preheat your oven to 350 Fahrenheit (177 Celsius) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan

make the batter

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and instant coffee (if using). Whisk together until thoroughly combined – about 1 minute.
2. In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth and there are streaks of oil.
3. Add the sour cream mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients and whisk together until smooth with no dry patches.

bake the cake

1. Add the cake batter to your greased 9-inch cake pan.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a knife or chopstick can be inserted into the middle of the cake and comes out clean.
3. Once removed from the oven, allow to cool in the pan until the pan is cool to the touch.
4. Run a sharp kitchen knife between the edge of the cake and the rim of the pan and invert gently until the cake slides out of the pan.
5. Allow to cool completely before enjoying. Dust with the top with powdered sugar or or top with whipped cream or your frosting of choice.