Description
A luxurious dessert featuring moist mocha-infused chocolate cake layers, silky salted caramel, rich espresso cocoa frosting, and a glossy cherry topping. A perfect showpiece for special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- Mocha Cake Layers:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Glazed Cherries:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or jarred cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Make Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch pans. Whisk dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and coffee. Combine with dry ingredients until smooth. Divide into pans and bake 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Salted Caramel: Melt sugar in a saucepan until amber. Stir in butter, then cream. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Cool completely.
- Frosting: Beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, espresso powder, and vanilla. Beat until combined, then gradually add cream to reach desired consistency.
- Glazed Cherries: Heat cherries with sugar and water. Once simmering, stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened and glossy. Cool before topping the cake.
- Assemble Cake: Spread frosting and salted caramel between layers. Frost the outside. Drizzle extra caramel on top and garnish with glazed cherries. Chill before slicing.
Notes
- Use strong brewed coffee or espresso to intensify mocha flavor.
- Apply a crumb coat and chill before final frosting for clean edges.
- Prepare caramel and cherries ahead for easy assembly.
- Store cherries separately and add just before serving.
- Use chocolate curls or nuts for added texture and decoration.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg