01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Add butter and vanilla extract; mix well.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Stir together espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar until sugar dissolves.
08 - Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks in a chilled bowl. In another bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
09 - Slice each cake layer horizontally for a total of four layers.
10 - Place one layer on serving plate and brush generously with coffee syrup. Spread a quarter of mascarpone filling over cake. Repeat layering with remaining cake, syrup, and filling, ending with mascarpone layer on top.
11 - Cover and chill assembled cake at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
12 - Before serving, dust top with cocoa powder and optionally garnish with chocolate shavings.