Chocolate Mocha Cake with Espresso Buttercream Recipe

If you are a chocolate and coffee lover, prepare to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Mocha Cake with Espresso Buttercream. This cake captures the perfect harmony of rich cocoa and robust espresso, coming together in a moist, tender crumb layered with smooth, luscious espresso buttercream frosting. Every bite is a delightful adventure that highlights bold flavors without overpowering sweetness, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. If you’ve been searching for a cake that brings coffeehouse magic right to your kitchen, this recipe is your new best friend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and absolutely essential to create the perfect Chocolate Mocha Cake with Espresso Buttercream. Each element plays its part—from the deep cocoa and espresso powders adding complexity, to the avocado oil and milk ensuring a moist, tender crumb. Simple yet thoughtfully chosen for maximum flavor and texture, these ingredients will have you eager to bake.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without being cloying, balancing the bitterness of cocoa and espresso.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure necessary for a light, tender crumb.
• Cocoa powder: Gives the cake its luscious chocolate base—unsweetened to let flavors shine.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and depth of flavors in the cake.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents create lift and airy texture in the cake layers.
• Espresso powder: Intensifies the mocha flavor, providing that unmistakable coffee kick.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness as well as moisture.
• Avocado oil: A mild-flavored oil that keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batters.
• Strong brewed coffee: Infuses the batter with real coffee flavor while keeping it luscious and moist.
• Unsalted butter: For the espresso buttercream, provides creamy decadence and richness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream to a perfect spreading consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors in the frosting with warm, sweet notes.
• Hot water: Used to dissolve espresso powder, ensuring it blends smoothly into the buttercream.

How to Make Chocolate Mocha Cake with Espresso Buttercream

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper circles for easy release, then grease and lightly flour the pans. Getting your workspace ready is key to the flawless texture and easy clean-up later.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In your mixer at low speed, sift together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and espresso powder. Mixing all the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of the leaveners and coffee flavor, providing a balanced batter without clumps.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients Except Coffee

Next, add the eggs, avocado oil, and milk to your dry mix. Mix until just combined, then crank the mixer to medium speed and beat for two minutes. This step aerates the batter slightly, contributing to a tender crumb, while smoothly blending all the ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate the Hot Coffee

Slowly add the hot brewed coffee to the batter on low speed. It will thin out the batter, but this is exactly what you want for extra moist and flavorful layers. Make sure it is completely blended before pouring into pans.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 5 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack and cover them lightly with a tea towel as they cool completely. This protects the cake’s moisture while it rests.

Step 6: Make the Espresso Buttercream

Dissolve the espresso powder in hot water and let it cool slightly. Beat the softened butter with a pinch of salt until light and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating after each addition until smooth. Add the espresso mixture and vanilla extract, then beat for 2 to 3 minutes until fluffy and luscious—a frosting that perfectly mirrors the cake’s mocha essence.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are cool, use a serrated knife to slice each horizontally into two layers, creating four thin, even layers. Spread about half a cup of the espresso buttercream evenly between each layer. Apply a thin crumb coat around the entire cake and chill it briefly. Finally, smooth on a final layer of frosting, decorate with chocolate curls or coffee beans if you like, and your cake is ready for the spotlight.

How to Serve Chocolate Mocha Cake with Espresso Buttercream

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes can elevate your Chocolate Mocha Cake with Espresso Buttercream to elegant heights. Think chocolate curls, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of cocoa nibs or chocolate-covered espresso beans. These little touches enhance texture and add a hint of rustic charm.

Side Dishes

Pair this mocha cake with lightly sweetened whipped cream, fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the intense chocolate and coffee notes with a fresh or creamy contrast. These sides complement the rich flavors without competing.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes all the difference. Serve the cake on a pedestal cake stand to show off its layers, or cut into petite slices for a refined dessert platter. For parties, consider slicing into squares and decorating each with a piped espresso swirl. Wrapping each slice with a decorative ribbon turns it into a wonderful gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cake, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. The Chocolate Mocha Cake with Espresso Buttercream will stay fresh and moist for up to five days when properly stored, making it perfect for enjoying over several days or sharing with friends and family.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake if you want to plan ahead. Wrap the frosted cake securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to retain that moist texture and creamy frosting.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer, let slices sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to soften the buttercream and bring out full flavors.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Instant coffee can work, but espresso powder is more concentrated and gives a richer, more authentic mocha flavor. If substituting, use a slightly larger amount of instant coffee for a similar punch.

Is avocado oil necessary, or can I use another oil?

Avocado oil provides a neutral taste and moisture. You can substitute with vegetable or canola oil without affecting the cake’s texture, but avoid strong-flavored oils to keep the chocolate and espresso flavors front and center.

How do I ensure the cake layers bake evenly?

Make sure to preheat your oven and position the rack centered. Use equal amounts of batter in each pan and rotate pans halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots. Let pans cool briefly before removing cakes to help maintain their structure.

What if my buttercream is too soft?

If your espresso buttercream feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes, then beat it again briefly before frosting. This firms it up and makes spreading much easier.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

The recipe relies on whole milk and butter for richness, but you can substitute plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and dairy-free butter alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Mocha Cake with Espresso Buttercream is an absolute showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, bursting with the perfect balance of chocolate and coffee in every bite. Whether it’s a special celebration or a cozy weekend treat, baking this cake is a wonderful way to bring warmth and happiness to your table. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try. You’re going to love how it becomes your go-to dessert for any occasion!

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