Irresistible Walnut Cake with Decadent Coffee Icing Recipe
Attention all coffee and cake lovers, this recipe is for you! I present to you the delectable Walnut Cake with Coffee Icing Recipe. This aromatic cake is an ideal blend of walnuts and coffee, marrying two flavors that beautifully complement each other.
If you are a fan of a fluffy yet moist sponge cake, then this recipe is definitely for you. The walnuts add a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the cake, while the coffee icing boasts a rich flavor that elevates every bite.
Whether it is for a celebration or simply something to indulge in on a lazy afternoon, this cake recipe will surely impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. It is also incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers.
So why not give it a try? The smell of freshly brewed coffee in the air and the sound of cake mix whisking together might just transport you into your happy place. Get ready to indulge in the perfect marriage of coffee and walnut, Classic British baking at its finest – or with little vegan twists if that’s what you’re into!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth walnut cake infused with the bold flavor of coffee and topped with a creamy and fluffy coffee icing. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance in delight.
This coffee-walnut layer cake is not just any cake; it has the magical ability to transport you to a cozy café on a rainy day or remind you of a warm hug from someone dear. It’s comfort food at its finest, and who doesn’t love indulging in comfort food once in a while?
But this is not just any comfort food; it’s also an exquisite dessert fit for any occasion, no matter how big or small. It can be a show-stopper at your next birthday party or simply enjoyed with a cup of tea on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Moreover, this recipe is quick and easy, even for novice bakers. All you need are some basic ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, walnuts, milk, and instant espresso powder. You don’t need any fancy baking equipment or tools to make this cake. All you need is a mixing bowl, an electric mixer, and an oven.
If you’re worried about dietary restrictions or allergies, this recipe can easily adapt to gluten-free and vegan lifestyles by substituting some key ingredients.
In conclusion, you will love this coffee-walnut layer cake for its delicious taste, versatility, simplicity, and ability to brighten up your day with each bite. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe today!
Ingredient List
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1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus extra for greasing
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1 cup light brown sugar
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4 large eggs
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup ground walnuts
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2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tbsp instant espresso coffee granules dissolved in hot water
Ingredients for the Coffee Walnut Layer Cake
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3 cups self raising flour
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 and a half tbsp instant espresso coffee granules dissolved in boiling water
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1 and a quarter cups unsalted butter room temperature, plus extra for greasing
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2 and a half cups caster sugar
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6 large eggs
Ingredients for the Coffee Buttercream Icing
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3 tbsp instant coffee granules dissolved in boiling water
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7 cups confectioner’s sugar
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4 sticks unsalted butter softened at room temperature
Additional Ingredients for Decoration
- Chopped walnuts
The ingredient list is divided into three parts: The Walnut Cake Batter, The Coffee Walnut Layer Cake Batter, and the Coffee Buttercream Icing. The recipe requires some important ingredients like instant espresso, ground walnuts, and self raising four. These are crucial elements that give the cake its strong coffee flavor and moist texture. Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately to achieve the best results.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to try out this delicious recipe! Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat your oven and prepare your baking pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans with butter or cooking spray, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Your Walnut Cake Mixture
In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, 1 1/4 cups (250g) light brown sugar, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add in 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In another mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in three equal parts, alternating with 3 tbsp milk until everything is fully incorporated.
Fold in 1 ¼ cups (150g) chopped walnuts, and mix until combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
Split the batter equally into the two cake pans. Bake them for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool down in their pans for approximately 5-10 minutes.
After that time has elapsed, remove your cakes from their pan by turning them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare The Coffee Buttercream Icing
In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened, and 1 tablespoon instant espresso or instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon boiling water. Gradually beat in 3 cups powdered sugar, until it forms a smooth icing.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cake
When the cakes are completely cooled, level each layer to ensure that they are even in size.
Place the first cake layer on your serving dish and apply a generous amount of icing over it. Top with the other cake layer and apply more icing over the top and sides of the cake. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped walnuts over the top for decoration.
Your delicious Coffee Walnut Cake is now ready to serve! Enjoy it with some whipped cream or a cup of tea, and impress everyone with your baking skills.
Substitutions and Variations
No two bakers are alike, and often recipe substitutions and variations can make food taste even better. Here are a few suggestions to customize this Walnut Cake with Coffee Icing Recipe.
Firstly, for the cake batter, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts if you prefer. For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for self-raising gluten-free flour.
If you want your walnut layer cake to have a richer coffee flavor, use espresso powder instead of instant coffee granules. Alternatively, mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the frosting to create a mocha buttercream.
For those who like to experiment with frosting flavors, try substituting the coffee icing with a traditional cream cheese frosting. Blend 3 tbsp of unsalted butter room temperature with 120g of cream cheese until light and fluffy. Mix in 2 ½ cups of powdered sugar in batches to thicken up the frosting.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add some texture and crunch to your cake, sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top before baking or layering. Alternatively, add whipped cream or icing between layers for added sweetness.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to variations and substitutions with this coffee walnut cake recipe. Be it vegan coffee loaf cake or classic British tea cake. You can also take inspiration from Nigella Lawson’s chocolate olive oil cake or Mary Berry’s chocolate fudge cake if chocolate flavor is what you crave.
Remember that the possibilities are endless with recipe substitutions, and sometimes even small changes can elevate your cake from good to extraordinary!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve baked this delectable coffee walnut cake, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. This cake is perfect for so many occasions and is ideal for anyone who loves a delightful and indulgent cake. The rich coffee and nutty flavors make it a perfect accompaniment to any hot beverage, be it your morning cup of tea or a steaming latte.
