Coffee Cake Uk Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, let’s get one thing out of the way first: coffee cake in the UK is NOT the same as American coffee cake. Shocking, right? While Americans often refer to a streusel-topped, cinnamon-laced cake meant to accompany coffee, the British Coffee Cake is literally flavoured with coffee – yes, the real deal!

This cake is a nostalgic staple in British households, teashops, and Bake Off tents. It’s got everything you want from a classic cake:

• Rich coffee flavour (usually thanks to instant coffee – we’ll get into that!)
• Light, fluffy sponge
• A sweet, buttery coffee-infused icing
• Sometimes a scattering of walnut halves for crunch and a touch of glam

It’s elegant enough to serve at a posh tea party but casual enough to enjoy on a lazy Sunday with a cuppa. It strikes that beautiful balance between indulgent and comforting.

Coffee Cake Uk Recipe

This is a classic British-style Coffee and Walnut Cake, which has been beloved for generations. The flavour is deep, slightly bitter (in the best way), and sweet all at once.

Prep Time

• 20 minutes

⏲️ Cook Time

• 25-30 minutes

️ Serves

• 8-10 slices (depending on how generous you are with your knife skills!)

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break it down so you’re fully prepped. Everything here is pretty straightforward, pantry-friendly, and no fancy gadgets required.

For The Cake

• 200g unsalted butter (softened – room temp is key!)
• 200g light brown soft sugar (adds richness and moisture)
• 200g self-raising flour (saves you the trouble of adding baking powder)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tbsp instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
• 50g chopped walnuts (optional, but classic)

For The Coffee Buttercream Icing

• 150g unsalted butter (again, nice and soft)
• 300g icing sugar (sifted – no lumps, please!)
• 1 tbsp instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
• Walnut halves for decoration (optional, but it looks SO good)

‍ How To Make Coffee Cake (UK Style)

Okay, this is where the magic happens. It’s honestly not as intimidating as it looks. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Preheat & Prep

• Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4
• Grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins

Mix The Batter

• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is vital – take your time. Think 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer or a lot of elbow grease.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each.
• Stir in the dissolved coffee mixture.
• Sift in the self-raising flour, and gently fold it in.
• Add the chopped walnuts (if using) and give a final fold.

Bake!

• Divide the mixture between your two cake tins.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and springy to the touch.
• A skewer inserted in the center should come out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Make The Coffee Buttercream

• Beat the butter until pale and creamy.
• Add the sifted icing sugar in batches, mixing well.
• Stir in the dissolved coffee for that rich, caffeine-kissed flavour.

Assemble And Decorate

• Once cakes are completely cooled (resist the temptation!), spread half the buttercream on one cake.
• Sandwich the second layer on top.
• Use the remaining buttercream to frost the top – go rustic or smooth, whatever your vibe is.
• Add walnut halves if you’re feeling fancy.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a moment, shall we? There’s real chemistry happening in that mixing bowl!

• Instant Coffee: Because it’s already brewed and dehydrated, it integrates smoothly into the batter and buttercream, delivering bold coffee flavour without extra liquid that could ruin your cake’s texture.
• Self-Raising Flour: Contains a pre-measured amount of baking powder. It provides consistent lift without the risk of over-leavening, which can cause cakes to collapse.
• Butter (vs. Oil): Butter not only adds richness but traps air when creamed with sugar. This air helps the cake rise beautifully.
• Brown Sugar: Contains molasses, adding depth, moisture, and a subtle caramel vibe that complements the coffee.

Expert Tips

Here’s the juicy stuff you’d hear if you were hanging around with Mary Berry or eavesdropping on a pastry chef’s private lesson.

• Always dissolve your coffee first. Undissolved granules = bitter lumps. Ew.
• Room temperature everything! Eggs, butter, even your mixing bowl. It helps everything emulsify better.
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour. You want a light sponge, not a dense loaf.
• Use cake strips around your tins (or make DIY ones with damp baking paper and foil) to help your cakes bake evenly and avoid doming.
• Cool completely before icing. Otherwise, the buttercream will melt into a tragic puddle.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative? Or maybe you’re baking for someone with allergies or different tastebuds? Let’s remix this cake!

• Mocha Twist: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate-coffee hybrid.
• No-Nut Version: Just skip the walnuts – the cake is still amazing.
• Espresso Shot: Replace water in the coffee mixture with actual espresso for deeper flavour.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, plant milk, and an egg replacer like flax or aquafaba.
• Coffee & Cardamom: Add a pinch of ground cardamom to the batter for a fragrant Middle Eastern twist.
• Tiramisu-Style: Drizzle the sponges with a coffee liqueur syrup (think Kahlua or Tia Maria) and top with mascarpone-based frosting instead of buttercream. Bliss!

Final Words

Listen, if you’re looking for a bake that says "I’m here to comfort you, caffeinate you, and impress your guests", this coffee cake has you covered. It’s got elegance, it’s got character, and it carries that perfect bittersweet balance that keeps you coming back for seconds… maybe thirds. No judgment here.

It also stores well (airtight container, room temp, 3-4 days), so you can make it ahead for events, or enjoy it slowly over the week with your morning coffee.

And can we just say – coffee in cake form is genius. Who says caffeine should only come in a mug?

FAQs

What Is A Coffee Cake?

A coffee cake is a sweet, often spiced cake, typically served alongside coffee. It is not made with coffee itself but gets its name because it pairs well with a cup of coffee. The cake is usually moist, with a crumbly topping and a delicate flavor profile.

What Are The Main Ingredients In A Traditional Coffee Cake Recipe?

Traditional coffee cakes generally include ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, milk, and vanilla. Some recipes may also feature cinnamon, nuts, or fruit for added flavor.

Can I Make A Coffee Cake Without Using Nuts?

Yes, you can easily make a coffee cake without nuts. Simply omit the nuts from the recipe or substitute them with other ingredients like seeds, dried fruit, or extra cinnamon for texture and flavor.

What Is The Difference Between A Coffee Cake And A Regular Cake?

The main difference between a coffee cake and a regular cake is that coffee cake is specifically designed to be served with coffee, often featuring a cinnamon or streusel topping. It’s typically less sweet and more spiced compared to a traditional cake, and it may not be frosted.

How Can I Make A Coffee Cake Without Dairy?

To make a dairy-free coffee cake, replace dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives. Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk (like almond, oat, or soy), and a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream substitute in place of traditional dairy products.

What Type Of Flour Is Best For A Coffee Cake?

The best flour for a coffee cake is plain or all-purpose flour. Some recipes may call for self-raising flour to help the cake rise, while others rely on baking powder for leavening. The texture of the cake is light and tender when using plain flour.

Can I Make A Coffee Cake Without Using Eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs in a coffee cake recipe. Common egg replacements include mashed bananas, applesauce, flaxseed meal mixed with water, or commercial egg replacers. Each alternative offers moisture and binding qualities similar to eggs.

How Can I Make The Streusel Topping For A Coffee Cake?

A basic streusel topping for a coffee cake includes butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. These ingredients are combined into a crumbly mixture, which is then sprinkled over the batter before baking. Some variations may include oats or chopped nuts.

Can I Use A Different Spice Besides Cinnamon In My Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can experiment with other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. You can also add vanilla or almond extract to enhance the flavor. A combination of spices can give the cake a unique twist while still keeping it comforting and aromatic.

How Should I Store Coffee Cake To Keep It Fresh?

Store coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.