Go Back

Coffee Layer Cake with Mascarpone Frosting

moka coffee pot
A luscious coffee-infused cake, layered with mascarpone frosting that’s rich, creamy, and so smooth, it'll make you question your life choices.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Layers:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup strong brewed coffee cooled
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp sour cream

For the Mascarpone Frosting:

  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese room temp
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans. Get serious.
  • Mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, beat butter and eggs until fluffy and suspiciously perfect.
  • Add coffee, milk, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix until it feels like velvet.
  • Gradually fold in the dry ingredients. It’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds—except you’re baking.
  • Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick emerges victorious.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  • For the frosting, beat mascarpone, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth.
  • Stack the cake layers, generously applying frosting between them.
  • Cover the top and sides with frosting, smoothing it with an offset spatula like a pro.
  • Chill for 30 minutes, slice, and prepare to blow people’s minds.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g

Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Iron: 6%
  • Calcium: 8%
  • Vitamin A: 12%
  • Magnesium: 7%
  • Phosphorus: 9%

Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance Flavor

  • Use espresso instead of regular coffee for a deeper, more intense flavor.
  • Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for a subtle twist.
  • For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some crushed hazelnuts on top.
  • Let the cake sit overnight; it gets even better (if that’s possible).
  • Pair with a dark roast coffee or a glass of dessert wine to make everyone jealous.