Mocha Layer Cake with Chocolate-Rum Cream Filling

Description:

Indulge in this rich and decadent mocha layer cake! Soft coffee-flavored sponge layers are paired with a luscious chocolate-rum cream filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself to a little chocolatey happiness. 

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Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Chocolate-Rum Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 200g dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp dark rum (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration (Optional):

• Cocoa powder for dusting
• Chocolate shavings

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line 2 round 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with coffee and buttermilk until smooth.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Chocolate-Rum Cream Filling:

1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.
2. Pour cream over chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
3. Add sugar, rum, and vanilla extract. Mix well and let cool to thick but spreadable consistency.

3. Assemble the Cake:

1. Slice each cake layer horizontally if you want thinner layers.
2. Place the first layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of chocolate-rum cream filling.
3. Repeat with remaining layers and top with cream filling.
4. Decorate with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings if desired.

4. Chill & Serve:

• Chill for 1–2 hours for the flavors to meld. Slice and enjoy!

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Tips:

• Use strong brewed coffee to enhance the mocha flavor.
• Adjust rum according to taste or replace with coffee liqueur for extra coffee kick.
• For a smoother filling, let the cream mixture cool slightly before spreading.
• Cake tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.