Delicious Coffee and Black Walnut Cake Recipe
Welcome, coffee and cake lovers! If you are looking for a dessert that will tickle your taste buds and satisfy your caffeine cravings, I have a treat for you. Get your mixing bowls and measuring cups ready because I’m about to introduce you to my Coffee and Black Walnut Cake with Coffee-Mascarpone Cream recipe.
As a coffee lover myself, I understand the magical aroma and flavor that a cup of rich coffee can bring to our day. And who doesn’t love a slice of warm, freshly baked cake? That’s why I created this recipe that combines the best of both worlds.
This incredible cake is moist, fluffy, and packed with irresistible flavors. The black walnuts add a nutty and slightly bitter taste to the sponge, while the coffee-mascarpone cream frosting balances the sweetness with a velvety richness. Every bite will make you want more.
But that’s not all. This recipe is also versatile and easy to tweak to fit different preferences. You can switch up the type of nuts or frosting to create your signature version of this cake. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not turn it into cupcakes or try adding some chocolate chips?
In summary, my Coffee and Black Walnut Cake with Coffee-Mascarpone Cream recipe is a delightful treat for coffee lovers who enjoy experimenting with different flavors. Stay tuned for the rest of this article section where I will share more reasons why you’ll love this recipe, as well as the ingredient list and how-to instructions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you why you will love this Coffee and Black Walnut Cake With Coffee-Mascarpone Cream recipe.
Firstly, the combination of coffee and walnut is a match made in heaven. The rich, nutty flavor of black walnuts perfectly complements the robust taste of coffee. By adding these two ingredients to a cake, our recipe results in a delectable taste that will tantalize your taste buds.
Secondly, the creamy and silky texture of Mascarpone cheese when whipped with heavy whipping cream and espresso powder creates an exquisite Coffee-Mascarpone Cream that is simply delightful to the senses. You’ll experience a burst of flavors on your tongue with every bite you take.
Thirdly, this cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s perfect for afternoon tea or as an indulgent dessert after dinner. What’s more, it pairs excellently with a nice cup of coffee or even better, a glass of wine!
Lastly, this recipe is easy to make; all the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store. You don’t need to be an expert baker to bake this cake successfully. Just follow our step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have your own scrumptious masterpiece in no time!
In conclusion, there are many reasons why you will love this Coffee and Black Walnut Cake With Coffee-Mascarpone Cream recipe. The delicious pairing of black walnuts and coffee combined with the creamy delightfulness of Mascarpone cheese will have you craving for more. Not only that, but it is also easy to make and versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of the day. So go ahead and give our recipe a try!
Ingredient List
This classic coffee and black walnut cake recipe makes use of ingredients like unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, sugar, instant espresso powder, black walnut, vanilla extract, buttermilk,and eggs. The frosting is made with powdered sugar, mascarpone cheese, heavy whipping cream and more coffee. The cake is finished with chopped and toasted black walnuts. All the ingredients come together to create a heavenly coffee-flavored dessert.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started on making this delicious Coffee and Black Walnut Cake with Coffee-Mascarpone Cream.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by greasing your baking pan with unsalted butter, then line it with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the rack in the center of the oven.
Step 2: Make the Coffee
In a small cup, dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder with 2 tablespoons of hot water. Add in 1 cup of black coffee, stir well and set aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Sift dry ingredients through a strainer to ensure that there are no lumps.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl or stand mixer bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 and 1/4 cups of granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes on high speed.
Step 5: Add Eggs
Add in four eggs one at a time while mixing on medium speed between each addition until well incorporated.
Step 6: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the dissolved coffee mixture along with 1/4 cup of buttermilk and mix on low speed just until combined.
Step 7: Fold in Walnuts
Fold in toasted chopped black walnuts (around two-thirds of a cup) into the batter. Reserve some for garnishing later.
Step 8: Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes. Test the middle of the cake with a toothpick, and when it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Step 10: Make Coffee-Mascarpone Cream
While waiting for the cake to bake, make the coffee-mascarpone cream by whisking together 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese, 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder until ingredients are well combined. Gradually add in 2/3 cup of powdered sugar while beating on medium speed until smooth and thickened.
Step 11: Assemble Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, release from pan and trim off any unevenness. Cut the cake horizontally into two layers using a serrated knife. Spread half the cream over one layer and place the second layer on top. Spread remaining cream over the top of the second layer.
