You might not realize that the traditional coffee walnut cake has roots dating back to the Victorian era, where it was often enjoyed during afternoon tea. This modern twist not only honors its heritage but also introduces healthier ingredients that retain its beloved flavors. By substituting some key components, you can craft a cake that feels indulgent without the guilt. Curious about how these adjustments impact the taste and texture? Let's explore the recipe and uncover what makes this cake stand out in the world of desserts.
Key Takeaways
- The Ultimate Makeover Coffee Walnut Cake replaces butter with walnut oil and uses yogurt for a moist texture.
- Key ingredients include ground almonds, strong brewed coffee, and light mascarpone cheese for a healthier version.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a skewer.
- Toast walnuts before use to enhance their flavor and ensure even distribution in the batter.
- Allow the cake to cool and sit for 15-20 minutes to improve flavor and texture before serving.
History

The coffee walnut cake, which you might enjoy during afternoon tea, has its roots in the United Kingdom and gained popularity in the 20th century.
This delightful tea-time treat combines the rich flavors of coffee and walnuts, cherished ingredients in British baking for generations. Its history reflects a broader culinary tradition where coffee became a fashionable ingredient in sweets, especially after the rise of coffeehouses in the 17th century.
Typically, the cake features ground walnuts, coffee essence, and a light sponge, often topped with a creamy filling or frosting.
Over the years, coffee walnut cake has appeared in various cookbooks and baking competitions, solidifying its status as a beloved dessert in British baking culture.
Recipe

Coffee Walnut Cake Recipe
This Ultimate Makeover Coffee Walnut Cake is a delightful twist on the classic recipe, offering a healthier yet indulgent option for cake lovers. By substituting butter with walnut oil and incorporating yogurt, the cake maintains its moist texture while significantly reducing fat content. Ground almonds and walnuts not only enhance the flavor and create a rich texture but also allow for a reduction in sugar, making it a guilt-free treat. The use of light muscovado and golden caster sugar adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the robust coffee flavor. To elevate the experience even further, a splash of coffee liqueur can be added to the batter, transforming this dessert into a boozy coffee walnut cake recipe that’s perfect for special occasions. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee combined with the nutty flavors creates an enticing aroma that fills the kitchen, making it impossible to resist. Serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
To elevate the experience, a strong brewed coffee mixture is incorporated, which not only flavors the cake but is also transformed into a thick syrup for both filling and icing. Once baked to perfection, the cake is layered with a creamy filling made from mascarpone, quark, and the luscious coffee syrup. The finishing touch is a smooth fondant icing and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, which not only adds visual appeal but also a delightful crunch.
Ingredients:
- 200g walnut oil
- 150g yogurt
- 100g ground almonds
- 100g walnuts, finely chopped
- 100g light muscovado sugar
- 100g golden caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 200ml strong brewed coffee
- 250g mascarpone cheese
- 200g quark
- 150g fondant icing
- Chopped walnuts for garnish
To prepare the cake, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line two 20cm round cake tins. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the walnut oil, yogurt, light muscovado sugar, golden caster sugar, and eggs until well combined.
Gradually fold in the ground almonds, chopped walnuts, self-raising flour, and baking powder until the mixture is smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tins and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. While cooling, prepare the coffee syrup by mixing brewed coffee with a little sugar until dissolved. For the filling, combine mascarpone, quark, and the coffee syrup until smooth.
Once the cakes are cooled, layer them with the filling and top with fondant icing, garnishing with chopped walnuts.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter. This will enhance their nutty aroma and give your cake an extra crunch. Additionally, using essential oils for a calming effect can enhance your overall baking experience.
When preparing the coffee syrup, adjust the sweetness according to your taste; a little more sugar can be added if you prefer a sweeter filling.
Be sure to roll out the fondant icing on a surface dusted with icing sugar to prevent sticking, and use a sharp knife to trim the edges neatly for a professional finish. Enjoy your baking!
Cooking Steps

To get started on your Coffee Walnut Cake, preheat your oven to 180°C.
Next, mix the coffee and sugar until they're well combined, then fold in the walnuts for that perfect crunch.
Bake the mixture for about 25 minutes, and remember to let it cool before serving!
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 180°C

Before you start mixing your ingredients, preheating the oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan-assisted ovens) is crucial for achieving the perfect Coffee Walnut Cake. This step ensures an even baking temperature, allowing your cake to rise optimally.
Make sure to use an oven thermometer if you have one, as it confirms that the temperature setting matches the actual oven temperature. Allow the oven to fully preheat for at least 10-15 minutes.
Position the oven rack in the center of the oven to promote heat circulation. To avoid temperature fluctuations, resist the urge to open the oven door during the first half of the baking time—this helps your cake maintain its rise and texture throughout the bake.
Step 2. Mix Coffee and Sugar

Once you've preheated your oven, it's time to mix the coffee and sugar.
Start by dissolving 2 teaspoons of coffee in warm water, ensuring it blends smoothly.
Next, combine granulated sugar, like caster sugar, with your coffee mixture to balance the bitterness and enhance the sweetness.
For a syrup, heat a mixture of caster sugar, coffee, and water in a saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Bring it to a gentle boil, letting it thicken for 2½ to 3 minutes until it reaches a treacle-like consistency.
Allow the syrup to cool before incorporating it into your mascarpone and quark filling.
This step is crucial for maintaining a smooth texture in your cake batter.
Step 3. Fold in the Walnuts

Gently fold the finely chopped walnuts into your batter, ensuring they're evenly distributed without overmixing. This step is crucial for maintaining a light cake texture.
If you prefer a more intense nutty flavor, consider toasting the walnuts beforehand; this enhances their taste and adds a delightful crunch.
After combining the wet and dry ingredients, it's the perfect time to fold in the walnuts. Use a spatula to gently incorporate them, being careful not to break down the batter's structure.
The standard quantity typically ranges from 100 to 150 grams, depending on your personal preference. By achieving even distribution, you'll ensure every bite of your coffee walnut cake is packed with flavor and texture. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like walnuts can enhance cognitive skills during baking by improving focus and attention to detail.
Step 4. Bake for 25 Minutes

Baking is the crucial step that brings your coffee walnut cake to life.
First, preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Pour the cake mixture into the prepared tin, smoothing the top for even rising.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, making sure to avoid opening the oven door during the first half to prevent collapse. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the centre; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked. If it isn't ready, continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy the delightful aroma!
Step 5. Cool Before Serving

As the coffee walnut cake cools, it's important to give it the right amount of time before you dive in. After baking for 40-45 minutes, let the cake cool in the tin for about 10-15 minutes.
Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for ensuring the filling and icing adhere properly without melting.
Once cooled to room temperature, you can split the cake into layers for filling, which helps maintain its structure.
After icing, refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the decoration.
Before you serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavors and texture.
Enjoy your masterpiece!
Final Thoughts

While indulging in a slice of coffee walnut cake, you can savor the delightful flavors without the guilt often associated with traditional desserts.
This ultimate makeover incorporates healthier ingredients like walnut oil and yogurt, reducing fat content while enhancing the cake's taste.
The use of light mascarpone and quark for the filling creates a lighter texture and lower sugar content, making it a healthier choice.
The unique combination of ground almonds and walnuts not only boosts the nutty flavor but also adds nutritional benefits, including healthy fats and protein.
That treacle-like coffee syrup brings moisture and richness, ensuring guilt-free enjoyment of this classic dessert.
You can relish every bite, knowing it supports your wellness goals. Additionally, using butter in baking can enhance the flavor and moisture of your creations.