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Chocolate Coffee Layer Cake with Mocha Frosting

moka coffee pot
A bold, luxurious chocolate coffee cake layered with smooth mocha frosting that doubles as a legal addictive stimulant in disguise.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee cooled

For the Mocha Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temp
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
  • 2 –3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Cake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, soda, and salt.
  • Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and coffee. Mix until smooth.
  • Pour into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes.
  • Let cool 10 minutes, then move to wire racks.

Frosting:

  • Beat butter until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  • Mix in powdered sugar, cocoa, and espresso powder.
  • Add vanilla and cream. Beat until silky and spreadable.
  • Frost cooled cake layers generously.
  • Chill slightly for cleaner cuts or dive in face-first.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g

Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Calcium: 6%
  • Iron: 10%
  • Vitamin A: 7%
  • Magnesium: 5%
  • Potassium: 4%

Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance Flavor

  • Use dark cocoa powder for a bolder punch.
  • Add a splash of Kahlúa or coffee liqueur to the frosting—because why not?
  • Sprinkle flaky salt on top for that bougie bakery finish.
  • Serve with iced coffee for maximum caffeinated satisfaction.
  • This cake improves overnight, if it survives that long.