Mocha Layer Cake with Chocolate-Rum Cream

Mocha layer cake with chocolate-rum cream is a dessert masterpiece that marries the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate with a touch of decadent rum. This cake is a celebration of indulgence, with layers of moist, coffee-infused chocolate cake beautifully complemented by a velvety chocolate-rum cream. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create your own show-stopping mocha layer cake that’s bound to impress at any special occasion or as a delightful treat for yourself.

Ingredients:

For the Mocha Cake Layers:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot brewed coffee, strong

For the Chocolate-Rum Cream:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon rum (dark or spiced, as preferred)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

For the Coffee-Infused Syrup:

• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon rum (optional)

For Decoration (Optional):

• Chocolate shavings
• Chocolate-covered coffee beans
• Fresh berries

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mocha Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Slowly add the hot brewed coffee to the batter while stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly normal.
6. Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate-Rum Cream

1. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove it from the heat immediately.
2. Add the chocolate chips and butter to the hot cream, allowing them to melt. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
3. Stir in the rum and powdered sugar, adjusting the sweetness to your preference. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Coffee-Infused Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine the strong brewed coffee and granulated sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the rum if using. Allow it to cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the tops of the cooled cake layers if necessary to create even surfaces.
2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Brush it generously with the coffee-infused syrup.
3. Spread a layer of the chocolate-rum cream on top of the first cake layer.
4. Add the second cake layer and repeat the process, brushing with syrup and spreading with cream.
5. Finally, place the third cake layer on top and brush it with syrup.
6. Use the remaining chocolate-rum cream to frost the top and sides of the cake. You can create decorative swirls with a spatula for an elegant finish.

Step 5: Decorate (Optional)

1. Decorate the mocha layer cake with chocolate shavings, chocolate-covered coffee beans, or fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set.
2. Slice and serve your decadent mocha layer cake, savoring each bite of coffee-infused, chocolatey bliss.

 

Mocha layer cake with chocolate-rum cream is a dessert masterpiece that combines the bold flavors of coffee and chocolate with a touch of indulgent rum. This cake is a showstopper at any gathering or a delightful treat for special occasions. Create your own slice of elegance and savor the rich, velvety layers of this delightful dessert.