1-Getting started: Getting started with this Kahlua Coffee Chocolate Layer Cake is as easy as preheating your oven, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious result. Begin by setting your oven to 300°F and preparing three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease to prevent sticking. This simple step sets the stage for a smooth baking process.

2-Mixing the batter: In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt. Then, add in the wet ingredients 3 large eggs, 3/4 cup milk, 1 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup coffee liqueur, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir until well combined. Don’t forget to mix in 3/4 cup hot coffee; the batter will be thin, which is normal and helps keep the cake moist.

3-Baking and frosting: Divide the batter evenly among the pans and bake for 32-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs. Let the cakes cool briefly in the pans before moving them to racks to cool completely about 25 minutes prep and 32 minutes cook time for a total of 57 minutes. For the frosting, heat 7 tablespoons coffee liqueur until just boiling, dissolve 3 tablespoons instant espresso powder in it, then beat 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups shortening until smooth. Gradually add 10 1/4 cups powdered sugar and the coffee mixture, alternating as you go, until you reach a smooth consistency. Finally, level the cake layers, assemble by spreading frosting between and over them, and decorate with chocolate jimmie sprinkles for a fun finish.