Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: Make the Cake
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until combined.
- Slowly mix in hot coffee until smooth — the batter will be thin.
- Pour evenly into pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks.
Step 3: Make the Buttercream
- Beat butter until fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add powdered sugar gradually.
- Mix in espresso liquid, vanilla, salt, and cream.
- Beat until smooth, adjusting thickness with cream if needed.
Step 4: Make Ganache
- Heat cream until just steaming (don’t boil).
- Pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth. Add butter for extra shine if using.
- Cool to room temp before using.
Step 5: Assemble
- Level cakes if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a thick layer of espresso buttercream.
- Add the second layer and frost the top and sides.
- Pour ganache gently over the top and let it drip down the sides.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, espresso beans, or chopped toffee.
Notes
🥄 Variations
Peanut Butter Frosting: Swap espresso buttercream for a creamy PB version Bacon Topping: Add candied bacon bits for a salty-sweet finish Whiskey Glaze: Stir a tbsp of whiskey into ganache for a grown-up twist Grill Theme: Decorate the top with fondant tools or edible “BBQ” designs Cupcake Version: Makes ~24 cupcakes; bake 18–20 minutes 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store in a cake dome for 2 days Fridge: Keeps well for up to 5 days — bring to room temp before serving Freezer: Wrap unfrosted layers tightly and freeze up to 2 months Reheat Slices: Microwave 15 seconds for a gooey bite ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I skip the coffee?
Yes! Use hot water or milk instead — though coffee boosts the cocoa flavor. Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can, but homemade espresso buttercream gives it a special touch. Can kids eat the frosting?
Yes — the espresso flavor is mild and not overly caffeinated. Can I add nuts?
Definitely — walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a nice crunch. Can I use a box mix for the cake?
You can, but this homemade version is worth the effort. What if I don’t have espresso powder?
Use instant coffee or a splash of brewed espresso instead. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. Does this need to be refrigerated?
Not immediately, but refrigerate if keeping more than 2 days. Can I decorate it differently?
Yes! Try edible toppers like “#1 Dad” or fondant ties. Is this a good make-ahead cake?
Absolutely — make and frost a day in advance and keep chilled. 🏁 Conclusion
Celebrate Dad in the most delicious way possible with this Father’s Day Cake — rich chocolate layers, bold espresso buttercream, and a glossy ganache topping that says thank you without a single word. It’s more than just cake — it’s a sweet moment, made for the man who deserves it all. 👔🎂
Peanut Butter Frosting: Swap espresso buttercream for a creamy PB version Bacon Topping: Add candied bacon bits for a salty-sweet finish Whiskey Glaze: Stir a tbsp of whiskey into ganache for a grown-up twist Grill Theme: Decorate the top with fondant tools or edible “BBQ” designs Cupcake Version: Makes ~24 cupcakes; bake 18–20 minutes 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store in a cake dome for 2 days Fridge: Keeps well for up to 5 days — bring to room temp before serving Freezer: Wrap unfrosted layers tightly and freeze up to 2 months Reheat Slices: Microwave 15 seconds for a gooey bite ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I skip the coffee?
Yes! Use hot water or milk instead — though coffee boosts the cocoa flavor. Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can, but homemade espresso buttercream gives it a special touch. Can kids eat the frosting?
Yes — the espresso flavor is mild and not overly caffeinated. Can I add nuts?
Definitely — walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a nice crunch. Can I use a box mix for the cake?
You can, but this homemade version is worth the effort. What if I don’t have espresso powder?
Use instant coffee or a splash of brewed espresso instead. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. Does this need to be refrigerated?
Not immediately, but refrigerate if keeping more than 2 days. Can I decorate it differently?
Yes! Try edible toppers like “#1 Dad” or fondant ties. Is this a good make-ahead cake?
Absolutely — make and frost a day in advance and keep chilled. 🏁 Conclusion
Celebrate Dad in the most delicious way possible with this Father’s Day Cake — rich chocolate layers, bold espresso buttercream, and a glossy ganache topping that says thank you without a single word. It’s more than just cake — it’s a sweet moment, made for the man who deserves it all. 👔🎂