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Mocha Coffee Birthday Cake with Espresso Buttercream

Mocha Coffee Birthday Cake with Espresso Buttercream


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Perfect for birthdays, dinner parties, or coffee-themed celebrations, this mocha coffee cake with espresso buttercream is rich and flavorful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup brewed espresso (cooled)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
  • Dark chocolate shavings (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare three 8-inch pans.
  2. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Beat eggs and sugar, then add buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and espresso.
  4. Stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
  5. Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
  6. Beat butter until fluffy, add powdered sugar and espresso powder to make frosting.
  7. Layer cake with espresso buttercream and smooth the sides.
  8. Pipe swirls on top and sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
  9. Chill cake for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh espresso for best flavor or instant if needed.
  • Chill buttercream if it’s too soft to work with.
  • Use high-quality cocoa for a rich base.
  • Let cake come to room temp before serving.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg