Introduction
Coffee Walnut Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, aromatic flavor of coffee with the earthy crunch of walnuts. The soft, moist cake layers are complemented by a creamy coffee-flavored frosting and topped with extra walnuts for a satisfying crunch. It’s a wonderful treat for afternoon tea, coffee breaks, or any occasion that calls for a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients (Quantities)
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (180g)
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground coffee: 2 tablespoons (instant coffee or brewed espresso)
- Hot water: 1/2 cup (120ml)
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115g), softened
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g)
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Buttermilk: 1/2 cup (120ml)
- Chopped walnuts: 1 cup (120g), toasted
For the Coffee Buttercream Frosting:
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (230g), softened
- Powdered sugar: 2 cups (240g)
- Ground coffee: 1 tablespoon
- Hot water: 2 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Chopped walnuts: 1/4 cup (for decoration)
Optional Ingredients
- Walnut halves: For garnish on top of the cake
- Coffee liqueur: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added flavor in the cake or frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Prepare the coffee:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the ground coffee in 1/2 cup of hot water. Stir until the coffee is fully dissolved. Set aside to cool.
- Make the cake batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and brewed coffee. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the ground coffee in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the coffee mixture and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar if the frosting is too thin.
- Assemble the cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of coffee buttercream on top of the first cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
- Decorate the top of the cake with chopped walnuts and optional walnut halves for a decorative touch.
- Chill and Serve:
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing.
- Serve and enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea!
Tips for Success
- Toast the walnuts for extra flavor. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, then chop them for the cake and frosting.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- For a deeper coffee flavor, add coffee liqueur to the cake batter or frosting.
Recommendations
- This Coffee Walnut Cake pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte.
- For a more decadent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Nutrition Information (per slice, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
This Coffee Walnut Cake is a delightful combination of rich coffee flavor and crunchy walnuts, all enveloped in a creamy, coffee-infused buttercream. It’s perfect for coffee lovers and makes a lovely addition to any occasion! ☕🍰
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