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Mocha Coffee Hazelnut Layer Cake

moka coffee pot
This is a moist, decadent cake layered with mocha buttercream, coffee syrup, and toasted hazelnuts. Deep flavor, great texture, slightly addictive.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 10 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Layers:

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter room temp
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup brewed strong coffee cooled
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Mocha Buttercream:
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • 2¼ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Coffee Syrup:

  • ¼ cup hot water
  • 1 tbsp instant coffee
  • 1 tbsp sugar

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup toasted hazelnuts roughly chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line your cake pans like you mean business.
  • Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Be thorough. Dry clumps are the enemy.
  • In another bowl, cream butter and both sugars until it looks fluffy and feels unnecessary to stop.
  • Add eggs one at a time. Stir in sour cream, coffee, milk, and vanilla. Let it get weird—but smooth.
  • Gradually mix dry into wet. Batter should look rich, not confused.
  • Pour into pans. Bake for 33–35 minutes. Use a toothpick if you don’t trust your oven.
  • Let cakes cool. They need the rest. You do too.
  • For syrup: combine coffee, sugar, and hot water. Stir until dissolved. Brush cakes generously. No stingy strokes.
  • For buttercream: beat butter until light. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, dissolved coffee, and vanilla. Beat until it's frosting, not soup.
  • Stack layers with frosting in between. Coat the top and sides. Press hazelnuts into frosting like you’re fancy.
  • Chill before slicing if you want perfect layers. Or dig in like the unhinged hero you are.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g

Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Iron: 8%
  • Calcium: 6%
  • Vitamin A: 10%
  • Magnesium: 7%
  • Phosphorus: 9%

Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance Flavor

  • Toast the hazelnuts for a nuttier crunch—burnt ones are flavor assassins.
  • Use espresso instead of instant coffee for a stronger hit.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt to frosting for balance.
  • Frost with chilled buttercream for cleaner layering.
  • Pairs ridiculously well with vanilla ice cream or a strong black coffee.