**Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe**
**Ingredients**
*For the Cake*
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cooled brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
*For the Coffee Buttercream Frosting*
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
*For the Chocolate Ganache (optional)*
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
**Instructions**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine cooled coffee, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix into dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
5. Beat butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in dissolved coffee and vanilla, then add heavy cream to desired consistency.
6. *For Ganache (optional):* Heat cream until simmering; pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth, let cool.
7. Assemble cake: Spread frosting between layers, frost the top and sides, and drizzle with ganache if desired.