Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Mocha Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions:
Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven: to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. 4. Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and coffee, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Mocha Buttercream Frosting:
- Cream butter: In a large bowl, cream together butter until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually beat in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in coffee, vanilla, and cocoa powder until combined. Adjust consistency as needed by adding more powdered sugar or a splash of milk.
Assemble the Cake:
- Level cakes: Once cooled, level the tops of the cakes if necessary.
- Frost and stack: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and frost the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate: Decorate the cake as desired with additional frosting, chocolate shavings, or coffee beans.
Enjoy your delicious Mocha Layer Cake!