Name: One Layer Mocha Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Softened butter (to grease the cake pan); 2 cups Flour (plus 2 tablespoons to dust the baking pan); ¾ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (plus 2 tablespoons to dust the baking pan); 1 cup Granulated sugar (divided); 1 tsp Baking powder; 1 tsp Baking soda; ½ tsp Salt; 2 units Eggs (at room temperature); ½ cup Dark brown sugar; 1 cup Vegetable oil; 2 oz Bittersweet chocolate (chopped and melted); 1 cup Buttermilk (at room temperature); 1-3 tsp Instant coffee (adjust according to your coffee preference); 2 tsp Vanilla extract

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Indulging in a slice of cake can be one of life’s simplest pleasures, especially when that cake is a decadent One Layer Mocha Cake. This delightful treat combines the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee, creating a blissful experience for your taste buds. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of espresso. Whether it’s a celebration or just a cozy evening at home, this One Layer Mocha Cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you can create this scrumptious cake from scratch.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This One Layer Mocha Cake is everything you could ask for in a dessert. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Intense chocolate flavor paired with a delightful coffee kick.
Simple, one-layer design makes it perfect for any occasion.
Quick to prepare, so you can whip it up even on busy days.
Uses pantry staples, making it an accessible recipe for everyone.
Moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for days.

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking the perfect One Layer Mocha Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

Softened butter – to grease the cake pan
2 cups flour – plus 2 tablespoons to dust the baking pan
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – plus 2 tablespoons to dust the baking pan
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – divided
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs – at room temperature
½ cup dark brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate – chopped and melted
1 cup buttermilk – at room temperature
1-3 teaspoons instant coffee – adjust according to your coffee preference
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Equipment Breakdown

Before you start baking, gather your equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

9-inch round cake pan – for baking the cake.
Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk – to mix your batter until smooth.
Rubber spatula – perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurement.
Cooling rack – to cool the cake quickly and evenly.

Method: One Layer Mocha Cake

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get to baking this delicious One Layer Mocha Cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pan with softened butter, then dust it with flour. This will help ensure your cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 1 cup of granulated sugar (reserve 1 tablespoon for later), baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the room temperature eggs, dark brown sugar, vegetable oil, melted bittersweet chocolate, buttermilk, instant coffee, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until they form a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Use a whisk to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Gently spread it into an even layer using your rubber spatula.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Swap Guide

If you’re looking to personalize your One Layer Mocha Cake, consider these swaps:

Flour: Whole wheat flour can work well for a healthier option.
Cocoa powder: Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable oil: Melted coconut oil can be a great alternative.
Buttermilk: Substitute with almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Instant coffee: Brewed coffee can replace instant coffee for a stronger flavor.

Easy-to-Miss Gotchas

When making your One Layer Mocha Cake, keep an eye out for these common pitfalls:

Ensure ingredients like eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a better emulsion.
Do not overmix the batter; this can lead to a dense cake.
Check for doneness a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving to prevent any melting or sliding.

Storing Tips & Timelines

To keep your One Layer Mocha Cake fresh and delicious:

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you need to store it for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.
For longer storage, freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of bittersweet?

Yes! You can use semisweet chocolate if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind it may make the cake slightly sweeter.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can create a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using.

Can I add frosting to this cake? If so, what type?

Absolutely! A simple chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting would pair beautifully with this One Layer Mocha Cake. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter touch.

Is this cake suitable for layer cakes?

While this recipe is designed for a one-layer cake, you can double the ingredients to create a two-layer cake if desired!

If you enjoyed this One Layer Mocha Cake, here are some other recipes you might love:

Bring It to the Table

This One Layer Mocha Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your home. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. The combination of chocolate and coffee will elevate your dessert game and leave your guests asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the baking magic begin!