The Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake is a classic British dessert that beautifully balances the rich flavor of coffee with the crunch of walnuts. This indulgent cake is a perfect treat for coffee lovers and is ideal for serving at any gathering, be it afternoon tea or a special occasion. The fluffy sponge, combined with the coffee-infused buttercream and walnut pieces, makes this cake an irresistible delight.
What is Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake?
The Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake is a light and moist sponge made with a blend of ground walnuts and coffee, creating a delicious flavor profile that’s both nutty and aromatic. It’s topped with a rich coffee buttercream and finished with chopped walnuts for added texture. This cake is a great pick for those who enjoy a touch of sophistication in their desserts.
Other Popular Recipes
- Nigella Courgette And Lime Cake
- Mary Berry Lemon Courgette Cake
- Hairy Bikers Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich Coffee Flavor: Perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a deep, aromatic flavor.
- Nutty Texture: Walnuts add a satisfying crunch and complement the coffee taste.
- Classic British Dessert: A well-loved recipe that’s always a hit at tea time.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find ingredients make this cake accessible for all home bakers.
- Versatile: Great for special occasions or casual afternoon teas.
- Moist and Fluffy: The perfect sponge consistency keeps it light yet indulgent.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake
- Self-raising flour: Ensures the cake rises well and has a light texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to both the cake and buttercream.
- Caster sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the coffee flavor.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- Instant coffee granules: Dissolved in a little hot water to give the cake its distinctive coffee flavor.
- Chopped walnuts: Add texture and flavor to the cake.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- Icing sugar: For the buttercream frosting.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the buttercream.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugar and whip up the buttercream.
- Cake tins: Two 8-inch round tins are ideal for this recipe.
- Cooling rack: For cooling the cake layers before frosting.
- Spatula or knife: For spreading the buttercream evenly.
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake
Before starting, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line two 8-inch round cake tins with parchment paper.
- Dissolve the Coffee: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules in 1 tablespoon of hot water. Set aside to cool.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs: Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour and baking powder, then fold into the wet mixture.
- Add the Coffee and Walnuts: Stir in the dissolved coffee and chopped walnuts until well combined.
- Divide the Batter: Pour the mixture evenly between the two prepared cake tins and level the tops.
- Bake the Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
How to Make the Coffee Buttercream Frosting
- Prepare the Coffee: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules in 1 tablespoon of hot water and set aside to cool.
- Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth.
- Add the Icing Sugar: Gradually beat in the icing sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the Coffee: Stir in the dissolved coffee and a dash of vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Assembling the Coffee and Walnut Cake
- Spread the Frosting: Once the cakes have completely cooled, spread half of the buttercream over the top of one cake.
- Layer the Cakes: Place the second cake on top of the first and spread the remaining buttercream over the top.
- Decorate with Walnuts: Finish by decorating the top with halved or chopped walnuts.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake
- A cup of coffee: The obvious but perfect pairing, especially with a strong brew.
- Fresh cream: Adds a luxurious touch to each slice.
- Vanilla ice cream: A cool, creamy contrast to the rich cake.
- A dusting of cocoa powder: Adds a simple decorative touch.
- Caramel drizzle: For an extra layer of sweetness.
- Espresso shot: For coffee lovers who enjoy an intense flavor boost.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake
- Cool the coffee: Make sure the dissolved coffee cools before adding it to the mixture, as hot coffee can affect the texture.
- Use room temperature butter: Room temperature butter blends more smoothly with the sugar and eggs, creating a lighter cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense. Fold the ingredients just until combined.
- Test with a skewer: Insert a skewer into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Allow cakes to cool completely: Frosting a warm cake can cause the buttercream to melt, so ensure the cakes are fully cooled before assembling.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake
- Chocolate addition: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a mocha-flavored twist.
- Almond flavor: Substitute some of the walnuts with chopped almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and egg substitutes to make a vegan-friendly version.
- Coffee liqueur: Add a splash of coffee liqueur to the buttercream for an adult version.
- Extra coffee kick: Increase the amount of coffee for a bolder flavor.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake
- Room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep the cake in the fridge to extend its freshness for up to 5 days, but bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in cling film and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake
- Microwave: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Oven: Warm the cake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake Healthier?
- Reduce sugar: Use a natural sweetener such as honey or stevia instead of caster sugar.
- Swap butter: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to lower fat content.
- Whole wheat flour: Substitute half the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use less frosting: Reduce the amount of buttercream or use a lighter frosting made with Greek yogurt.
- Skip the decoration: Leave out extra toppings like walnuts or caramel drizzle to reduce calories.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
How do you keep a coffee and walnut cake moist?
To keep a coffee and walnut cake moist, make sure to avoid overbaking. Additionally, using enough butter and eggs in the batter helps retain moisture. If you’re storing the cake, keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Can I make a coffee and walnut cake without coffee?
Yes, you can make a walnut cake without coffee by simply omitting the coffee granules. The cake will still have a delicious walnut flavor, and you can enhance it with vanilla or another flavor extract if desired.
How long does coffee and walnut cake last?
Coffee and walnut cake lasts up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze coffee and walnut cake with buttercream?
Yes, you can freeze coffee and walnut cake with buttercream. Simply wrap the cake or individual slices in cling film, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw the cake in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake is a delicious, crowd-pleasing cake that combines the rich flavors of coffee and walnuts into a light, fluffy sponge. With its decadent buttercream and satisfying crunch, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Perfect for serving at tea time or for a special celebration, it’s a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again!
More By British Baking Recipes
Print
Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
The Hairy Bikers Coffee and Walnut Cake is a light and moist sponge made with a blend of ground walnuts and coffee, creating a delicious flavor profile that’s both nutty and aromatic. It’s topped with a rich coffee buttercream and finished with chopped walnuts for added texture. This cake is a great pick for those who enjoy a touch of sophistication in their desserts.
Ingredients
- Self-raising flour: Ensures the cake rises well and has a light texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to both the cake and buttercream.
- Caster sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the coffee flavor.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- Instant coffee granules: Dissolved in a little hot water to give the cake its distinctive coffee flavor.
- Chopped walnuts: Add texture and flavor to the cake.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- Icing sugar: For the buttercream frosting.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the buttercream.
Instructions
- Dissolve the Coffee: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules in 1 tablespoon of hot water. Set aside to cool.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs: Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour and baking powder, then fold into the wet mixture.
- Add the Coffee and Walnuts: Stir in the dissolved coffee and chopped walnuts until well combined.
- Divide the Batter: Pour the mixture evenly between the two prepared cake tins and level the tops.
- Bake the Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
How to Make the Coffee Buttercream Frosting
- Prepare the Coffee: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules in 1 tablespoon of hot water and set aside to cool.
- Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth.
- Add the Icing Sugar: Gradually beat in the icing sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the Coffee: Stir in the dissolved coffee and a dash of vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Assembling the Coffee and Walnut Cake
- Spread the Frosting: Once the cakes have completely cooled, spread half of the buttercream over the top of one cake.
- Layer the Cakes: Place the second cake on top of the first and spread the remaining buttercream over the top.
- Decorate with Walnuts: Finish by decorating the top with halved or chopped walnuts.
