This cake has more personality than most people you know. Light sponge? Check. Bold coffee infusion? Obviously. Drama-free frosting? Don’t push it. This isn’t your average grocery aisle fluff—it’s an espresso-soaked sponge dressed to impress. The texture’s so soft, you’ll question your life choices up to this point. It’s the dessert equivalent of a well-timed comeback—smooth, sharp, and slightly bitter. Serve it to guests and watch them pretend they’re not inhaling it. Ideal for caffeine lovers, pastry snobs, or anyone who claims “I’m not a cake person” (they’re lying). You’ve been warned: no crumb will survive.
Coffee-Infused Sponge Layer Cake
A cloud-like sponge soaked in strong coffee, layered beautifully, and served with enough flair to win any bake-off or brunch war.
Ingredients
For the Sponge:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup strong brewed espresso cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup whole milk
For the Coffee Syrup:
- ⅓ cup hot water
- 1½ tbsp instant espresso powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
For the Filling/Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp espresso optional
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line your pans like a pro.
- Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. Stir like you mean it.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and foamy—about 3 minutes of wrist action.
- Add butter, milk, espresso, and vanilla. Blend until smooth and luscious.
- Fold in the dry ingredients gently—treat that batter like it’s your last shred of patience.
- Divide into pans, level them, and bake for 25 minutes. Cool on a rack because molten sponge isn’t chic.
- Mix coffee syrup ingredients until dissolved. Brush over cooled sponge layers like you’re icing a cake with ambition.
- Whip cream, sugar, espresso, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat unless you enjoy butter.
- Spread cream between layers and over the top. Optional: sprinkle cocoa or grated chocolate. Mandatory: eat immediately.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Calcium: 7%
- Iron: 6%
- Vitamin A: 8%
- Vitamin B12: 5%
- Phosphorus: 6%
Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance Flavor
- Chill sponge before slicing—it helps the layers stay neat and therapy-free.
- Add coffee liqueur to the syrup if you’re feeling rebellious.
- Use mascarpone instead of whipped cream for a more decadent vibe.
- Want drama? Garnish with chocolate shards or crushed espresso beans.
- Store in the fridge—but don’t expect it to last overnight.
