Coffee and Walnut Cake (2024)

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A classic two-layer coffee and walnut cake recipe. This British cake is a hit! Light and fluffy coffee-flavoured sponge cake with crunchy walnut pieces, then filled and topped with decadent espresso buttercream, and decorated with a combination of walnut halves and pieces.

Coffee and Walnut Cake (1)

This cake features in tearooms, cafes, and bakeries all across the UK. Along with a Classic Victoria Sandwich, this is probably my favourite cake flavour!

In 2023, I worked on a few baking projects for customers away from my blog, decorating several cakes. This was something I was anxious about, but I’m now really pleased I had these jobs to work on, as my confidence with cake decorating has grown a lot. I was busy from April onwards last year with numerous orders, so now that I have more time on my hands, I want to make the effort to share some ‘classic’ cake recipes.

Coffee and Walnut Cake (2)

I’ve baked coffee and walnut cakes like this during my day job; this is always a popular cake choice for customers. Coffee cake is different in various parts of the world. In the UK, it’s exactly what it says on the tin; it’s a coffee-flavoured sponge cake, whereas in the US, coffee cake is cake with a crumble topping that’s served with a cup of coffee on the side.

I used a Nigella Lawson recipe, and, oh my, is it good! I made just a few alterations to the original recipe.

Coffee and Walnut Cake (3)

Coffee and Walnut Cake (4)

What Ingredients You’ll Need:

Butter/Margarine – salted or unsalted is absolutely fine. I prefer using margarine, as I find it produces a lighter-textured cake, and the cakes rise more evenly.

Sugar – caster/granulated sugar is what I use. However, I have made this cake with light brown sugar, and that works great too.

Eggs – this recipe requires 4 eggs (medium or large).

Self-Raising Flour – the raising agents already in the flour will help the cake rise. Nigella’s original recipe uses 200g of plain/all-purpose flour, along with 2 + 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda.

Walnuts – for the cake batter and the decoration. Chopped walnuts are folded through the cake batter, whereas walnut halves, and walnut pieces are used for the cake decoration.

Coffee/Espresso –I use espresso powder in the cake batter, and the buttercream. I love the intense coffee flavour it adds!

Milk –just a couple of tablespoons is needed to loosen the cake batter before baking.

Butter – for the buttercream I recommend salted butter opposed to unsalted. The salted butter evens out all the sweetness.

Icing Sugar – make sure you sift the icing sugar before creaming with the butter. This ensures your buttercream will be super smooth and luxurious.

Coffee and Walnut Cake (5)

We love the bittersweet combination of flavours, and the crunchy walnut pieces in the cake and topping.

Coffee buttercream is simply divine, and so easily eaten straight from the mixing bowl. I don’t drink coffee, but even I cannot get enough of this cake. I just love those specks of espresso in the buttercream!

This cake is a staple cake recipe in British kitchens! It’s a very homely cake, with rich coffee and lovely nutty flavour from the chopped walnuts inside the cake, and decoration.

The cake serves around 10 delicious slices!

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Coffee and Walnut Cake

A classic two-layer coffee and walnut cake recipe. This British cake is a hit! Light and fluffy coffee-flavoured sponge cake with crunchy walnut pieces, then filled and topped with decadent espresso buttercream, and decorated with a combination of walnut halves and pieces.

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 10

Author What Jessica Baked Next

Ingredients

Coffee and Walnut Cake:

  • 225 g butter (salted or unsalted) or margarine softened, you can use the margarine straight from the fridge
  • 225 g caster or granulated sugar can be substituted with light/dark brown sugar instead
  • 4 medium or large eggs
  • 225 g self-raising flour
  • Small pinch of salt omit if using salted butter
  • 4 teaspoons instant espresso powder feel free to reduce this amount
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 50 g walnuts chopped into small pieces

Coffee Buttercream:

  • 175 g butter (salted or unsalted) softened
  • 350 g icing sugar sifted
  • 2 and 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons of boiling water

Decoration:

  • 10-12 walnut halves
  • chopped walnut pieces

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 180°C / 160°C Fan / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Line the base of two 20cm / 8-inch round cake tins with parchment paper, and set aside.

  • Cream the softened margarine/butter and sugar together until lightened in colour and fluffy in texture - this should take only a few minutes to achieve.

  • Now add the eggs one at a time and beat in to combine - don't worry if the mixture looks curdled at this point, as once the flour is added it will come together.

  • Now add the flour, along with the espresso powder, and a generous pinch of salt.

  • Mix until a smooth batter has come together - try not to over mix. Now, mix in the milk, and then fold in the chopped walnuts. Transfer the cake batter evenly between the two cake tins, and smooth the top over before baking for 30-35 minutes (I would recommend checking the cake just after 25 minutes). All ovens are different, my cakes took nearer to 35 minutes to fully bake - but just check, once the middle is cooked the cakes are ready.

  • Leave the cakes to cool in the tins for about 15 minutes, then carefully remove from the tins and leave to cool completely on a wire rack.

  • Once the cakes are cool, prepare the buttercream. Dissolve the espresso powder/coffee granules in 2 tablespoons of water, and set aside for the moment to cool slightly. Take the butter and cream for a minute to soften. Now add the sifted icing sugar and cream for a further 2-3 minutes, until lightened in colour. Now add the slightly cooled coffee mixture, and mix until combined fully.