Step 12: Garnish
Substitutions and Variations
Ah, but if thou art feeling adventurous and wisheth to add thy own flair to this delightful coffee and black walnut cake recipe, let us explore some substitutions and variations that thou may enjoy.
1. For the Black Walnut: If thee hast not the luxury of having black walnuts on hand, fear not. Regular walnuts are a suitable substitute for black walnuts in this recipe.
2. For the Espresso Powder: If by chance thee art out of espresso powder or cannot find any at thy local grocer or market, a strong cup of black coffee can be used as a replacement in this recipe.
3. For the Mascarpone Cheese: Mascarpone cheese can be quite difficult to find and quite pricey too, my dear friend. Thou can substitute it for cream cheese if needed, but the flavour will be altered slightly.
4. For the Decoration: Whilst we highly recommend the dark chocolate ganache to decorate this cake with, chopped nuts, cocoa powder or even fresh berries are also great options for decoration.
5. For Dietary Restrictions: This recipe can easily be adapted for dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or dairy-free by making some simple swaps such as using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour or coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream in the mascarpone frosting.
Remember that experimenting is half the fun; do not be afraid to try new things and put a personal touch on thy baking creations!
Serving and Pairing
Coffee and Black Walnut Cake with Coffee-Mascarpone Cream Recipe is a perfect dessert to accompany your morning coffee, afternoon tea or even as an after-dinner treat. The richness of black walnut combined with coffee flavors makes it an ideal cake to indulge yourself with any time of the day.
Pairing this cake with a hot cup of black coffee will certainly enhance both the aroma and the taste profiles of the dessert. To add some more texture and flavor, sprinkle some toasted chopped walnuts on top of the cake slices before serving. The crunchy texture and nutty flavor complements the softness and sweetness of this cake.
If you want to add some freshness to your dessert, you can serve this cake with some berries, such as raspberries, blackberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries perfectly balances out the sweetness of the cake and coffee-mascarpone cream. You can also garnish each slice with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch.
This recipe can be served as a standalone treat, or you can also incorporate it into a tasting menu incorporating other flavored dishes such as dark chocolate ganache or tiramisu cake. This dessert goes well with various refreshments like tea and other fruit juices as well.
Whatever the occasion, Coffee and Black Walnut Cake with Coffee-Mascarpone Cream Recipe provides you with a luxurious dessert that satisfies all your cravings for sweetness, creaminess and nuttiness in one bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you happen to have leftover Coffee and Black Walnut Cake with Coffee-Mascarpone Cream Recipe, fret not. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. However, if you are storing the cake frosted with the coffee mascarpone cream, it is best to keep it in the fridge. The frosting will be prone to melting if kept out for too long.
If you prefer to make the cake ahead of time, you can bake the walnut cake and prepare the coffee mascarpone cream separately. Store them separately in airtight containers; the walnut cake can be left at room temperature while the coffee mascarpone cream should be stored in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve, bring both out of their respective containers and assemble the cake. You can also make the frosting ahead of time by whipping up the mascarpone cream and folding in reserved coffee syrup. This mixture will stay good in the fridge for up to 2 days.
If you need to reheat or warm up your slice of cake, place it on a plate and microwave it for about 10 seconds before serving. Alternatively, you can place your slice in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
With these tips, you can have a freshly made Coffee and Black Walnut Cake with Coffee-Mascarpone Cream Recipe whenever you desire, without any hassle or fuss.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Coffee and Black Walnut Cake with Coffee-Mascarpone Cream turns out perfectly, here are some tips to keep in mind while making this delicious cake.
1. Use quality ingredients: Use good-quality black walnuts, espresso powder, and vanilla extract for optimum flavor. Also, make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for best results.
2. Measure accurately: Accurately measure all the ingredients, especially the flour as too much or too little of it can affect the texture of the cake.
3. Room temperature ingredients: Bring all the ingredients to room temperature before starting the recipe. This includes eggs, butter, and buttermilk. Room temperature ingredients combine more easily and result in a smoother batter.
4. Don’t overmix: Overmixing can cause the cake to be tough. Mix the batter until everything is just combined to get a spongy and fluffy texture.
