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Mocha Latte Layer Cake with Coffee Syrup

moka coffee pot
A rich mocha latte layer cake, soaked in homemade coffee syrup and stacked with bold frosting. Ideal for dessert drama and caffeine-powered delight.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 460 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

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

For the Coffee Syrup:

  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons espresso powder

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup melted dark chocolate cooled
  • 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line your cake pans with parchment like the cake deserves respect.
  • In a large bowl, sift flour, cocoa, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, milk, coffee, and vanilla until combined—don’t overthink it, just mix.
  • Add wet ingredients to dry ones. Mix until you get a smooth, moody batter.
  • Divide the batter between pans. Bake for 28–30 minutes or until toothpick comes out slightly smug.
  • While cakes cool, simmer water, sugar, and espresso powder for syrup. Let it chill once thickened slightly.
  • For frosting, beat butter until light. Add sugar in batches, then stir in chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and salt.
  • Once cakes are cool, brush each layer with syrup like you’re giving them a caffeine facial.
  • Frost between layers and around the cake. Smooth it like you care about presentation.
  • Chill for 20 minutes before serving—good luck waiting.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 460
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g

Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Calcium: 5%
  • Iron: 8%
  • Vitamin A: 6%
  • Magnesium: 5%
  • Folate: 7%

Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance Flavor

  • Use high-quality espresso powder—none of that bargain-bin nonsense.
  • Add a splash of Kahlúa to the syrup for grown-up energy.
  • Chill layers before frosting to avoid a slippy-slidey disaster.
  • Want drama? Top with chocolate-covered espresso beans and edible gold.
  • Eat with coffee. Always. Tea doesn't deserve this cake.