Coffee Walnut Cake is a rich, moist cake with a deep coffee flavor that perfectly complements the crunch of toasted walnuts. The cake is infused with brewed coffee, giving it a sophisticated taste, while the addition of walnuts provides a satisfying crunch. This cake is perfect for coffee lovers and pairs beautifully with a cup of espresso or tea. Its perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Origin:
This cake is inspired by the timeless combination of coffee and nuts, a flavor pairing popular in many European desserts. Coffee walnut cakes are often enjoyed in the UK and other parts of Europe, where coffee-flavored desserts are a classic choice for teatime or as a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1/2 cup (50g) chopped walnuts (toasted)
For the Coffee Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped walnuts (for decorating)
Instructions:
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- 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 brewed coffee and buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the toasted walnuts until evenly distributed.
- 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 Coffee Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the cooled brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of coffee buttercream frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining coffee buttercream.
- Decorate the top and sides of the cake with the finely chopped walnuts for a beautiful finish.
Serve:
- Let the cake set for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to firm up slightly. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa) to the batter or frosting.
- Make sure to toast the walnuts before adding them to the cake or using them for decoration to bring out their nutty flavor.
- The cake can be made a day ahead of time; store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate if you prefer a firmer frosting.
Recommendations:
- Serve this cake with a strong cup of coffee or a latte to enhance the coffee flavor.
- Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate for 12 servings):
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
This Coffee Walnut Cake is a delightful treat that combines the bold flavor of coffee with the richness of walnuts—perfect for any coffee lover!
- King’s Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
King’s Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Introduction King’s Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy bread, creamy cheesecake filling, warm cinnamon sugar, and a rich cream cheese glaze. If you’ve ever wanted homemade cinnamon rolls without spending hours making yeast dough from scratch, this recipe is exactly what you need. … Read more - Texas Tornado Cake Recipe
Texas Tornado Cake Recipe Introduction If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and guaranteed to impress, this Texas Tornado Cake Recipe deserves a spot at the top of your baking list. This classic Southern favorite combines a soft, pineapple-infused cake with a warm coconut pecan topping that melts into every bite. The result … Read more - Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Strawberry Earthquake Cake – Gooey, Creamy & Irresistible Dessert Introduction If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with strawberry flavor, irresistibly creamy, and incredibly easy to make, this Strawberry Earthquake Cake is the perfect recipe. Unlike traditional cakes that need smooth frosting and flawless layers, this dessert embraces its rustic beauty. As it bakes, … Read more - Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Introduction If you’re searching for a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is the perfect recipe. It combines the comforting taste of classic carrot cake with the bright, tropical sweetness of pineapple, creating a dessert that’s rich, soft, and incredibly satisfying. Every bite is … Read more - Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting Introduction If you’re searching for the ultimate chocolate dessert that’s rich, moist, and guaranteed to impress, this Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Made with real butter, premium cocoa powder, sour cream, and plenty of chocolate chips, every slice is packed with … Read more - Piña Colada Pound Cake
Piña Colada Pound Cake Introduction If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway but can’t hop on a plane, this Piña Colada Pound Cake is the next best thing. Inspired by the flavors of the classic piña colada cocktail, this cake combines sweet pineapple, creamy coconut, and rich buttery pound cake into one unforgettable dessert. Every … Read more - Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding
Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding – Creamy, Fruity & Irresistible Dessert Introduction If you’re searching for a dessert that combines creamy textures, fresh fruit flavors, and an irresistible crunch, Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding is exactly what you need. This delightful no-bake dessert takes the classic Southern favorite banana pudding and elevates it with juicy strawberries and … Read more - Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Introduction There’s something truly special about a homemade pound cake, especially when it combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the sweet freshness of strawberries. This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is soft, buttery, moist, and packed with juicy strawberry flavor in every bite. The addition of cream cheese … Read more - Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting
Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting Introduction There is something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana desserts filling the kitchen. These Homemade Banana Bread Brownies with Brown Butter Frosting combine everything people love about classic banana bread and soft dessert bars into one irresistible treat. They are moist, fluffy, rich in … Read more