Coffee And Walnut Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
If you're looking for a delicious cake to serve for dessert or afternoon tea, then look no further than a coffee and walnut cake with cream cheese frosting. This cake is a classic British recipe that combines the rich and nutty flavor of walnuts with the bold taste of coffee.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 225g self-raising flour
- 100g walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 tbsp boiling water
For the frosting:
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 400g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Grease and line two 20cm cake tins with baking parchment.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs, adding a little flour if the mixture starts to curdle.
3. Sift in the flour and fold in gently. Add the chopped walnuts and the coffee mixture, and mix until well combined.
4. Divide the mixture between the two cake tins and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
5. Remove the cakes from the oven and leave to cool in the tins for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. To make the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
7. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting over one cake, then place the other cake on top. Spread the rest of the frosting over the top and sides of the cake, using a palette knife to smooth it out.
Variations
If you want to switch up the recipe, there are plenty of ways to do so. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some chocolate chips to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Swap out the walnuts for pecans or hazelnuts.
- Use a different frosting, such as a chocolate ganache or a caramel buttercream.
- Top the cake with extra walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Conclusion
A coffee and walnut cake with cream cheese frosting is a delicious and classic dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it for afternoon tea or for a special celebration, this cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. So why not give it a go and see for yourself?