1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)*
1/2 cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil
2 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup (180g) full fat sour cream, at room temperature
1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature*
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) hot water or coffee*
Coconut Pecan Filling
1/2 cup (1 stick; 115g) unsalted butter
1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 can (8 ounces; 240ml) evaporated milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup (125g) chopped pecans
Frosting
use this chocolate buttercream for a naked-style cake
use this chocolate buttercream for frosting the top and sides
optional for garnish: extra toasted pecans and sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 9×2 inch cake pans, line with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans.
Make the cake: Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using) together in a large bowl. Set aside. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or you can use a whisk) mix the oil, eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, add the hot water or coffee, and whisk or beat it all until the batter is completely combined.
Divide batter evenly between 3 pans. Bake for 21-25 minutes. Baking times vary, so keep an eye on yours. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and set them on a wire rack. Allow cooling completely in the pan.
As the cakes cool, prepare the coconut pecan filling so it can cool and be ready at the same time. Combine butter, brown sugar, egg yolks, and evaporated milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk occasionally as the mixture comes to a low boil. Once boiling, whisk constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, toasted pecans, and coconut. Allow cooling completely before layering in the cake. It will thicken even more as it cools.
Assemble and frost: First, level the cakes if needed: using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. Discard (or crumble over ice cream!). Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with 1/2 of the coconut pecan filling (half is about 1 and 1/4 cups). Top with 2nd layer and evenly cover the top with remaining coconut pecan filling. Top with the third cake layer. Spread the chocolate buttercream into a thick layer on top. Garnish with extra toasted pecans and coconut, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes before slicing or else the cake may gently fall apart as you cut.
Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for 5 days.
