If there’s one thing people know about Ina Garten ― the Food Network’s “Barefoot Contessa” ― it’s that she loves cooking for her husband, Jeffrey. Their love story is one that rivals even the most famous celebrity relationships. And it’s given many people the only reason they need to buy Ina’s newest cookbook, “Cooking for Jeffrey.”
We would like to propose another reason to check out the book: her devil’s food cake with mocha buttercream that appears on the cover. Ina says it herself, this cake is a showstopper.
She also admits that it’s a lot of work. (And we mean, a lot.) In fact, Ina recommends tackling this beautiful confection over the course of two days. But let us assure you that you absolutely should, because the end result is worth it.
One of the reasons this cake is so much work is because it uses a classic Italian buttercream. American buttercreams are pretty straightforward to make ― and tasty ― but not as light and airy as the Italian version.
To make an Italian buttercream, you have to first make a meringue before beating in the butter. Folks, this takes about an hour with your mixer on high. For real. You might think this is a typo, but it’s not. You just have to trust Ina; she has never let us down in the past.
Here’s the recipe for that decadent cake. Dress up like Ina, bake it, and then go check out the rest of the recipes in her new book.
Devil’s Food Cake
Makes one 9-inch 4-layer cake; serves 12 to 16
This cake is a showstopper! I bake the cakes one day and make the buttercream and assemble the cakes the next so it is not too daunting. I adore the combination of moist chocolate cake and lighter-than-air buttercream.
- 3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 1⁄4 cups sugar
- 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
- 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti
- 3/4 cup hot brewed coffee or espresso
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- Coffee Meringue Buttercream (recipe follows)
- Chocolate espresso beans (for decoration)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9 × 2-inch round cake pans, line them with parchment paper, then grease and flour the pans. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. On low speed, add the eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla and beat until well mixed, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula.
Whisk the cocoa powder and hot coffee together in a small bowl. With the mixer on low, add it into the batter.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low, slowly add half the flour mixture to the batter, then all the sour cream, then the remaining flour mixture, mixing each addition until combined. With a rubber spatula, fold the batter until it is well mixed.
Divide the batter equally between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 30 minutes, turn out onto a baking rack, and cool completely.
To frost the cakes, slice them in half horizontally with a long, thin knife (see note). Place the bottom of the first cake, cut side up, on a flat serving plate and spread a thin layer of buttercream on the top only (not the sides) with a palette knife. Place the top of the first cake, cut side down, on top and thinly frost the top only. Next, place the top layer of the second cake on top, cut side up, and thinly frost. Finally, place the bottom layer of the second cake, bottom side up (so the top of the cake is flat). Frost the top and sides of the cake.
Heat a palette knife or frosting spatula in hot water, shake off any excess water, and use it to smooth the buttercream on the sides and the top of the cake. Continue heating the palette knife and shaking off the excess water, until the buttercream is smooth. (A revolving cake stand will make it easier.) If there is extra buttercream, fill a pastry bag with it to decorate. Garnish with the chocolate espresso beans.
MAKE AHEAD Bake and frost the cake completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Serve at room temperature.
Note: I use skewers and a long, thin flexible knife to cut the cakes evenly.
Coffee Meringue Buttercream
frosts one 9-inch 4-layer cake
Most buttercreams aren’t the real thing; they’re made from shortening, butter, and flavorings and they’re generally pretty awful. Real buttercream is lighter than air and just melts on your tongue. It takes a little time to make but it’s so worth it!! If you’ve never made buttercream, do a practice round and you’ll be fine when the pressure is on.
- 2 cups sugar
- 6 extra-large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 1/2 pounds (6 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Combine the sugar and 2/3 cup of water in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as the sugar dissolves, uncover the pan and place a candy thermometer in the syrup. Cook over high heat until the thermometer registers exactly 240 degrees. (Don’t stir!)
Meanwhile, place the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the egg whites on high speed until they form stiff peaks.
Carefully pour the syrup into a 2-cup glass measuring cup. With the mixer still on high, very slowly pour the sugar syrup into the egg whites in a thin, steady stream. Leave the mixer on high for about 1 hour (trust me!), until the mixture is completely at room temperature. (If the mixture isn’t absolutely at room temperature, the butter will melt and deflate the egg whites!)
With the mixer on medium, add the butter, 2 tablespoons at a time. If the butter starts to melt, stop and wait for the mixture to cool. With the mixer on low, add the coffee liqueur and vanilla. Do not refrigerate; frost the cake while the buttercream is at room temperature.
