Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Chocolate Espresso Layer Cake with Whipped Ganache! Rich, moist chocolate cake layers infused with bold espresso are stacked and frosted with velvety whipped chocolate ganache. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or when you’re simply craving a show-stopping treat.
Ingredients
For the cake:
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup (75g) cocoa powder
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2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
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1 cup (240ml) hot espresso or strong coffee
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1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
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1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
For the ganache:
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8 oz (225g) dark chocolate, chopped
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1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
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1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups (375g) powdered sugar
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1 tbsp cocoa powder
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1 tbsp instant espresso powder
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2 tbsp heavy cream
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2 tsp vanilla extract
For garnish:
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Chocolate curls
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Espresso beans
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Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and both sugars.
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In another bowl, whisk hot espresso, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a smooth batter.
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Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
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Make ganache: Heat cream until just boiling, pour over chocolate. Let sit, add butter and vanilla, then whisk until smooth. Chill, then whip until fluffy.
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Make frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, espresso powder, cream, and vanilla. Beat until light and smooth.
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Assemble cake: Layer cake with ganache, then frost with espresso buttercream. Decorate with chocolate curls, espresso beans, and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Notes
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Chill layers before frosting for easier assembly.
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For a stronger espresso flavor, add more instant espresso powder to the frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American