coffee infused walnut cake

The layers of a Boozy Coffee Walnut Cake symbolize the complexity of life itself—rich, textured, and surprisingly delightful. When you slice into this cake, you uncover a blend of flavors that tells a story, one that mixes the warmth of coffee with the crunch of walnuts and a hint of indulgence. You might wonder how such a dessert came to be a staple at gatherings, or what secrets lie in the recipe that elevate it beyond the ordinary. Let's explore the history and nuances that make this cake a cherished choice for celebrations.

Key Takeaways

  • The Boozy Coffee Walnut Cake features rich flavors from coffee liqueurs like Tia Maria and Kahlua, enhancing its sophistication.
  • Core ingredients include walnut halves, self-raising flour, light muscovado sugar, unsalted butter, and large eggs for a moist texture.
  • Toasting walnuts before adding them to the batter intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
  • The cake is best served at room temperature, garnished with crushed walnuts and a drizzle of chocolate ganache for elegance.
  • Allow the cake to set after assembly for better flavor melding and ensure even mixing for a consistent texture.

History

study of past events

Although coffee walnut cake has roots in early 20th century Britain, its popularity really took off during the post-war era when coffee and nuts became more accessible in households.

This cake quickly became a staple in traditional tea rooms, where you’d enjoy it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The combination of rich coffee flavor and crunchy walnuts created a delightful treat that captured the hearts of many. As word spread about this delectable dessert, enthusiasts sought to replicate the experience at home, leading to a surge in popularity for the coffee walnut cake recipe. Bakers experimented with different techniques, adding unique twists like chocolate drizzles or varying the types of nuts used. Ultimately, this cake not only became a favorite in tea rooms but also a cherished creation in kitchens across the country, bringing people together over a shared love for coffee and dessert.

Notable chefs like Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood have further elevated its status through their shows and cookbooks.

Today, you might even find a version infused with Tia Maria or other liqueurs, adding a modern twist to the classic dessert and turning it into a deliciously indulgent boozy coffee experience. Additionally, the cake's resurgence aligns with current trends in celebrity transformations as chefs and bakers innovate traditional recipes for contemporary palates.

Recipe

cooking instructions for dish

Boozy Coffee Walnut Cake Recipe

Indulge in the rich flavors of this boozy coffee walnut cake, perfect for any adult gathering. The combination of Tia Maria, a delightful coffee liqueur, with the nutty essence of walnuts creates a dessert that's both sophisticated and satisfying.

The cake isn't only a treat for the taste buds but also an impressive centerpiece for your dessert table. To achieve the best flavor and texture, start by toasting the walnut halves to bring out their natural oils and enhance the nutty flavor. The use of instant coffee dissolved in boiling water replaces the traditional milk, providing a more pronounced coffee taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy mascarpone filling. Additionally, serving it alongside a sweet treat can elevate your dessert experience.

Follow this recipe for a cake that's sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

  • 200g walnut halves
  • 250g self-raising flour
  • 200g light muscovado sugar
  • 100g unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee
  • 120ml boiling water
  • 250g mascarpone cheese
  • 50ml Tia Maria
  • Extra light muscovado sugar for filling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Toast the walnut halves on a baking sheet for 10 minutes, then chop them roughly and set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and light muscovado sugar until light and fluffy. Dissolve the instant coffee in boiling water, and mix it into the creamed butter and sugar.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually fold in the self-raising flour and the chopped walnuts until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Extra Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Tia Maria to the cake batter itself.

When assembling the cake, ensure that the layers are completely cooled to avoid melting the mascarpone filling. If you're looking for a more pronounced coffee flavor, you can adjust the amount of instant coffee to suit your taste.

Finally, decorating the top with additional toasted walnut halves not only adds an appealing touch but also enhances the overall flavor of the cake. Enjoy your baking!

Cooking Steps

cooking step by step

To start, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350°F.

Next, mix the coffee with sugar, then fold in the chopped walnuts for a delicious texture.

Finally, add the eggs and vanilla extract before baking for 25 minutes to get that perfect cake.

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

preheat oven to 350 f

Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial for achieving that perfect cake texture. It ensures even baking and proper rising, so don't skip this step!

While the oven warms up, take the time to grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the cake after baking.

Allow about 10-15 minutes for the oven to reach the desired temperature, and use an oven thermometer to check its accuracy, as temperatures can vary between ovens.

Once it's preheated, you'll be ready to pour in your cake batter and start the baking process. Happy baking!

Step 2. Mix Coffee With Sugar

mix coffee and sugar

With your oven preheated and your cake pans ready, it's time to mix the coffee with sugar.

Start by dissolving 1 tablespoon of instant coffee in a small amount of boiling water. Let it cool to room temperature.

In a mixing bowl, combine this coffee mixture with about 150g of granulated sugar. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, feel free to add 1-2 extra tablespoons of coffee or espresso, adjusting the sugar as needed to keep it sweet.

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing. Stir the coffee and sugar together until fully dissolved to avoid any graininess in your cake.

This creates a smooth, coffee-flavored base for your boozy cake.

Step 3. Fold in Chopped Walnuts

incorporate chopped walnuts gently

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts to your cake batter, ensuring they're evenly distributed for a delightful texture in every slice.

Aim for walnut pieces about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch; this size balances flavor and texture without overwhelming the cake.

If you'd like, consider toasting the walnuts beforehand to enhance their flavor and add a satisfying crunch.

Use a spatula and a gentle folding motion to maintain the airiness of your batter.

It's crucial to do this just before pouring the batter into your prepared cake tins, as this helps prevent the walnuts from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Enjoy the rustic charm and flavor the chopped walnuts bring to your boozy coffee cake! Additionally, walnuts are a rich source of essential amino acids, contributing to the nutritional value of your cake.

Step 4. Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

incorporate eggs and vanilla

To create a light and fluffy boozy coffee walnut cake, start by adding three room-temperature eggs to your mixing bowl.

It's important that the eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification and a smoother texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to prevent curdling and ensure a uniform batter.

Next, pour in a splash of high-quality vanilla extract, which enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

For an extra boozy kick, consider adding a splash of Tia Maria or Kahlúa along with the vanilla extract.

Just be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a denser cake instead of the light, fluffy texture you want. Incorporating this step mindfully can help you achieve the desired vibrational state for your baking, as high vibrational energy contributes to more successful outcomes in the kitchen.

Step 5. Bake for 25 Minutes

bake for twenty five minutes

Now that your batter is ready, it's time to bake your boozy coffee walnut cake.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure even baking. Pour the batter into a prepared cake tin and place it in the oven.

Bake for approximately 25 minutes, keeping an eye on it as it nears the end of the baking time. You want the cake to turn golden brown; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

If you notice it browning too quickly, adjust the temperature or cover it loosely with foil.

Once done, allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

reflecting on concluding ideas

As you savor each bite of the boozy coffee walnut cake, you'll appreciate how the rich flavors and moist texture come together to create a truly indulgent dessert.

The combination of coffee liqueurs like Tia Maria or Kahlua enhances the cake's flavor profile, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch. This sophisticated twist on a classic recipe makes it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings or celebrations.

To elevate your presentation, consider how you might decorate the top with a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.

Allowing the cake to set after assembly lets the flavors meld beautifully, ensuring each slice is a decadent treat. It's a dessert that promises to impress and delight your guests!

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