The Espresso Kitchen

If you love coffee desserts, this espresso cake recipe is going to be your new favourite.
Soft coffee-flavored sponge, creamy coffee buttercream, and a rich espresso caramel—this cake is perfect for potluck dinners, birthdays, or weekend baking.

I actually discovered this cake while browsing for dessert ideas for a small get-together with close friends. One look at an espresso cake and I knew—it had to be on the menu. And trust me, it was finished in minutes.

This blog post will walk you through an easy espresso cake recipe, step by step, with simple ingredients and clear instructions.

Why You’ll Love This Espresso Cake

• Strong but balanced coffee flavour
• Soft and moist sponge
• Creamy coffee buttercream frosting
• Optional espresso caramel for extra indulgence
• Perfect for coffee lovers
• Great make-ahead dessert for parties

Ingredients for Espresso Cake

Coffee Mixture

• ¼ cup (55g) boiling water
• 3–4 tablespoons (12–16g) instant coffee granules
  or 1–2 tablespoons espresso powder (adjust to taste)

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1⅔ cup (375g) milk, room temperature
• ⅔ cup (145g) neutral-flavoured oil
• ⅓ cup (75g) yogurt, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Vegan Coffee Buttercream Frosting

• ¼ cup (55g) heavy cream, room temperature
• 1–2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
• 1¼ cups (280g) butter, room temperature
• 3–4 cups (360g–480g) icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)

Espresso Caramel (Optional but Highly Recommended)

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (55g) heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter

How to Make Espresso Cake – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Line two or three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Coffee Mixture

Mix instant coffee with boiling water until fully dissolved.
Set aside to cool. You can mix it with a little milk to speed up cooling.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients.
Add all the wet ingredients, including the cooled coffee mixture.

Mix until just combined.
The batter will be runny—this is normal.

Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

• 3 cake pans: Bake for 20–23 minutes
• 2 cake pans: Bake for 30–35 minutes

Insert a toothpick in the centre—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.

Cool cakes in pans for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Let them cool completely.

How to Make Coffee Buttercream Frosting

1. Dissolve coffee granules in the cream.
2. Beat butter until pale and fluffy.
3. Add icing sugar, coffee mixture, vanilla, and salt.
4. Beat on low speed first, then on high until light and fluffy.

Taste and adjust sweetness or coffee strength if needed.
Chill until ready to use.

How to Make Espresso Caramel

(Prepare this at least 2 hours before decorating)

1. Dissolve coffee in half the cream and keep aside.
2. Heat sugar and remaining cream in a saucepan on medium heat.
3. Cook until golden brown—watch closely as caramel burns quickly.
4. Add coffee mixture and stir.
5. Add butter and whisk until smooth.
6. Cook for 5 minutes or longer for thicker caramel.

Cool completely before using.

Assembling & Decorating the Espresso Cake

• Trim cake tops if needed for flat layers.
• Place one cake layer on a plate.
• Spread ½–¾ cup frosting, then add next layer.
• Repeat and frost the entire cake.
• Swirl espresso caramel on top for a café-style finish.

Storage Tips

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
• In hot weather, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
• Leftovers:
  • Room temperature: 2 days
  • Refrigerator: up to 4 days
  • Freezer: up to 1 month

Final Thoughts

This espresso cake with coffee buttercream is rich, comforting, and perfect for anyone who loves coffee desserts. Whether it’s a potluck, celebration, or just a craving—you’ll be baking this again.

Because when coffee meets cake… it’s always a good idea.