INGREDIENTS
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Cake layers
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8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, room temperature
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1 cup sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 large egg yolk
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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2 cups cake flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/8 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup cream
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Espresso extract
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2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
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2 tablespoons hot water
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Espresso syrup
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1/2 cup water
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1/3 cup sugar
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1 tablespoon Kahlua (optional)
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Filling and frosting
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1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
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8 ounces mascarpone cheese
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon Kahlua (optional)
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4-5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate shavings
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Cocoa powder, for dusting
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20-30 ladyfingers, for garnish (homemade and store-bought work equally well)