This luxurious latte cake blends strong espresso with a soft, buttery crumb and is finished with a smooth, espresso-infused frosting. A café-inspired dessert perfect for birthdays, holidays, or everyday indulgence.
Cake:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
1/2 cup whole milk or cream
Espresso Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–3.5 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp espresso or strong coffee
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
Cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix espresso with milk.
Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in three parts, alternating with espresso-milk. Mix until just combined.
Divide into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool completely.
For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, espresso, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
Frost cooled cakes and garnish as desired.
Swap in cocoa for a mocha version.
Store in fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.
Try as cupcakes (18–20 min bake time).