Easy Coffee Flavoured Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, coffee lovers-this one’s for you. Ever dreamt of combining your morning cup of joe with a moist, fluffy slice of cake? Well, you’re not dreaming anymore. Enter: the Easy Coffee Flavoured Cake, your new favorite dessert that perfectly blends the bold, rich aroma of coffee with the soft sweetness of a classic sponge.

Whether you’re a casual baker or someone who’s more ’watch GBBO with a cup of tea’ than “make a croquembouche on a whim”, this recipe will fit snugly into your baking skillset. It’s uncomplicated, quick, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. AND it’s the perfect excuse to eat cake for breakfast (you know, because coffee).

So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get whisking.

Easy Coffee Flavoured Cake Recipe

This cake is:

• Delightfully fluffy and moist
• Rich with real coffee flavor (not just a whisper-you can taste it!)
• Made in under an hour
• Fancy enough to impress guests, but simple enough for a weekday treat

Whether you dress it up with a coffee buttercream or keep it simple with a dusting of icing sugar, this cake is guaranteed to hit the sweet spot.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this beauty. No weird specialty items-just pantry staples and a strong cup of your favorite brew.

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour – Your base. Go for sifted for a lighter crumb.
• 1 tsp baking powder – For that nice lift.
• ¼ tsp baking soda – Helps activate the acid in the coffee (yes, coffee is acidic!).
• ½ tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavor.

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter – Softened, not melted. Room temp is key.
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness but still lets the coffee shine.
• 2 large eggs – Room temperature = fluffier batter.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
• ½ cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee – COOLED! Don’t pour hot coffee into the batter or you’ll scramble the eggs.
• ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk or cream – For moisture and richness.

Optional but fabulous:

• 1 tsp instant coffee granules (mixed into the flour) – For extra coffee punch.
• Powdered sugar or icing glaze – For decorating.

How To Make Easy Coffee Flavoured Cake

Alright, let’s break it down step-by-step. I’ll walk you through it like we’re in the kitchen together, sipping iced lattes and gossiping about how underrated coffee cakes are.

1. Preheat And Prep

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour an 8-inch round or loaf pan-or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Cream The Butter And Sugar

• In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
• This step incorporates air = light, tender cake!

3. Add Eggs And Vanilla

• Crack in one egg at a time, beating well after each.
• Add the vanilla and mix until smooth.

☕ 4. Add The Coffee

• Stir in your cooled brewed coffee.
• It may look slightly curdled-don’t panic! That’s just the liquids reacting with the butter. It’ll smooth out once you add the flour.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional instant coffee granules.
• Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, alternating with the milk. Start and end with dry ingredients.

6. Bake It

• Pour the batter into your prepped pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

✨ Optional: Glaze Or Dust

• Want to be fancy? Mix powdered sugar + a splash of coffee for a drizzle-worthy glaze.
• Or just dust with icing sugar and call it a day.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a little. Because every ingredient is doing some magic behind the scenes:

• Coffee: Beyond flavor, coffee actually deepens the Maillard reaction (browning), enhancing the cake’s color and aroma.
• Butter + Sugar: Creaming traps air in the fat, which expands in the oven, giving us that soft, spongey texture.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and help the cake rise. That structure? It’s the eggs.
• Baking Powder vs Baking Soda: Yes, we use both! Baking soda reacts with the acid in the coffee, while baking powder gives an extra lift to ensure fluffiness.
• Salt: Never skip it. Even in sweet things, salt balances and enhances flavor-especially in something as bold as coffee.

Expert Tips

Here’s how to make sure your coffee cake is a total banger every single time:

• Use strong coffee – Go for espresso or a dark roast brew. A weak coffee = meh flavor.
• Cool the coffee – Hot coffee will ruin your batter texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Once the flour goes in, stir just until combined.
• Room temp ingredients = better cake – Seriously, this is non-negotiable.
• Test for doneness early – Ovens vary! Check around 28 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Store it right – Wrap tightly or keep in an airtight container. Stays fresh for 3-4 days.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch it up? Oh, you’re going to love these twists:

• Coffee Walnut Cake – Add ½ cup chopped walnuts to the batter. Toast them for extra depth.
• Mocha Cake – Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder with the flour for that chocolate-coffee combo.
• Coffee Cinnamon Swirl – Layer the batter with a swirl of cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter.
• Cream Cheese Frosting – Pair coffee cake with tangy frosting for a café-style finish.
• Vegan Version – Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer like flaxseed meal.
• Gluten-Free – Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Final Words

Let’s be honest-coffee-flavored desserts have been flying under the radar, and it’s time we change that. This cake is low-maintenance, high-reward, and lets the rich aroma of coffee do the heavy lifting. It’s the kind of thing you bake once and immediately want to bake again.

And the best part? You can tailor it to whatever vibe you’re going for-laid-back breakfast, a casual dinner party dessert, or your personal afternoon pick-me-up.

Coffee, cake, and cozy vibes. What else could you possibly need?

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For An Easy Coffee Flavoured Cake?

For an easy coffee flavoured cake, you’ll need all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, instant coffee granules, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. You can also use a bit of cocoa powder if you want to deepen the flavor.

How Can I Enhance The Coffee Flavor In My Cake?

To enhance the coffee flavor, use strong brewed coffee or espresso instead of water or milk. You can also increase the amount of instant coffee granules in the recipe. Adding a bit of cocoa powder can complement the coffee flavor.

Can I Use Decaffeinated Coffee For This Cake?

Yes, you can use decaffeinated coffee for this cake. The flavor will still be rich and coffee-forward, but without the caffeine. Make sure the coffee is strong enough to impart a good flavor.

Can I Make The Cake Without Butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with vegetable oil, applesauce, or even Greek yogurt to make the cake lighter. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

How Do I Make The Cake Moist?

To make the cake moist, ensure you do not overmix the batter. Additionally, adding sour cream, yogurt, or a bit of milk will help retain moisture. Also, bake the cake just until a toothpick comes out clean to avoid drying it out.

Can I Add Frosting To This Coffee-flavored Cake?

Yes, you can add frosting. A simple buttercream frosting with a hint of coffee or chocolate ganache pairs perfectly with the coffee flavor. You can also opt for a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.

How Long Should I Bake The Coffee Flavoured Cake?

Typically, a coffee flavored cake should be baked at 350°F (175°C) for 25-35 minutes. However, baking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of your cake pan, so be sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Coffee In The Recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of coffee. Espresso powder, flavored coffee, or even cold brew concentrate can be substituted for instant coffee or brewed coffee, depending on your taste preferences.

Is This Cake Suitable For Special Diets (like Gluten-free Or Vegan)?

Yes, this cake can be adapted for different diets. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter or oil instead of regular butter.

Can I Prepare The Cake In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance. Once baked, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to a month.