Ingredients

  • 1 pkg (16 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup strong black coffee, cooled
  • 1/3 cup coffee liqueur
  • 1/3 cup brandy
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • None None FOR THE CUSTARD FILLING
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup custard powder or vanilla pudding mix
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 None egg yolks
  • 3 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch cake pans; line bottoms with parchment paper.
  • Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions. Cool in pans 10 mins. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire rack.
  • For the custard filling, combine cornstarch, custard powder and sugar in medium saucepan. Gradually add combined milk, cream and vanilla; stir on low heat until mixture boils and thickens. Add butter; simmer, stirring, for 3 mins. Remove pan from heat; stir in egg yolks. Transfer to large bowl; cover surface with plastic wrap. Cool.
  • Divide custard mixture among 2 bowls. Stir melted chocolate into 1 bowl. Leave remaining custard plain.
  • Combine coffee, liqueur, brandy and sugar in small bowl; mix well. Split each cake horizontally into 2 layers. Place a bottom layer on cake plate; brush well with coffee mixture.
  • Spread with half the plain custard. Top with second layer of cake; brush with coffee mixture. Spread with one-third of the chocolate custard. Place third layer of cake on top; brush with coffee mixture. Spread with remaining plain custard. Top with top layer of cake; brush with coffee mixture.
  • Using a large spatula, spread remaining chocolate custard over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.