9-inch Coffee And Walnut Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Ah, the Coffee and Walnut Cake. Just saying the name might already be making your taste buds tingle! This cake is a classic British favorite, beloved for its moist, tender crumb infused with aromatic coffee and studded with crunchy walnuts. It’s that perfect balance between a coffee lover’s dream and a nutty delight.

• Why This Cake?

  Because it’s comforting yet sophisticated, simple yet impressive. Perfect for afternoon tea, a weekend treat, or a celebratory occasion.

• Flavor Profile

  The coffee isn’t overpowering-it adds a subtle, slightly bitter depth that enhances the sweetness of the cake. Meanwhile, walnuts bring texture and an earthy, buttery flavor that complements the coffee perfectly.

• Size Matters

  The 9-inch cake size is ideal-it’s large enough to serve a crowd but manageable enough to feel cozy at home.

Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe will be your new favorite. Ready? Let’s break down the magic.

9-inch Coffee And Walnut Cake Recipe

This cake is a layered beauty-two layers of moist coffee-infused sponge, generously filled and topped with a luscious coffee buttercream frosting, and sprinkled with crunchy walnuts. Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’re in for:

• Moist, tender sponge with real coffee flavor.
• Crunchy walnuts folded right into the batter.
• Creamy coffee buttercream frosting that’s not too sweet.
• Decorative walnut halves on top for that finishing touch.

It’s a showstopper but surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need, neatly grouped for convenience:

For The Cake

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (for that soft, tender crumb)
• 2 tsp baking powder (for lift and lightness)
• 1/4 tsp salt (to balance flavors)
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (richness and moisture)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (sweetness and structure)
• 3 large eggs (binding and richness)
• 2 tsp instant coffee granules (for deep coffee flavor)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water (to dissolve coffee granules)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk (moisture and tenderness)
• 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts (texture and nutty goodness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (to round out flavors)

For The Coffee Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened (smooth, creamy base)
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted (for sweetness and structure)
• 1 tbsp instant coffee granules (dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water for intensity)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (flavor enhancer)
• Pinch of salt (to cut sweetness)

For Garnish

• Walnut halves (to decorate the top beautifully)

How To Make 9-inch Coffee And Walnut Cake

Here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning cake to be proud of:

1. Prep Your Ingredients And Tools

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Coffee Infusion

   Dissolve the 2 tsp instant coffee granules in 1/2 cup hot water. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the batter.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

   In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

4. Cream Butter And Sugar

   Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until pale, fluffy, and light – about 3-5 minutes.

5. Add Eggs

   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Combine Coffee And Milk

   Mix the dissolved coffee with the milk.

7. Alternate Adding Dry And Wet

   Add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the coffee-milk mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly to avoid overmixing.

8. Fold In Walnuts

   Gently fold the chopped walnuts into the batter.

9. Bake

   Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool

    Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

11. Make The Buttercream

    Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed initially, then high until light and fluffy. Stir in the dissolved coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed.

12. Assemble The Cake

    Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of coffee buttercream on top. Place the second cake layer over it. Frost the top and sides with the remaining buttercream.

13. Garnish

    Decorate with walnut halves on top for that classy finish.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a second and see why these ingredients work so beautifully together:

• Coffee granules: Instant coffee dissolves quickly, infusing the batter with a subtle bitterness and deep aroma without the need for brewing. It enhances the cake’s flavor complexity, making the sweetness more balanced.
• Walnuts: These nuts add crunch and a buttery richness due to their healthy fats. Toasting them lightly beforehand (optional) can deepen their flavor.
• Butter: The star fat in this cake, butter provides flavor, moisture, and a tender crumb by coating flour proteins, which limits gluten development.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent creates bubbles in the batter, making the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Eggs: They provide structure and moisture, as well as emulsify the batter to keep it smooth.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps dissolve the sugar and coffee, contributing to tenderness.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for smooth, fluffy buttercream because it contains cornstarch, which stabilizes the frosting.

Understanding these roles can help you tweak or troubleshoot your baking with confidence!

Expert Tips

Here’s the insider scoop to take your Coffee and Walnut Cake to the next level:

• Use fresh coffee granules: For the most vibrant coffee flavor, fresh instant coffee is key. If you want to go bold, try adding a teaspoon of strong brewed espresso instead.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just enough to combine. Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake tough.
• Room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and milk should be at room temp for better emulsification and batter consistency.
• Toast walnuts: Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan or oven before chopping for an irresistible nutty aroma.
• Chill your buttercream: If your frosting feels too soft to spread, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up without losing fluffiness.
• Use parchment paper: It ensures a clean release and perfectly smooth cake sides.
• Even layers: Use a kitchen scale or eyeball carefully to divide batter evenly for perfectly level layers.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to switch things up:

• Chocolate Coffee Walnut Cake: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha twist.
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), vegan butter, and plant-based milk. Use aquafaba-based frosting.
• Caramel Drizzle: Top with a salted caramel drizzle over the frosting for added indulgence.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend, and maybe add a bit of xanthan gum for structure.
• Spiced Coffee Walnut: Add 1 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice note.

Final Words

This 9-inch Coffee and Walnut Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. It’s comforting, rich, and surprisingly straightforward, making it a perfect recipe for both casual bakers and those wanting to impress guests.

• The interplay between the robust coffee and earthy walnuts is what makes this cake unforgettable.
• The buttercream frosting adds that creamy, dreamy finish that keeps you coming back for more.
• It’s a great recipe to customize, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For A 9-inch Coffee And Walnut Cake?

You will need self-raising flour, baking powder, unsalted butter, caster sugar, eggs, instant coffee granules, strong brewed coffee, chopped walnuts, and ingredients for the coffee-flavored buttercream frosting such as butter, icing sugar, and additional coffee.

How Do I Prepare The Coffee For The Cake Batter?

Dissolve instant coffee granules in a small amount of hot water or strong brewed coffee. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the cake batter to avoid cooking the eggs or butter prematurely.

What Size Baking Tin Should I Use For This Recipe?

Use a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake tin, ideally with a removable base for easy release. Grease the tin thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How Long Should I Bake A 9-inch Coffee And Walnut Cake?

Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35 to 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Can I Substitute Any Ingredients In The Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute self-raising flour with all-purpose flour plus baking powder, or use a dairy-free butter alternative if needed. However, keep in mind this may slightly alter the texture or flavor.

How Should I Store The Coffee And Walnut Cake After Baking?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it wrapped well in cling film or freeze it for up to 1 month.

How Do I Make The Coffee Buttercream Frosting For The Cake?

Cream softened unsalted butter until smooth, then gradually beat in icing sugar and brewed coffee or coffee extract until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.

Can I Use Whole Walnuts Or Should They Be Chopped?

Chopped walnuts are recommended for even distribution in the batter and to provide consistent texture throughout the cake. You can reserve some larger pieces for decorating the top if desired.

Is It Possible To Make This Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Make sure the blend is suitable for baking and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How Do I Prevent The Cake From Drying Out?

Ensure you do not overbake the cake; check for doneness with a skewer. Also, avoid overmixing the batter to keep it tender, and store the cake properly in an airtight container once cooled.