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.