Preheat the Oven:
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Add Espresso:
Dissolve instant espresso in a tablespoon of hot water. Mix into the butter mixture.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, until smooth.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Prepare the Espresso Syrup (Optional):
Dissolve espresso powder in water, then stir in sugar. Heat until sugar dissolves.
Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Add Syrup (Optional):
Brush the cooled cake with the espresso syrup for an extra punch of coffee flavor.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve with a cup of coffee or tea.