CHOCOLATE MOCHA CAKE 🍰🎂🍰🎂

##### Ingredients

**For the Cake:**

- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 large eggs

- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)

- ½ cup vegetable oil

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- 1 cup strongly brewed coffee (cooled)

**For the Mocha Buttercream Frosting:**

- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

- 4 cups powdered sugar

- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee (cooled)

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- A pinch of salt

##### Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. **Add Wet Ingredients**: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.

4. **Incorporate Coffee**: Carefully stir in the brewed coffee until fully combined. The batter will be thin, which is normal.

5. **Bake the Cakes**: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

6. **Prepare the Frosting**: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Add the brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

7. **Assemble the Cake**: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of mocha buttercream on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.

8. **Serve and Enjoy**: Slice the cake and serve it with a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage!