Best Mocha Cake Recipe – Rich Chocolate Coffee Cake

Mocha Cake Recipe – Few desserts achieve the harmonious blend of flavors the way a mocha cake does. With its irresistible combination of chocolate and coffee, this cake is a dream come true for coffee lovers, chocolate enthusiasts, and dessert fans alike. It brings together the deep, bold notes of espresso with the velvety sweetness of cocoa, resulting in a dessert that’s comforting yet indulgent.

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Whether you’re making this cake for birthdays, tea parties, afternoon coffee breaks, or festive gatherings, this cake stands out with its rich layers and aromatic flair.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American / European

• Course: Dessert

• Servings: 10–12

• Calories: Approx. 430 kcal per serving

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Active Time: 35 minutes

• Resting/Chilling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

For the Mocha Cake Layers

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup strong hot coffee or espresso (freshly brewed)

For the Mocha Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 2 teaspoons instant coffee dissolved in 2 tbsp warm milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream

Equipment Needed

• Electric mixer or stand mixer

• Whisk & mixing bowls

• Cake pans (2× 8-inch or 9-inch)

• Parchment paper

• Cooling rack

• Offset spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Sifter (optional, for cocoa and flour)

 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease two cake pans and line them with parchment paper.

3. In a bowl, sift together:

   • Flour

   • Cocoa powder

   • Baking powder

   • Baking soda

   • Salt

4. In another bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.

5. Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

6. Slowly pour in hot coffee or espresso while mixing on low speed.

7. Batter will be thin—this ensures a moist cake.

8. Divide batter evenly into the pans.

9. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

10. Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully.

Step 2: Prepare Mocha Frosting

1. Beat softened butter until creamy and pale.

2. Add powdered sugar gradually while mixing on low.

3. Add cocoa powder and salt.

4. Add dissolved instant coffee mixture and vanilla.

5. Add heavy cream as needed for smooth, spreadable consistency.

6. Beat on medium-high for 3–4 minutes until fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Place the first cooled cake layer on a board or stand.

2. Spread a generous layer of mocha frosting.

3. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.

4. Smooth using an offset spatula.

5. Decorate with chocolate curls, coffee beans, or ganache.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Tips for the Perfect Mocha Cake

✔ Use freshly brewed strong coffee

The richer the coffee, the bolder the mocha flavor.

✔ Sift dry ingredients

This prevents lumps and improves the final crumb.

✔ Do not overmix

Overmixing leads to dense cake.

✔ Use room-temperature ingredients

Ensures even mixing and perfect rise.

✔ Let cakes cool completely before frosting

Warm cakes will melt buttercream.

✔ Whip frosting properly

It should be light, fluffy, and airy.

Conclusion

A mocha cake is much more than a simple dessert—it’s a celebration of flavors. Combining strong coffee with rich chocolate creates a dessert that’s bold, balanced, and irresistibly delicious. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just a cozy afternoon craving, this mocha cake turns any moment into something special. By following this guide, you’ll create a tender, flavorful cake layered with silky mocha frosting that tastes as stunning as it looks.