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Three-layer chocolate mocha cake with coffee frosting on a ceramic cake stand, slice cut out, surrounded by coffee beans.

Chocolate Mocha Cake

Amelia
This Chocolate Mocha Cake is moist, rich, and infused with the bold flavor of espresso and cocoa. Perfect for coffee lovers, this cake is topped with a decadent mocha frosting or ganache, making it the ultimate dessert for any occasion.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Slices
Calories 470 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients:

  • ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup brewed espresso (or strong coffee), cooled
  • ½ cup milk or buttermilk
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp espresso powder (optional, for stronger flavor)

Optional Add-ins:

  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks

For Frosting (Optional Mocha Buttercream):

  • 1 1 unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp brewed coffee or espresso
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prepare Pans

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together espresso, milk, oil, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and espresso powder.

Combine Batter

  • Gradually add wet mixture to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  • Fold in chocolate chips or chunks if using.

Bake

  • Divide batter evenly between pans.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting (Optional)

  • Beat softened butter until fluffy. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, and coffee.
  • Beat until creamy and smooth.

Assemble and Serve

  • Spread frosting between cake layers and over the top.
  • Garnish with chocolate curls, espresso beans, or cocoa powder.
  • Chill before slicing for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 470kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 6gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 35g
Keyword Chocolate Mocha Cake
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