  • To assemble the cake, place one cake half upside down on your chosen serving cake stand/plate/platter. Spread half the buttercream on this cake half. Place the other cake half over top. Now spread/or pipe the remaining buttercream on top. Take 8-10 walnut halves (or more if you like) and place around the edge of the buttercream. Sprinkle over some crushed walnuts directly on the middle of the cake, if desired.

  • Decorate further as desired, even a light dusting of cocoa powder, or chocolate-coated coffee beans would look great. The cake is ready to be served. It's best eaten on the day, or day after baking, but it'll last for up to 3 days covered at room temperature.

Coffee and Walnut Cake (6)

Love cake as much as me? Try these amazing cake recipes next!

School Cake

Coffee and Walnut Cake (7)

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Coffee and Walnut Cake (8)

Classic Victoria Sandwich

Coffee and Walnut Cake (9)

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Coffee and Walnut Cake (10)

Published by What Jessica Baked Next

Trained chef, food blogger and travel lover behind What Jessica Baked Next sharing recipes perfect for every occasion.View all posts by What Jessica Baked Next

Coffee and Walnut Cake (2024)

FAQs

Where did coffee and walnut cake come from? ›

While its precise origin remains somewhat murky, the dessert has evidently been around for quite some time. In 1934, British flour brand McDougalls highlighted a “new recipe” in an ad for its self-raising flour—and that recipe was none other than coffee and walnut cake.

How much caffeine is in coffee and walnut cake? ›

Because of the crystalline structure of coffee, the answer looks to be “no”. So taking the 100ml of espresso in the cake mix, you'll be left with roughly 125mg of caffeine in the whole thing.

How long will coffee and walnut cake keep? ›

The iced cake will keep for 2-3 days in an airtight container in a cool place. FREEZE: The un-iced cake layers can be frozen on the day of baking, each wrapped in a double layer of clingfilm and a layer of foil, for up to 3 months. Defrost for 3-4 hours on a wire rack at room temperature.

How many calories are in a coffee and walnut cake? ›

Coffee & Walnut Cake (14 Portions)
Typical ValuesPer 100g
Energy1754kj / 418kcal
Carbohydrates51g
of which Sugars38.5g
Fat22.5g
4 more rows

What is the meaning of coffee and cake? ›

coffee and cakes (uncountable) (theater, slang) A meagre salary.

What is the meaning of walnut cake? ›

Walnut cake is a cake made of walnuts. It is a lightly golden, thick, creamy cake made of coffee cream and chocolate hazelnut spread. Unfilled Walnut cakes can be preserved and for one month.

Can coffee and walnut cake be frozen? ›

Yes. I like to freeze individual slices. Wrap them well with cling film or tin foil, then store them in an airtight freezer bag. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Why is coffee cake called coffee cake? ›

It's likely the term comes from the German Kaffeekuchen (which similarly doesn't have any coffee in it). The coffee/cake relationship is probably to do with its social connotations, i.e. Kaffeeklatsch (literally: coffee gossip) revolving around informal gatherings involving coffee, cake and plenty of chitchat.

Does coffee cake keep you awake? ›

There is no caffeine in a classic, cinnamon coffee cake, unless something very strange is going on with the cows you get your milk from. But do keep in mind that ingredients can vary from cakemaker to cakemaker.

Can you eat a cake after 3 weeks in the fridge? ›

Wrap that cake up tight! Most cakes can be stored in a freezer for up to one month, or in the fridge for one week.

Does freezing a cake make it more moist? ›

For just the sake of time, it just makes sense to do all your baking one day and decorating on another! I also find that the freezing process seals in moisture. We all love moist cake! Especially if you crumb-ice the cake just before your cake is completely thawed, before all the air evaporates.

Can you freeze coffee cake before baking? ›

Wrap well with plastic wrap and then tightly with foil. Freeze flat in your freezer for up to a month. Bake right from the freezer (remove plastic and foil first) at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs attached.

How much sugar is in a coffee cake? ›

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour. 2 1/4 cups (450g) sugar. 3/4 teaspoon baking powder.

How many calories are in a co op coffee and walnut cake? ›

Nutritional Information
Nutritionper 100gper 1/6 cake (approx. 64g)
(kcal424 kcal271 kcal)
Fat21 g13 g High
(of which Saturates5.6 g3.6 g) High
Carbohydrate56 g36 g
18 more rows

How many calories in a slice of date and walnut cake? ›

How many calories does one slice of Date and Walnut Cake have? One slice of Date and Walnut Cake gives 328 calories. Out of which carbohydrates comprise 139 calories, proteins account for 24 calories and remaining calories come from fat which is 166 calories.

Where did coffee cake originate? ›

The true origin of coffee cake is somewhat shrouded in mystery, but we do know it has its roots in Europe. The earliest versions of coffee cake can be traced back to Germany, specifically Dresden, where sweet yeast breads called “Kaffee kuchen” were enjoyed with coffee.

What is the cake and coffee tradition? ›

"Kaffee und kuchen" (coffee and cake) is an afternoon ritual where friends, family, or coworkers will meet for an hour or two to enjoy coffee, cake, and socializing. Shortly after coffee was introduced to Germany in 1675, coffee houses began to spring up in places like Hamburg, Bremen, and Hanover.

Where did the berry chantilly cake come from? ›

This cake first made its debut 13 years ago at the Arabella Station opens in a new tab store in New Orleans, where one of our talented Bakery team members formulated a recipe based on her grandmother's original creation. It was an instant hit, and other stores picked up the recipe.

What is the coffee cake capital of the world? ›

Cincinnati, Ohio, has been called the 'coffeecake capital of the world' by multiple food writers.

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