Try This at Home: How to Make a Four-Layer Cake

Tools needed: two 10-inch-round metal cake pans, two plastic sheet protectors (from an office-supply store), four 10-inch cardboard cake circles, cake turntable

"This cake has a real chocolatey punch," Ron says. "The hot coffee releases the deep, dark flavor of the cocoa."

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Fold a large sheet of parchment paper in half; put a 10-inch-round cake pan on top. Trace the cake pan, then cut out the circle to make two rounds of parchment. Spray two 10-inch cake pans with cooking spray; fit a parchment round into each. Spray the pans again, then dust with flour and tap out the excess.

Pour the coffee into a liquid measuring cup or bowl; whisk in the cocoa powder. Put the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer; mix with the paddle attachment on low speed, 1 minute.