Espresso Cake (Coffee Layer Cake) Recipe

If you dream about the irresistible aroma of fresh coffee, this Espresso Cake (Coffee Layer Cake) Recipe is pure heaven. Imagine ultra-moist, tender layers infused with rich espresso flavor, all wrapped up in the silkiest espresso cream cheese frosting—this cake is the answer to every coffee lover’s dessert cravings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you love a cake that comes together from ingredients you probably already have? Each one plays a part in making this Espresso Cake (Coffee Layer Cake) Recipe wonderfully tender, richly flavored, and impossible to resist. Here’s why these ingredients matter!

• All-purpose Flour: This forms the backbone of your cake and gives it just the right amount of structure without being dense.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The dynamic duo that ensures your cake is sky-high light and fluffy.
• Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: A blend for sweetness and a subtle hint of caramel depth, courtesy of the brown sugar.
• Salt: Just a touch elevates the espresso flavor and rounds everything out.
• Eggs: These add structure, moisture, and that perfect crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Extra moisture! Oil keeps this cake delightfully soft for days.
• Buttermilk (or homemade): The acidity creates a super soft, tender crumb—just mix whole milk and a splash of vinegar if you’re out of buttermilk.
• Sour Cream: Guarantees moistness and a delicate tang in every bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Balances and intensifies the rich coffee and cream cheese flavors.
• Instant Coffee: For bold espresso flavor—go as strong as you dare!
• Boiling Water: Helps dissolve the coffee so it blends seamlessly into the batter.
• Unsalted Butter: For the frosting—softened for ultimate creaminess.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, adding tang and a luxurious texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sifted for a light and creamy frosting consistency.

Variations

Dive in and make this Espresso Cake (Coffee Layer Cake) Recipe your own! Adapt it to suit your favorite flavors, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand—don’t be afraid to try something new.

• Mocha Chip Variation: Stir in mini chocolate chips to the batter for melty pockets of chocolate in every slice.
• Dairy-Free Friendly: Swap the dairy ingredients for your favorite plant-based alternatives for a completely vegan coffee cake extravaganza.
• Nutty Twist: Add a layer of chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds between the cake layers for extra crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
• Extra Espresso: For a bold kick, brush the baked layers with a shot of cooled espresso before frosting.

How to Make Espresso Cake (Coffee Layer Cake) Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (conventional, no fan) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when your cake goes in. Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper—this step guarantees the cakes pop out effortlessly later, with gorgeous clean edges.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, both sugars, and salt. By thoroughly combining the dry ingredients now, you avoid clumps and ensure every bite is light, even, and sweetly balanced.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla extract directly to the dry mix. Gently whisk until everything is just combined—you want a smooth batter with no streaks, but don’t overmix or you’ll lose that tender crumb.

Step 4: Stir in Espresso

Dissolve the instant coffee granules in boiling water, then pour this into the batter and very gently fold until everything is uniform. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine, and you’ll see the batter become a beautiful, rich coffee color.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Divide the luscious batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Cool the cakes in the pans for at least 20 minutes to help lock in all that moisture, then carefully turn them out and chill them in the fridge for 30–60 minutes before assembling.

Step 6: Make the Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes chill, beat softened butter and cream cheese together in your mixer until ultra-smooth. Add the vanilla, salt, and instant coffee dissolved in hot water, then beat briefly. Slowly add the powdered sugar a cup at a time until you reach a creamy, thick consistency. Don’t over-beat or the frosting will thin out—if it feels soft, just pop it in the fridge for 10–20 minutes.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate

Trim any domes from your cooled cakes to level them—this makes stacking a breeze. Spread that dreamy espresso frosting between layers, then coat the top and sides with a thin crumb coat. Chill for 20 minutes, then finish with the remaining frosting. Pipe decorative swirls, sprinkle with extra instant coffee, or dot on some whole coffee beans for a stunning final touch!

How to Serve Espresso Cake (Coffee Layer Cake) Recipe

Garnishes

Give your Espresso Cake (Coffee Layer Cake) Recipe a coffeehouse finish with a scattering of chocolate shavings, a light dusting of instant coffee granules, or a few glossy coffee beans perched on top. Even a simple swirl of extra cream cheese frosting piped along the edges adds that lovely professional touch!

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or even a simple macerated berry compote. And of course, it’s absolutely perfect alongside a mug of your best freshly brewed coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.

Creative Ways to Present

Surprise your guests by slicing the cake into individual mini “layer cakes” using a ring mold, or serve slices arranged artfully on a vintage tray for a coffeehouse vibe. For special occasions, try piping rosettes or using a stencil and cocoa powder to create a beautiful coffee-inspired design right on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Espresso Cake (Coffee Layer Cake) Recipe covered in the fridge. It stays moist and delicious for up to 5 days, and the flavors might even deepen! Just let slices come to room temperature before serving for the most luscious texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers (unfrosted) for up to 2 months—just wrap well in plastic, then foil. For frosted cake, freeze slices on a tray before wrapping individually. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a make-ahead dessert that’s ready when you are!

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature rather than reheated, as warming cream cheese frosting can cause it to melt. Simply let your slice sit out for 30–45 minutes before indulging for that perfect soft crumb and creamy frosting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hunting for a bake that captures the aroma and warmth of your favorite coffee shop, this Espresso Cake (Coffee Layer Cake) Recipe is it. Give it a try the next time you want to treat yourself or your loved ones—every slice is a hug in cake form, and you’ll love every delicious, espresso-kissed bite!

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