Mocha Coffee Birthday Cake

This Mocha Coffee Birthday Cake is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and freshly brewed coffee into a moist, layered cake perfect for celebrations. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a chocolate enthusiast, this cake brings out the best of both worlds with its creamy mocha frosting and tender crumb.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mocha Coffee Birthday Cake is ideal for anyone looking to impress guests at a birthday celebration. The bold coffee flavor enhances the depth of the chocolate, resulting in a complex yet balanced taste. The cake is not overly sweet and pairs beautifully with a smooth mocha buttercream that is both light and satisfying. It’s also a versatile dessert that can be customized with toppings like chocolate shavings, espresso beans, or ganache drizzle.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vegetable oil

• Whole milk

• Freshly brewed coffee (cooled)

• Vanilla extract

For the Mocha Frosting:

• Unsalted butter

• Powdered sugar

• Cocoa powder

• Brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)

• Vanilla extract

• Heavy cream (as needed for consistency)

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Add the milk and coffee to the wet ingredients and stir until smooth.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

9. To make the frosting, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, followed by vanilla and coffee. Add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.

10. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and assemble the layers. Spread frosting on the first layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

11. Garnish with chocolate curls or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Cooling and assembly time: 1 hour
Total time: Approximately 2 hours

Variations

• Espresso Kick: Use espresso powder in place of brewed coffee for a stronger flavor.

• Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flaxseed eggs, milk with plant-based milk, and use vegan butter.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

• Chocolate Ganache Topping: Pour ganache over the top for an extra indulgent finish.

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts between the layers for a crunchy contrast.

storage/reheating

Store the Mocha Coffee Birthday Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting. Avoid microwaving to reheat; instead, allow a chilled slice to sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before serving.

FAQs

How strong is the coffee flavor in the cake?

The coffee flavor is present but not overpowering. It mainly enhances the richness of the chocolate.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the layers a day in advance and frost them the next day. Keep the layers wrapped tightly in plastic.

What kind of coffee should I use?

Use a freshly brewed medium to strong coffee. Avoid instant coffee granules unless dissolved thoroughly.

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed?

Yes, dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee in hot water to replace the brewed coffee.

Can this be made into cupcakes?

Yes, you can use the same batter for cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.

How do I prevent my cake from being dry?

Be careful not to overbake and ensure your ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature.

Is it okay to use salted butter in the frosting?

Yes, but you should reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for extra texture and richness.

What is the best way to frost the cake evenly?

Use an offset spatula and chill the cake briefly between crumb coating and final frosting.

Can I use a different size cake pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. For example, 9-inch pans may require a slightly shorter bake time.

Conclusion

This Mocha Coffee Birthday Cake offers a perfect blend of coffee and chocolate flavors, making it an elegant and satisfying centerpiece for any birthday celebration. Its rich yet balanced taste, combined with a smooth mocha frosting, ensures it will be a hit among guests. Whether served simply or dressed up with

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