**Mocha Coffee Layer Cake**
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**Ingredients:**
*For the Sponge Cake Layers:*
* 1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
* 1 tbsp instant coffee granules
* ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1½ tsp baking powder
* ½ tsp baking soda
* ¼ tsp salt
* ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
* ½ cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled
*For the Mocha Buttercream:*
* 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
* 2 tbsp cocoa powder
* 1 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
* 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
*For Decoration:*
* Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
* Chocolate-covered espresso beans or coffee beans
* Optional piped mocha buttercream swirls
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**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cake Layers:**
* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
* In a bowl, sift together flour, instant coffee, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
* In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
* Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
* Alternately add the dry ingredients with the milk and brewed coffee, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
* Mix just until combined.
* Divide batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
* Let cool completely.
2. **Make the Mocha Buttercream:**
* Beat butter until creamy and pale.
* Add powdered sugar gradually while beating.
* Mix in cocoa powder, dissolved coffee, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
* Add heavy cream or milk to reach desired consistency. Beat until fluffy (3–5 minutes).
3. **Assemble the Cake:**
* Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of mocha buttercream.
* Repeat with remaining layers.
* Frost the entire outside of the cake smoothly.
4. **Decorate:**
* Dust the top with cocoa powder.
* Pipe buttercream swirls around the edges.
* Garnish with chocolate-covered coffee beans or espresso beans.