5. Toast the walnuts: Toasting the black walnuts before adding them to the batter will enhance their flavor and aroma.
6. Cool completely: Ensure that the cake has cooled down entirely before cutting into it or frosting it. It’s important to avoid melting of the frosting or making a mess while cutting.
7. Freeze leftovers: If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your coffee walnut cake with coffee-mascarpone cream turns out scrumptious and perfect every time!
FAQ
But before we wrap up this Coffee and Black Walnut Cake with Coffee-Mascarpone Cream Recipe, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions to help you better understand this recipe and avoid any potential mishaps.
Why did my coffee and walnut cake not rise?
There are a few possible reasons why a coffee and walnut cake may not rise as expected. If plain flour without raising agents was used, it may result in a dense sponge that doesn’t rise well. To avoid this, a combination of self-raising flour and baking powder is recommended. Additionally, overmixing the sponge can also lead to a dense texture.
Should a coffee and walnut cake be refrigerated?
To preserve the remaining portions of the delectable coffee and walnut cake, it is best to place them inside an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can store them for a maximum of four days, but it is advisable to let it return to room temperature before serving. Meanwhile, if you want to keep the plain sponges without any frosting, you can freeze them and leave them there for up to three months.
How long does a homemade coffee and walnut cake last for?
If you intend to store coffee and walnut cake, it’s essential to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. However, after three days, the sponge may become dehydrated, which could compromise the quality of the cake. My advice would be to enjoy it as soon as possible, preferably within two days.
How to make a Mary Berry coffee cake?
To make scrumptious walnut coffee cakes, you will require softened unsalted butter, caster sugar, free-range eggs, self-raising flour, baking powder, chopped walnuts, and coffee essence. Make sure to grease the baking tray with some extra butter to avoid sticking. The quantity of each ingredient is mentioned in the recipe.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Coffee and Black Walnut Cake with Coffee-Mascarpone Cream Recipe is a testament to the versatility of coffee in culinary creations. This delectable dessert combines the rich flavors of black walnut, espresso powder, and coffee with the creamy goodness of mascarpone cheese and whipped cream. From its dense sponge to its decadent frosting, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a good cup of coffee.
Furthermore, this recipe offers ample opportunities for customization, whether through ingredient substitutions or pairing suggestions. It can be adapted to suit different dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or vegan diets. Plus, it pairs excellently with a range of beverages, including cold brew coffee or red wine.
Lastly, with make-ahead, storing and reheating tips shared in this article, you can easily enjoy this cake all week long. Whether you’re using it as a dessert for family dinners or as a sweet treat during afternoon tea time, this cake will delight your taste buds and fill your home with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
So why not indulge in this delicious coffee walnut cake and impress your friends and family today? Give it a try and experience the magic of coffee in culinary creations like never before!
Coffee and Black Walnut Cake With Coffee-Mascarpone Cream Recipe
Ingredients
CAKE
- 1 cup black walnut, toasted, chopped, divided (about 4 ounces, any kind of walnuts will do)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa (Dutch process is best)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (add more by teaspoons if needed)
COFFEE-MASCARPONE CREAM
- 4 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup about 3 ounces black walnut, toasted, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- For cake:
- Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F.
- Butter and flour two 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides.
- Blend 1/2 cup walnuts, 1 tablespoon sugar, and espresso in processor until nuts are finely ground.
- Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until smooth.
- Gradually add remaining sugar (1 1/4 cups minus 1 tablespoon), beating until fluffy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, then egg yolk. Add ground walnut mixture and vanilla; beat to blend.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in dry ingredients in 3 additions alternately with buttermilk in 2 additions.
- Fold in remaining 1/2 cup walnuts.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
- Bake cake layers until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 26 minutes. Cool in pans 5 minutes, then turn out onto racks and cool completely.
- For coffee-mascarpone cream:
- Stir espresso, cinnamon and 1 tablespoon water in large bowl until coffee dissolves.
- Add cream, mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla. Beat until filling is thick and smooth (do not overbeat or filling may curdle).
- Place 1 cake layer on platter, flat side up. Spread half of filling over cake.
- Place second layer, flat side down, on filling.
- Spread remaining filling over top. Mix walnuts, cinnamon, and salt.
- Sprinkle over top of cake.
- Cover with cake dome.
- Chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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