Mocha Layer Cake

Name: Mocha Layer Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 10-12 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package devil's food or chocolate cake mix (regular size); 1-1/3 cups brewed coffee, room temperature; 1/2 cup canola oil; 3 eggs; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips; FROSTING:; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup shortening; 4 cups confectioners' sugar; 3/4 cup baking cocoa; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 7 tablespoons brewed coffee, room temperature, divided; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

"My family often requests this delightful layer cake," writes Terry Gilbert of Orlean, Virginia. "They love the mocha flavor and extra chocolate surprise hidden beneath the taste-tempting frosting."

Ingredients

1 package devil's food or chocolate cake mix (regular size)
1-1/3 cups brewed coffee, room temperature
1/2 cup canola oil
3 eggs
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
7 tablespoons brewed coffee, room temperature, divided
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, coffee, oil and eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into two greased and floured 8-in. round baking pans.
Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 5 minutes; invert onto a wire rack. Sprinkle each cake with 1/4 cup chocolate chips; when melted, gently spread chocolate over cakes. Place cakes in the freezer.
Meanwhile, for frosting, in a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in cocoa and extract. Beat in 5 tablespoons coffee, 1 tablespoon at a time until light and fluffy. Spread between layers and over the top and sides of cake.
In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and remaining coffee; stir until smooth. Pour over cake; carefully spread over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 658 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 426mg sodium, 85g carbohydrate (62g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.

Originally published as Mocha Layer Cake in Quick Cooking January/February 1999

Reviews

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Average Rating:

ReneeMurby

Nov 30, 2014

Great Cake! Taste great, looks great. I love it.
jbpar

Apr 25, 2014

My weakness is mocha.......anything with chocolate and coffee or rather I should say espresso because that is what I used in this cake today. I mean this cake is to die for......mocha flavor allthe way through. The suprise crunch you get when you take a bite from the middle was the bestpart for me! I melted the chocolate chips with strong espresso! It reminded me of chocolate coated coffee beans. The cake was very moist. I wasn't sure about using both butter and shortening in the frosting....I thought it would leave a waxy coating in my mouth... but it didn't. You definently have to love chocolate to make this cake.....I'll be making this cake again and again!!
edithann

Feb 5, 2013

Made this for a birthday, everyone loved it, quite easy except the chocolate chips did not melt on top of the cake as I had expected. When I make it again,I shall use another type of chocolate glaze on top of the layers.
gailfrances

Sep 12, 2012

I have been making this for many years and it is the one of my most requested cakes for birthdays and other family gatherings. Just one bite, and you are hooked forever!
taxiforruss

Apr 15, 2012

Love teh mocha flavor...love the chocolate crunch in the middle... leaving tasters guessing! No leftover crumbs from this winner!
dquilter

Sep 22, 2008

I made the cake and it was wonderful. Question in recipe for frosting it calls for 3/4 cup cocoa. But in the directions it is not included. I put it in, but think it should have been left out. Can you please clarify.