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Mocha Dark Chocolate Layer Cake

moka coffee pot
An indulgent, fluffy vegan mocha dark chocolate layer cake with bold espresso notes and silky frosting—perfect for literally any dramatic occasion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
Calories 415 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake Layers:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup strong brewed espresso cooled
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • ⅓ cup neutral oil sunflower or canola
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Mocha Frosting:

  • 1 cup vegan butter softened
  • 2½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp brewed espresso
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt because you’re salty, too

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease both pans like they’re your ex’s DMs—generously and with suspicion.
  • Whisk flour, cocoa, sugars, baking powder, soda, and salt in a bowl—like you’re avoiding responsibilities.
  • Mix espresso, almond milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla in another bowl—no passive-aggressive stirring, please.
  • Combine wet with dry until smooth but still moody.
  • Pour evenly into pans and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a little sass.
  • Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then flip onto a rack and whisper affirmations until cooled.
  • For frosting, beat butter until fluffy enough to ghost your problems.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa, espresso, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and too good for this world.
  • Stack cakes, frost in layers, and decorate like the queen you are.
  • Chill before slicing—both the cake and you.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 415
  • Total Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g

Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Iron: 15%
  • Calcium: 9%
  • Magnesium: 10%
  • Folate: 8%
  • Potassium: 7%

Additional Notes/Tips

  • Chill the espresso before adding—this is a cake, not a hot mess.
  • Add chopped dark vegan chocolate to the batter for bonus bite and bragging rights.
  • Want glam? Dust the top with cocoa or edible glitter.
  • Pair with oat milk latte and your favorite emotionally validating playlist.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container (like your feelings).