Mocha Layer Cake with Chocolate-Rum Cream Filling

by

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate-Rum Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp dark rum (or substitute with extra cream if alcohol-free)
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

For Frosting (optional):

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 3–4 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    • Add coffee, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and well combined.
    • Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Let cakes cool completely on wire racks.
  2. Make the Chocolate-Rum Cream Filling:
    • Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
    • Pour over chopped chocolate and butter in a bowl. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
    • Mix in rum and powdered sugar. Chill in the fridge until thickened and spreadable (about 30–40 minutes).
  3. Assemble the Cake:
    • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of chocolate-rum cream filling over it.
    • Top with the second cake layer.
  4. Frost the Cake (Optional):
    • Beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, and vanilla. Mix until creamy and smooth.
    • Frost the top and sides of the cake.
  5. Chill & Serve:
    • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the filling to set.
    • Slice and enjoy your rich mocha-chocolate delight!

Do you want me to keep the frosting optional (as above) or make it a full decorated cake recipe with ganache glaze for extra elegance?

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