Step 1

Preheat the oven at 170ºC/340ºF conventional oven and line 3x 20 cm/8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

Start by making the coffee and weigh it out so it can cool down a bit while preparing the other ingredients.

Step 3

In a bowl, sift all of the dry ingredients together. Give it a stir to make sure everything has been combined.

Step 4

In another mixing bowl add all of the wet ingredients, including the coffee, and with a hand whisk, whisk them together until combined.

Step 5

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry while gently stirring it all together. Make sure there are no lumps left in the batter. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and give the cake batter a final mix so everything has been incorporated.

Step 6

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking tins and bake them for 28-30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Step 7

Let the cakes cool on a cooling rack. After 5 minutes, gently remove the cakes from the cake tins and let the cakes cool down completely.

Step 8

Sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder and set it aside.

Step 9

Melt the dark chocolate and acacia honey together until smooth. Add the sour cream to the melted chocolate in 3 parts, and stir it together until smooth, to slowly temper the chocolate and sour cream. Set it aside.

Step 10

Note: should the chocolate seize up in the sour cream, place it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and it’ll be smooth again.

Step 11

Mix the butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or with a hand mixer for 4 minutes on medium/high speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 12

Add the chocolate/sour cream mixture to the butter and mix until combined.

Step 13

Then add the powdered sugar/cocoa powder and vanilla extra in 2 parts. Whipping until each addition is fully incorporated on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and give the buttercream a final mix for 1-2 minutes at low speed.

Step 14

Start by cutting the very top of the cooled down cake layers so they have an even top. Place the first cake layer on your serving dish or cake board on your turntable. If you don’t have a turntable, don’t worry, you can easily decorate the cake without it.

Step 15

Add 2 big scoops of frosting and with an offset spatula, even it out. Then add the other cake layer and repeat the process. Add the last cake layer and cover the whole cake in the remaining frosting.

Step 16

TIP: For clean slices, heat up a sharp knife under hot water, dry it off, and cut your slices.