Ingredients
For the Mocha Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate-Rum Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp dark rum (or to taste)
For the Mocha Frosting (optional):
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp strong coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add coffee, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until batter is smooth and well combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate-Rum Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the cream just until it begins to simmer.
- Pour over the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl.
- Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add rum and mix well.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30–45 minutes, or until thickened but spreadable.
- Make the Mocha Frosting (optional):
- Beat butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, coffee, vanilla, and salt.
- Beat until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more coffee or sugar if needed.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the chocolate-rum cream evenly on top.
- Add the second cake layer.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with mocha frosting, if using.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
Tip: Garnish with chocolate shavings or coffee beans for an extra touch!
Would you like a version without alcohol or with whipped cream topping instead?