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+ servings

Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake with Brown Butter Frosting

A rich and decadent cake combining dark chocolate and espresso flavors, topped with a luscious brown butter frosting.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot brewed espresso strong
Brown Butter Frosting
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter for browning
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Prepare the Cake
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Stir in the hot espresso until the batter is smooth.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Brown Butter Frosting
  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
  2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
  2. Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  3. Decorate as desired and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gFiber: 3gSugar: 30g

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle some cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top of the frosting.

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