Espresso Martini Cake Recipe

Ingredients
Equipment
Directions
FAQs
Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.
This cake combines butter, sugar, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and milk for the sponge. The boozy elements include coffee liqueur and vodka in the syrup, while the luxurious frosting features mascarpone cheese, icing sugar and more coffee flavourings.
Learn how to cook Espresso Martini Cake by creating three coffee-infused sponge layers that are soaked in a boozy coffee syrup. The cake is then assembled with velvety mascarpone frosting between each layer and decorated with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, and coffee beans to mimic the sophisticated look of the classic cocktail.
Yes! Replace the coffee liqueur with alcohol-free coffee syrup and omit the vodka. Intensify the coffee flavour by using stronger espresso in the syrup and adding a splash of vanilla extract to mimic the depth that alcohol would provide. The cake will still have that distinctive espresso martini character.
You can bake the sponges up to 2 days ahead and store them wrapped in cling film. The coffee syrup can be made 3 days ahead. However, the mascarpone frosting should be prepared on the day of assembly. Once decorated, the cake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The key is temperature and technique. Ensure your mascarpone is at room temperature but not too warm. Fold rather than vigorously mix the ingredients to avoid over-beating, which can cause the mascarpone to split. Apply a thin crumb coat first, chill, then add the final layer for a polished finish.
Layer Cakes
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