Gâteau au café à la crème âcre

#### For the Coffee Cake:
– **1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour**
– **1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon baking soda**
– **1/4 teaspoon salt**
– **1/2 cup unsalted butter**, softened
– **1 cup granulated sugar**
– **2 large eggs**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1 cup sour cream**
– **1/2 cup strong brewed coffee**, cooled
– **1 tablespoon instant coffee granules** (optional, for a more intense flavor)

#### For the Coffee Cream Frosting:
– **1 cup heavy cream**
– **1/2 cup sour cream**
– **1/2 cup powdered sugar**
– **1 tablespoon instant coffee granules** (or 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee)
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**

#### For Garnish (Optional):
– **Shaved chocolate** or **chocolate sprinkles**
– **Whole coffee beans** (for a decorative touch)

### How to Make Gâteau au Café à la Crème Âcre

#### Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and grease and flour an **8-inch round cake pan** or a **9-inch springform pan**.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, and **salt**. Set this aside.
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the **butter** and **sugar** until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
– Add the **eggs**, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the **vanilla extract**.
– Gradually add the **flour mixture** to the wet ingredients, alternating with the **sour cream** and **coffee**, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
– Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

#### Step 2: Bake the Cake
– Bake for about **30-35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### Step 3: Make the Coffee Cream Frosting
– In a medium mixing bowl, combine the **heavy cream**, **sour cream**, and **powdered sugar**. Beat until soft peaks form.
– In a small bowl, dissolve the **instant coffee granules** (or brewed coffee) in **1 tablespoon of hot water**, and then add it to the cream mixture. Beat until stiff peaks form.
– If the frosting is too soft, chill it for a few minutes to help it firm up before applying it to the cake.

#### Step 4: Assemble the Cake
– Once the cake is completely cool, carefully cut it into two layers if desired, or leave it as one single layer for a simpler version.
– Spread a generous amount of the **coffee cream frosting** over the top of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula. If you’ve cut the cake into layers, apply frosting between the layers as well.
– Garnish the top with **shaved chocolate**, **chocolate sprinkles**, or **whole coffee beans** for a beautiful finishing touch.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
– Slice and serve the cake at room temperature, paired with a **cup of coffee** or **tea** to enhance the flavors of the dessert.

### Tips for Making the Best Gâteau au Café à la Crème Âcre

1. **Use Strong Coffee**: The coffee flavor in this cake is essential, so use a strong brewed coffee or espresso for a bold flavor. If you want an even more intense coffee taste, add some **instant coffee granules** to the cake batter.
2. **Make It Ahead**: This cake can be made a day ahead. The flavors will deepen and improve overnight as the coffee and sour cream meld together.
3. **Customize the Frosting**: If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can reduce the amount of sour cream and increase the heavy cream and powdered sugar to create a more traditional buttercream texture.
4. **Storage**: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The frosting may firm up in the fridge, so let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

### Why You’ll Love Gâteau au Café à la Crème Âcre

– **Rich, Yet Balanced**: The combination of coffee and sour cream creates a balanced dessert that isn’t overly sweet but instead offers a satisfying complexity of flavors.
– **Elegant French Flair**: The French origins of this cake add an air of sophistication to any gathering, whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family dinner.
– **Moist and Delicious**: The sour cream in the cake adds a level of moisture that keeps it tender and flavorful, ensuring every bite is a treat.

### Conclusion: A Unique and Flavorful French Dessert

**Gâteau au Café à la Crème Âcre** is a delightful dessert that pairs the bold taste of coffee with the smooth, slightly tangy flavor of sour cream. It’s a cake that’s sure to leave an impression on anyone who tries it, whether you’re serving it for a formal gathering or as a weekend treat. With its elegant appearance and rich yet balanced flavor, this French dessert is a perfect way to end any meal. Try it the next time you’re looking to impress with something a little different but equally delicious!