Mary Berry's Irresistible Coffee Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors with easy preparation techniques. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's an afternoon tea, a birthday celebration, or simply a sweet indulgence for yourself. Mary Berry, the queen of baking, has crafted a recipe that balances simplicity with a touch of elegance, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
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The Allure of Coffee Cake ☕🍰
Coffee cake is known for its ability to pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal accompaniment during social gatherings. Its moist texture and rich flavor profile create a sensory experience that is simply irresistible. The best part? Making coffee cake can be straightforward, allowing anyone to impress their friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of Mary Berry's coffee cake is in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Below is a comprehensive list of everything you'll need:
<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Quantity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Unsalted Butter</td> <td>200g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Granulated Sugar</td> <td>200g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Self-Raising Flour</td> <td>200g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Eggs</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Instant Coffee Granules</td> <td>2 tbsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Milk</td> <td>2 tbsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vanilla Extract</td> <td>1 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Chopped Walnuts (optional)</td> <td>100g</td> </tr> </table>
"Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!"
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Preparation Steps
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it's time to dive into the preparation process. Follow these easy steps to create your coffee cake masterpiece:
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare two 20cm round cake tins by greasing them with butter and lining them with baking paper.
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Prepare the Coffee Mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in the milk. This will give your cake a rich coffee flavor.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
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Incorporate the Eggs: Gradually add the eggs, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture curdles, simply add a spoonful of flour to help bring it back together.
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Add the Coffee Mixture: Stir in the dissolved coffee and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Mix in the Flour: Sift the self-raising flour into the mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the air in the batter for a fluffy texture.
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Add Optional Nuts: If you're using chopped walnuts, fold them into the batter at this stage for added crunch.
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Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Assemble: Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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The Icing on the Cake 🍰✨
A coffee cake wouldn’t be complete without its signature icing. Here's how to prepare a delicious coffee frosting:
Ingredients for Coffee Frosting
- Unsalted Butter: 100g (softened)
- Icing Sugar: 250g (sifted)
- Instant Coffee Granules: 1 tbsp
- Boiling Water: 1 tbsp
Frosting Steps
- In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee in boiling water and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and mix until smooth.
- Pour in the cooled coffee mixture and beat until fully incorporated and fluffy.
"Ensure the frosting is spreadable by adjusting the amount of icing sugar or water as necessary."
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Assembling Your Coffee Cake
- Layer the Cakes: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of coffee frosting on top.
- Add the Second Layer: Gently place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate: Optionally, you can sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top for decoration and added texture.
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Enjoying Your Coffee Cake ☕🎉
Now that your Mary Berry's Irresistible Coffee Cake is complete, it's time to savor the fruits of your labor! Whether you're enjoying it solo with a book or serving it to guests during a gathering, this cake is sure to impress.
For the best experience, pair your coffee cake with freshly brewed coffee or tea. The balance of flavors will enhance your enjoyment, making every bite a delightful treat.
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Tips for Perfecting Your Coffee Cake
- Store Properly: Keep your cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uniced cake layers for up to three months. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly in cling film.
- Personalize: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or other nuts to customize the flavor to your liking.
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