My Go-To: An [easy coffee flavored cake recipe] That’ll Wake Up Your Tastebuds!
Okay, friends, let’s talk cake. Specifically, coffee cake. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Coffee cake? Isn’t that the stuff with the crumbly topping?” And you’re right, usually! But honestly, that’s a bit of a misnomer.

It’s a cake to have with coffee, not necessarily a cake flavored with coffee. And that, my friends, is where this recipe comes in. ✨
I stumbled upon the idea for this [easy coffee flavored cake recipe] during a trip to Italy a few years back. I was in Rome, fueled by espresso (obviously!), and just craving something…more. Something that really captured that coffee flavor. I found a tiny pasticceria tucked away on a side street, and they had this incredible coffee cake. It wasn’t overly sweet, it was super moist, and the coffee flavor was just…perfect. I knew I had to recreate it when I got home.
Now, I’m a firm believer that baking shouldn’t be intimidating. It doesn’t need to be some complicated, multi-step process. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing [easy coffee flavored cake recipe] like this one. It’s seriously simple. Like, “I can do this!” simple. And trust me, even if you’re a baking beginner, you can do this. I’ve seen it happen!
I’ve been tweaking this recipe for a while now, trying to get it just right. I wanted something that had that strong coffee flavor, but wasn’t bitter. Something that was incredibly moist, almost like a red velvet cake. And honestly, I think I’ve nailed it. It’s the kind of cake that just makes you happy. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon treat, or even a special occasion. Plus, the espresso cream cheese frosting? Forget about it. It’s heavenly. ❤️

I’ve been getting a lot of requests for more coffee-flavored recipes lately, and I think it’s because we all need a little pick-me-up these days, right? This [easy coffee flavored cake recipe] is my answer. It’s a little slice of happiness, baked into a cake. And the best part? It comes together in one bowl! Seriously, minimal cleanup. That’s a win in my book.
I remember one time, I was trying to make this cake while simultaneously helping my nephew with his homework. It was chaos! Flour everywhere, math problems flying around… but somehow, we managed to get the cake in the oven. And the smell of that baking cake? It just calmed everything down. It was a perfect moment. That’s the power of baking, you know? It brings people together.

And speaking of bringing people together, this cake is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. I’ve made it for friends, family, even coworkers. Everyone raves about it. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I even had someone ask me for the recipe at a party last week! That’s always a good sign.

I’ve also been experimenting with different variations of this recipe. You could add a layer of chocolate ganache, or sprinkle some chopped nuts on top. You could even use different types of coffee – a dark roast for a bolder flavor, or a lighter roast for something a little more subtle. The possibilities are endless! But honestly, it’s pretty perfect as is.

Espresso Cake (Coffee Layer Cake) Recipe
Image Description: A clean, well-lit photo of the finished coffee cake, showcasing its layers of moist cake and creamy espresso frosting, with a slice cut out to reveal the texture.
Coffee Flavored Cake Recipe
An easy to make, moist and delicious coffee-flavored espresso cake with a luscious espresso cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 12–14 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Espresso Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (325g), sifted
1.5 tsp baking powder
1.5 tsp baking soda
1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
½ cup light brown sugar (100g)
1 tsp salt
3 large eggs
⅔ cup vegetable oil (133g)
⅓ cup buttermilk (mix ⅓ cup whole milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
1 cup sour cream (240g)
1 tsp vanilla
2–3 tablespoon instant coffee (depending on strength preference)
¾ cup boiling water (180g)
Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (2.5 sticks or 283g)
20 oz cream cheese, room temperature (2.5 8 oz blocks or 570g)
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp instant coffee + 1 tbsp hot water
3–4 cups icing sugar, sifted (360 to 480g)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 3 8″ cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add the eggs, oil, buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla to the same bowl. Gently stir until combined. Do not overmix.
- Mix the instant coffee with the boiling water in a separate bowl and pour it into the batter. Gently fold until a smooth batter forms.
- Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with light, moist crumbs.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for at least 20 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla, salt, and instant coffee mixed with hot water.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the cakes are cooled, trim off the domes and layer them with a generous amount of frosting between each layer.
- Frost the entire cake with a thin layer (crumb coat) and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Then, frost with the remaining frosting and decorate as desired.
Notes
This recipe makes a generous amount of frosting. Feel free to scale it down if you prefer.
For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the decorations!
Rate this recipe and leave a comment below – I love hearing from you!
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 5g
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