Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Prepare 3 8-inch round baking pans, line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the sides.
Prepare your bake even strips if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla extract.
Beat on medium speed until the eggs and oil are well incorporated and the batter is lighter in color.
Mix in the buttermilk and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating half the dry ingredients followed by half of the coffee. Mix until the flour starts to incorporate. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Divide the batter evenly between the three pans, about 1 2/3 cups of batter per pan.
Bake at 350°F for 20-24 minutes.
Test if cakes are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, your cake is done.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.