For a traditional serving option, slice the cake into generous portions and serve slightly warmed with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy addition elevates the smooth coffee flavor, creating an undeniably decadent treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Alternatively, try pairing the cake with some fresh fruit slices for a lighter option or drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for a truly indulgent twist. Whether you choose to enjoy this cake on its own or with your favorite accompaniments, it’s sure to impress all who taste it.
This treat looks particularly enticing when presented as part of an afternoon tea spread or served up at a birthday celebration. If you’re looking for an extra special touch, why not decorate the top with some walnuts or chopped nuts before icing?
However you decide to enjoy your coffee walnut layer cake, it is sure to be appreciated by all who try it. So go ahead and indulge in the wonderfully rich flavors of this classic British cake recipe!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to serve this coffee walnut cake at a gathering or party, it’s helpful to know that you can prepare and store it ahead of time. The cake can be baked up to one day in advance, so you can focus on other party preparations.
Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can then store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
When ready to serve, take the cake out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before unwrapping and decorating it with frosting.
If you have leftover cake and you want to store it for longer than three days, you can also freeze it. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place in an airtight container before freezing. The cake will keep well for up to three months in the freezer.
To reheat slices of the cake, simply wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for around 10 minutes until they are warmed through. You can also microwave slices on high for around 15-20 seconds if you prefer a quicker option.
So go ahead and make ahead or store your extra coffee walnut cake with confidence!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Walnut Cake with Coffee Icing turns out perfectly, here are some tips and tricks to follow:
Firstly, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. When baking with cold ingredients, the cake mixture may become lumpy and not mix well, leading to a dense and heavy cake.
When beating butter and sugar together, make sure to cream them for at least 3-4 minutes until they become light and fluffy. This is essential for creating optimal air pockets in the cake mixture giving you a light and airy cake.
It’s also crucial to sift dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, and salt before adding them to the mixture. The sifting will aerate the flour, removing any lumps which can cause pockets of dry flour in the mixture.
To make a moist and decadent coffee walnut cake, use melted butter instead of softened butter. This technique creates more moisture in the cake batter resulting in a softer crumb.
When measuring ingredients like flour, don’t pack them into the cup. Use a spoon or scoop to lightly fill the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge for accurate measurements.
For an extra coffee flavor kick, add 1 tablespoon of coffee granules dissolved in hot water to the cake batter. This will enhance the flavor of both the cake and icing.
Finally, when making coffee buttercream icing, do not add too much hot liquid instantly. Slowly add hot liquid while mixing with an electric mixer until you have reach your desired consistency. This method ensures smooth frosting without becoming too runny or thin.
By following these simple but effective tips, you’ll be sure to create a perfect coffee walnut cake that is moist, flavorful and has a fluffy texture all through out.
FAQ
Before wrapping up, there are a few frequently asked questions that many people have about this delicious walnut cake with coffee icing recipe. Below are some answers to these common queries to help you navigate through any doubts or uncertainties that may arise during the preparation process. So, read on to get some practical tips and tricks that can help you create a perfect cake every time.
Can you add coffee to box cake mix?
If you want to enhance the chocolate flavor in your cake mix, consider swapping out hot water with a strong brewed coffee. The combination of coffee and chocolate is truly delightful and will surely satisfy your taste buds.
What does coffee do to cake?
The taste of coffee and cocoa share similarities as they both possess bitterness when consumed alone. However, their flavors complement each other when mixed together. The addition of coffee to various baked goods and desserts enhances the rich and intense taste of chocolate.
Why did my coffee and walnut cake not rise?
If you used plain flour without any raising agents, your coffee and walnut cake may not have risen as much as you hoped. For a lighter sponge, I suggest using self-raising flour and adding baking powder. Avoid overmixing as well, as this can result in a denser texture.
Should a coffee and walnut cake be refrigerated?
To preserve the coffee and walnut cake and prevent it from spoiling, make sure to store any uneaten portions in an airtight container inside the fridge. This will maintain the freshness of the cake for up to 4 days. Before serving, allow the cake to reach room temperature to enhance the flavor. If you have extra plain sponges that you want to save for a later time, they can stay fresh inside the freezer for up to 3 months.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Walnut Cake with Coffee Icing recipe is a delicious and satisfying dessert that combines the rich and nutty flavor of walnuts with the bold and aromatic taste of coffee. This cake is perfect for anyone who loves coffee and wants to enjoy its flavor in a new and exciting way. With its moist and dense sponge, fluffy coffee walnut layer, and creamy coffee buttercream icing, this cake will surely impress your guests or loved ones.
Moreover, this recipe is easy to make, and you can customize it according to your preferences by adding chocolate chips or whipped cream on top. The substitutions and variations section also provides options for gluten-free or vegan adaptations of this classic British cake.
Whether you’re looking for a treat to share with friends or a special dessert for a birthday celebration, the Walnut Cake with Coffee Icing recipe is an excellent choice. So don’t hesitate to give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!
Walnut Cake With Coffee Icing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
Coffee Icing
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°; spray an 8-inch square metal baking pan with nonstick baking spray with flour.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, cream, and vanilla to flour mixture.
- Using an electric mixer on med-low speed, beat for 1 minute, until blended.
- Scrape sides and bottom of bowl with a spatula.
- Beat on medium speed for 1 minute.
- Gently stir in walnuts.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 28-33 minutes or until a pick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
- Icing-dissolve espresso in milk.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, butter, milk/espresso, and vanilla until blended and smooth; use immediately.
- Spread or drizzle icing over top of cooled cake.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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