One Layer Mocha Cake
The ultimate comfort food awaits you with this rich and moist One Layer Mocha Cake. Perfectly balanced between chocolate and coffee, each bite is a heavenly experience. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, indulge yourself with this delightful cake tonight!
Equipment
- Peeler
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Chef's Knife
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Blender
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup Softened Butter to grease the cake pan
- 2 cups Flour (plus 2 tablespoons to dust the baking pan)
- 0.25 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (plus 2 tablespoons to dust the baking pan)
- 1.0625 cups Granulated Sugar , divided
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 large Eggs , at room temperature
- 0.333 cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2.5 ounces Bittersweet Chocolate , chopped and melted
- 1 cup Buttermilk , at room temperature
- 1-3 teaspoons Instant Coffee
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°.
- Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with softened butter, then dust with a mixture of flour and cocoa powder, tapping out the excess to reuse. Line the bottom with parchment paper and butter and coat as well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, ½ cup of the granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs with the dark brown sugar and the remaining ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar at medium-high speed until thick, about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- At medium speed, gradually add ½ cup of the vegetable oil and beat for 3 minutes until absorbed. Beat in the melted bittersweet chocolate, then slowly add the rest of the oil until thoroughly blended, scraping the side and bottom of the bowl. You are emulsifying the oil into the batter, like when making mayonnaise or salad dressing.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant coffee and vanilla into the buttermilk. Then, at low speed, beat in the buttermilk. Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the dry ingredients in three additions using a rubber spatula.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans to a rack to finish cooling. Peel off the parchment paper.
- To make the frosting, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg whites, and salt in a medium heatproof bowl. Set over simmering water and whisk gently until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the egg white mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk. Add vanilla and beat at medium-high speed until stiff and glossy, about 8 minutes.
- Beat in the butter a few pieces at a time, ensuring it is fully incorporated before adding more. If the mixture appears runny, place it in the refrigerator to thicken up, then continue.
- Beat in the melted chocolate until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed. Chill the frosting until needed. If it gets too firm to spread, let it warm up at room temperature.
- Set the cake on a platter. Frost the cake with the buttercream. Refrigerate the cake until the frosting is firm.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. It can last for 3 to 5 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in a freezer bag.
- Pairing: This cake is wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
- Flavor Variations: For a twist, try adding chocolate chips or walnuts to the batter. They enhance the texture and flavor beautifully.
- Coffee Strength: Adjust the amount of instant coffee based on your preference. A little for a subtle hint, or more for a robust flavor.
- Frosting Options: Experiment with different frostings like cream cheese or ganache to customize the cake to your taste.