Coffee and mascarpone layer cake

THIS beautiful layer cake can take centre-stage at any special occasion. Ingredients 1 tbs instant coffee granules 1 tbs boiling water

250g butter, chopped

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1⁄3 cup caster sugar

3 eggs

1⁄2 cup milk

2 cups self-raising flour 250g cream cheese, softened 250g mascarpone cheese

1⁄3 cup pure icing sugar Grated dark chocolate, to serve Method Preheat oven to 180C/160C fanforced. Lightly grease a 6cmdeep, 22cm round cake pan. Line base and side with baking paper.

Combine coffee and boiling water in a bowl. Stir until coffee is dissolved.

Melt butter in a large saucepan. Add brown sugar, caster sugar and coffee mixture. Stir to dissolve. Remove from heat. Whisk in eggs, milk and flour. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Stand in pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.

Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and mascarpone until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar, beating until combined.

Using a serrated knife, cut cake crossways into 3 layers. Place bottom layer on a plate. Spread with one-third of cheese mixture. Repeat with middle layer and half remaining cheese mixture.

Top with remaining layer, cheese mixture and grated chocolate. Serve.