necessary. Layer them with generous amounts of frosting between each layer.
  • 13. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to the top and sides of the cake, then refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
  • 14. Cover the cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides and top as desired.

Decorate and Serve

  • 15. Decorate with instant coffee or coffee beans if desired. Slice and serve.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

  • Bake in a single large pan and slice into layers after cooling.

Alternative Ingredients

  • Substitute mascarpone for cream cheese for a richer frosting.

Cake Texture

  • Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.

Coffee Flavor

  • Adjust the amount of instant coffee to control the intensity of the espresso flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

  • Add a splash of coffee liqueur to the frosting for extra depth.

Frosting Consistency

  • Chill the frosting briefly if it becomes too soft to spread.

Healthier Version

  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter texture.

Seasonal Twists

  • Top with caramel drizzle or chocolate shavings for a festive touch.