This cake is a classy rebel—coffee-fueled, nut-packed, and ready to crash every boring dessert table with caffeinated confidence. It’s not here to whisper sweetness; it strolls in, tosses walnuts across the room, and demands applause. The sponge is rich, the espresso notes are bold, and the frosting is smoother than your last date. Basically, it’s a love letter to bitterness—with crunch. Bake it when you need something comforting, caffeinated, and just slightly passive-aggressive. Because no one really wants a salad for dessert.
Coffee and Walnut Layer Cake
A moist, coffee-spiked layer cake packed with toasted walnuts and smothered in luscious, buttery frosting. It’s drama, decadence, and crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in ¼ cup hot water
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts toasted
- For the Frosting:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: extra walnut halves for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line both tins, or suffer the wrath of stuck sponge.
- Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. Channel your inner baker.
- In another bowl, beat butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Don’t stop until your arm feels it.
- Add eggs one by one. Beat after each like you mean it.
- Stir in the coffee mix, milk, and vanilla. Try not to drink it.
- Add dry mix gradually. Fold in toasted walnuts like a professional.
- Divide batter between tins. Bake for 28–30 minutes or until golden and proud.
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting unless you enjoy sliding disasters.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add sugar, coffee mix, vanilla, and salt. Whip until dangerously irresistible.
- Frost generously. Layer, smooth, top with walnuts, and pretend you didn’t lick the spoon five times.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 470
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Iron: 9%
- Folate: 7%
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Magnesium: 6%
- Zinc: 5%
Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance Flavor
- Toast your walnuts—raw ones are for trail mix and sadness.
- Add a splash of walnut liqueur to the frosting for extra sass.
- Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner layers (and fewer crumbs of regret).
- Want drama? Drizzle caramel on top and act like it was always the plan.
- Best enjoyed with a black coffee and zero interruptions.
