Coffee and Walnut Cake Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 225g (1 cup) caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225g (1 3/4 cups) self-raising flour
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee, dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 75g (2/3 cup) chopped walnuts
For the Frosting:
- 150g (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, softened
- 300g (2 1/2 cups) icing sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee, dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- Chopped walnuts for decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4.
- Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins with parchment paper.
- Making the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a tablespoon of flour with each egg.
- Fold in the remaining flour, followed by the dissolved coffee.
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Dividing and Baking:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Preparing the Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, icing sugar, and dissolved coffee until smooth and creamy.
- Assembling the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorating:
- Decorate the cake with chopped walnuts, either sprinkled on top or pressed onto the sides.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and savor the rich blend of coffee and walnuts in this delectable Coffee and Walnut Cake.
This classic British cake is perfect for coffee lovers and those who appreciate the delightful crunch of walnuts in every bite.
The Tale of Coffee and Walnut Cake:
In the cozy corners of English kitchens, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the comforting scent of baking, the Coffee and Walnut Cake emerged as a delightful creation, weaving together the bold richness of coffee and the earthy crunch of walnuts.
The story dates back to a time when afternoon tea was a sacred ritual, and bakers sought to infuse a touch of sophistication into their creations. Enter the Coffee and Walnut Cake, a marriage of robust coffee flavors and the nutty elegance of walnuts.
Legend has it that the inspiration for this delectable pairing came from the bustling coffeehouses of London, where intellectuals and creatives gathered to savor the complexities of freshly brewed coffee. A visionary baker, captivated by the allure of this aromatic elixir, decided to incorporate its essence into a cake.
The rich, velvety texture of the cake batter became the canvas for the dissolved coffee, infusing each slice with a deep, aromatic character. To add a delightful crunch, the baker folded in chopped walnuts, creating a symphony of flavors that would soon become a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
As the Coffee and Walnut Cake made its way into tearooms and bakeries, it quickly became a symbol of indulgence and refined taste. Its simplicity, coupled with the sophistication of coffee, made it a perfect companion for afternoon tea or an elegant dessert at social gatherings.
Over the years, this classic cake has found its place in the hearts and homes of bakers and coffee lovers alike. Its timeless appeal transcends generations, inviting people to savor moments of joy over a slice of cake and a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Today, the Coffee and Walnut Cake remains a cherished treat, a testament to the enduring union of two flavors that, when combined, create a symphony of delight for the senses. Each bite tells a story of tradition, indulgence, and the simple pleasures found in a well-brewed cup and a slice of lovingly baked cake.