Mocha Layer Cake with Chocolate-Rum Cream Filling

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Ingredients

For the Mocha Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (or instant coffee)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee

For the Chocolate-Rum Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum (or to taste)

For Garnish (optional):

  • Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder
  • Chocolate curls or sprinkles

Instructions

1. Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, instant espresso, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed until well combined.
  4. Reduce speed to low and slowly add hot coffee. Batter will be thin — that’s good!
  5. Pour evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Chocolate-Rum Cream Filling:

  1. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer — don’t boil.
  3. Pour hot cream over chocolate. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  4. Stir in butter and rum until fully incorporated and glossy.
  5. Let the mixture cool until thickened enough to spread — you can refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the chocolate-rum filling evenly over the top.
  2. Place second cake layer on top and spread remaining filling over the top.
  3. Optionally, garnish with shaved chocolate, cocoa powder, or chocolate curls.

4. Serve & Enjoy:
Slice, serve, and enjoy this decadent mocha treat with a cup of coffee or a small glass of rum for a special touch!

If you’d like, I can help you adapt this for cupcakes or add a mocha buttercream frosting too — just let me know!

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