Granny's Mahogany Cake and Frosting

Recipe View Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and 1 cup of softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. (10 minutes)

Recipe View In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of cold brewed coffee and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Stir until a smooth paste forms. Add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, blending well. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Measure out the buttermilk, and reserve 1 tablespoon in a separate small bowl. In the remaining buttermilk, stir in the baking soda until dissolved. Immediately add this mixture to the batter, mixing until just combined. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (30 minutes)

Recipe View Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. (15 minutes cooling in pan, 30 minutes cooling on rack)

Recipe View To prepare the frosting, beat the remaining 1 cup of softened butter until smooth and creamy. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Gradually sift in the confectioners' sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is light and fluffy. (10 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of cold brewed coffee, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. Add this mixture to the frosting and beat until smooth and evenly colored. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread approximately 1/5 of the frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the remaining cake layers and frosting, stacking them on top of each other. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, creating a smooth and even finish. (15 minutes)