Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder. This ensures that all your dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- In another bowl, beat together ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup brewed coffee (cooled), ½ cup buttermilk, ¼ cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The coffee will add depth to the flavor, while the buttermilk helps create a tender crumb.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. If the batter feels too thick, add up to 1/3 cup water to adjust the consistency. The batter should be smooth but slightly pourable.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The cakes should have risen slightly and developed a slight crack on top.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they set properly and are easier to work with when assembling the layers.
2️⃣ Make the Coffee-Infused Chocolate Filling
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the chocolate filling. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to steam, but not boil. Remove from heat.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine 200 g dark chocolate with the hot cream. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. The hot cream will melt the chocolate, creating a silky ganache-like texture.
- Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and ½ cup brewed coffee to the chocolate mixture, whisking until everything is fully incorporated. The coffee will enhance the richness of the chocolate and create that warm, aromatic flavor that’s central to the cake’s identity.
- Let the filling cool slightly and set. The texture should be spreadable but not too runny, perfect for layering.
3️⃣ Prepare the Blackberry Compote
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to break down and release their juices, about 5–7 minutes.
- Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, mashing the blackberries with a spoon until you reach a jam-like consistency. If the mixture gets too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up. Set aside to cool.
4️⃣ Prepare the Whipped Cream Layer
- In a chilled bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter.
- Set aside the whipped cream for assembling. It will act as the final layer to bring all the flavors together.
5️⃣ Assemble the Cake
- Place one of the cooled cake layers onto your serving plate. Spread half of the coffee-infused chocolate filling evenly on top, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Next, spoon half of the cooled blackberry compote over the chocolate filling. The tangy blackberries will balance the richness of the chocolate and provide a delightful burst of flavor.
- Top with half of the whipped cream layer, smoothing it out gently over the compote to cover it completely.
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process with the remaining filling, compote, and whipped cream layers. Press down lightly to help the layers stick together.
6️⃣ Finish with a Touch of Magic
- Dust the top of the assembled cake with a light sprinkling of cocoa powder for an elegant finishing touch.
- For extra flair, drizzle a little bit of melted chocolate or a few extra blackberries on top. You can also serve with additional whipped cream or a handful of chocolate shavings.
✨ Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the cake to set in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the layers to firm up and make slicing easier.
- Each forkful of this cake is an experience. The deep, rich coffee and chocolate layers melt together with the tangy blackberries and the smooth, airy whipped cream. Perfect for any occasion!
This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a love story in layers. The richness of chocolate and coffee meets the lightness of whipped cream and the freshness of blackberries, creating a harmonious dessert that will keep you coming back for more!
