Layered Mocha Cake with Coffee Cream & Blackberries

Why Make This Recipe

Layered Mocha Cake with Coffee Cream & Blackberries is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate with the freshness of blackberries. This cake is perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or just as a sweet treat for yourself. The layers of fluffy chocolate cake, creamy coffee filling, and sweet blackberry sauce create a harmonious blend that is sure to impress anyone. If you love coffee and chocolate, this cake is a must-try!

How to Make Layered Mocha Cake with Coffee Cream & Blackberries

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 150g granulated sugar
• 120g all-purpose flour
• 30g cocoa powder
• 1 tsp instant espresso powder
• 1 tsp hot water
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 400 ml cold heavy cream
• 250g mascarpone (or cream cheese)
• 100g powdered sugar
• 1 tsp espresso powder
• 250g fresh or frozen blackberries
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 20–22 cm round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. Whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Dissolve the instant espresso powder in hot water, let it cool, then add it to the egg mixture.
4. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 25–30 minutes. Once baked, let it cool before slicing into 2–3 layers.
6. Dissolve more espresso powder in a little water and let it cool.
7. Whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
8. In another bowl, mix the mascarpone (or cream cheese), powdered sugar, and coffee until smooth.
9. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well blended.
10. In a small pot, cook the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice for about 5–10 minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and add it in.
11. Allow the blackberry sauce to cool completely.
12. Lightly soak the sponge layers with brewed coffee or espresso for extra flavor.
13. Start with the first cake layer, spread a layer of coffee cream, and drizzle some blackberry sauce on top.
14. Repeat with the second and third layers.
15. Finish with more coffee cream on top, and decorate with fresh blackberries, chocolate shavings, or coffee beans if desired.
16. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
17. When ready, slice and serve cold.

How to Serve Layered Mocha Cake with Coffee Cream & Blackberries

Serve this cake chilled for the best experience. You can add extra fresh blackberries or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on each slice for a lovely presentation. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Store Layered Mocha Cake with Coffee Cream & Blackberries

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make Layered Mocha Cake with Coffee Cream & Blackberries

• Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better volume during whisking.
• Don’t overwhip the heavy cream, or it may become too stiff.
• You can adjust the sweetness of the blackberry sauce based on your preference.

Variation

You can substitute the blackberries with other berries, like raspberries or strawberries, for a different flavor. Additionally, you can use flavored coffee or espresso for an extra kick.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Can I use a different type of cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Absolutely! You can use cream cheese as a substitute, but mascarpone will give a richer flavor.

3. How do I keep the cake layers from drying out?
Soaking the layers with brewed coffee or espresso helps keep them moist. Be careful not to soak them too much, or they may become soggy.