Are you looking to impress your guests with a delicious and decadent dessert? Look no further than this irresistible Mocha Layer Cake filled with chocolate and rum. This recipe is perfect for any special occasion or simply as a sweet indulgence to enjoy with friends and family.
There’s something about the combination of coffee and chocolate that speaks to the soul. It’s a pairing that, when done right, can transform a simple dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that does just that: the Mocha Layer Cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a journey through layers of rich, moist chocolate cake, a velvety Italian meringue, and a decadent butter pour, all brought together with the subtle yet distinct flavor of coffee. Perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat for the coffee lovers in your life, this cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients Overview:
- Chocolate Cake: The foundation of our cake is a chocolate sponge that’s light yet rich, using a blend of cocoa powder and flour for that perfect cakey texture.
- Syrup: A simple syrup infused with golden syrup adds moisture and a hint of sweetness to each layer.
- Italian Meringue: Known for its smooth, silky texture, the Italian meringue adds a sophisticated touch.
- Butter Pour: A buttery, coffee-infused layer that melds beautifully with the chocolate, offering depth and richness.
- Decoration: Finished with toasted peeled almonds, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step-by-Step Creation:
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your cake batter, carefully folding in the dry ingredients to ensure a light, airy finish.
- Baking: Pour the batter into a prepared pan and bake until perfectly moist and springy to the touch.
- Syrup: While the cake cools, simmer your syrup ingredients, allowing the mixture to cool before brushing it onto the cake, infusing it with moisture and flavor.
- Italian Meringue: The meringue is perhaps the most technical aspect, requiring precision to achieve its signature glossy peaks.
- Butter Pour: This coffee-infused buttery layer is what sets this cake apart, offering a luxurious creaminess that complements the chocolate and coffee flavors beautifully.
- Assembly: Layering this cake is an art form—each layer of sponge is soaked with syrup, followed by a generous spread of meringue and the butter pour, then repeated to build a tower of flavor.
- Decoration: The final touch of toasted almonds not only adds a delightful crunch but also a professional finish to the cake.
Why This Cake Stands Out:
This Mocha Layer Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a statement. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when coffee and chocolate come together, enhanced by the luxurious texture of Italian meringue and the richness of the butter pour. Each bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—soft cake, smooth meringue, creamy butter pour, and crunchy almonds.
Serving and Storage:
To fully enjoy the depth of flavors, serve this cake at room temperature. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator, but allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving again to ensure the butter pour softens and the flavors shine through.
Conclusion:
Creating this Mocha Layer Cake might seem like a labor of love, but it’s a truly rewarding experience when you slice into its layers and taste how the elements combine into something spectacular. It’s a cake that celebrates the elegance of baking and the timeless pairing of coffee and chocolate. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this cake promises to deliver a memorable dessert experience.
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Mocha Layer Cake Filled with Chocolate and Rum Recipe
- Author: Dorothy Miller
Description
Indulge in the exquisite layers of our Mocha Layer Cake, where every slice is a journey through decadent flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- Serves: 8 people
For the chocolate wipe cake
- 5 eggs
- 120 g flour
- 120 grams of sugar
- 30 g of cornstarch
- 30 g of biting cocoa powder
- 5 grams of baking powder
For the drink
- 120 ml water
- 70 grams of sugar
- 20 g of golden syrup
For the Italian meringue molding
- 125 grams of sugar
- 70 g egg white
- 40 grams of water
For the butter pour
- 360 grams butter
- 5 egg yolks
- 240 grams of sugar
- 100 g of water
- 1.5 tablespoons of instant coffee
For decoration
- 100 gm peeled almonds
Instructions
- To prepare the wipe cake, start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, whisk the yolks with 50g of sugar until the mixture turns white.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg whites, gradually adding the remaining sugar.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spoon.
- Slowly add the flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and baking powder, until you get a smooth mixture.
- Place a round cake pan on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To increase the height of the pan, line it with a strip of butter paper.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 180 °C.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by bringing the water mixed with sugar to a boil in a small pan. Turn off the heat and add the rum. Let the mixture cool.
- For the Italian meringue, heat the water and sugar in a small pot until it reaches 121°C to form a syrup.
- Finally, it’s time to assemble the cake. Cut the cake horizontally into two equal layers. Brush each layer with the prepared syrup and spread a generous amount of chocolate and rum filling between the layers.
- To garnish, sprinkle peeled almonds over the top of the cake.
- Slice and serve this heavenly Mocha Layer Cake to your delighted guests.
Impress your loved ones with this delectable Mocha Layer Cake filled with the richness of chocolate and a hint of rum. Indulge in the wonderful flavors and enjoy a truly memorable dessert experience.
Notes
Tips for Perfecting Your Mocha Layer Cake:
- Egg Separation: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for easier separation and better volume when whipped.
- Gradual Sugar Addition: When beating egg whites, adding sugar gradually helps achieve a stable, glossy meringue.
- Folding Techniques: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently to keep the air in the batter, maintaining its lightness.
- Baking Pan Preparation: Lining the cake pan with a strip of butter paper not only increases the height but also ensures easy removal without damaging the cake.
- Syrup Infusion: Brushing each cake layer with the prepared syrup adds moisture and flavor. Ensure the syrup is cool to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
- Italian Meringue Temperature: The sugar syrup must reach exactly 121°C for the Italian meringue to achieve the right consistency. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
- Buttercream Preparation: For the butter pour, ensure the butter is soft but not melted for a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Coffee Flavor Enhancement: Dissolve instant coffee in warm water before adding it to the mixture to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the buttercream.
- Layering: When assembling the cake, be generous with the filling to ensure each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Decoration: Toasting the peeled almonds lightly before sprinkling them on top can enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch.
- Serving: Allow the cake to set in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing. Use a sharp, warm knife for clean cuts.
FAQs:
- Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap them well and store at room temperature. Assemble the cake on the day of serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Is there a substitute for golden syrup in the syrup mixture? If golden syrup is unavailable, you can use light corn syrup or honey as a substitute.
- Can I use instant espresso powder instead of instant coffee? Absolutely. Espresso powder will give a deeper coffee flavor to the cake.
- How do I ensure my Italian meringue is stable? Make sure the sugar syrup reaches 121°C (250°F), and pour it slowly into the beaten egg whites for the meringue to come together properly.
- What’s the best way to toast almonds? Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
This Mocha Layer Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture, designed to bring joy to any table it graces.