Description
Indulgent cappuccino cake blends rich espresso flavors with silky mascarpone frosting, creating a dreamy Italian-inspired dessert. Coffee enthusiasts and sweet lovers will savor each moist, caffeine-infused bite of this elegant culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing cake pans with grease and optional parchment paper lining.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing well after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
- Introduce brewed coffee and buttermilk into the butter mixture, followed by the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain cake’s delicate texture.
- Evenly distribute batter between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
- Prepare frosting by whipping softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually incorporate brewed coffee, vanilla extract, optional espresso powder, and a pinch of salt. Beat until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
- Once cakes have completely cooled, apply frosting between layers and cover the entire cake, smoothing edges for a polished appearance.
Notes
- Choose high-quality coffee for the best flavor intensity, preferably a rich espresso or dark roast blend that complements the cake’s sweet profile.
- Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother, more homogeneous batter with better rising potential.
- For a dairy-free adaptation, substitute buttermilk with almond or oat milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use vegan butter in the frosting.
- Control moisture by not overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense, tough cake texture and diminish the delicate coffee notes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg