Let’s face it: espresso and meringue are the dream team we didn’t know we needed. This cake defies expectations, blending the rich intensity of espresso with the airy sweetness of meringue. If you think the combination sounds ridiculous, you’re wrong. It’s a match made in dessert heaven, promising a flavor explosion that’ll have you questioning why you ever settled for basic cakes. Layered, luxurious, and perfect for coffee lovers, this cake will give your taste buds an experience so bold, they’ll never go back to ordinary treats. Ready for something wild? Let’s get baking.

Espresso Coffee Meringue Layer Cake
A deliciously bold cake combining espresso and meringue layers, packed with flavor and a perfect balance of textures.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 tbsp espresso powder
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
For the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cakes bake, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add sugar, vanilla, and cream of tartar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Spread a layer of meringue on top of each cake and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Layer the meringue-topped cakes, serve, and enjoy the unexpected espresso and meringue magic.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 8%
- Iron: 5%
- Calcium: 4%
- Magnesium: 6%
- Potassium: 6%
Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance Flavor
- Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the meringue for extra depth.
- Want it sweeter? Drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup on top before serving.
- If you like a stronger coffee taste, double the espresso powder.
- This cake keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- For a crunchy twist, top the meringue with finely chopped nuts.