Mary Berry’s Irresistible Walnut Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many baking enthusiasts. Known for her expertise in baking and her warm personality, Mary Berry has created a recipe that perfectly balances rich coffee flavor with crunchy walnuts, making it an ideal cake for afternoon tea or any special occasion. In this article, we'll dive into the details of this beloved recipe, including ingredients, preparation steps, and some helpful tips to ensure that your cake turns out perfectly.
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Ingredients for the Walnut Coffee Cake ☕🥜
To create Mary Berry’s Irresistible Walnut Coffee Cake, you'll need the following ingredients:
<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Quantity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Unsalted Butter</td> <td>225g (8oz)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Golden Caster Sugar</td> <td>225g (8oz)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Eggs</td> <td>4 large</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Self-Raising Flour</td> <td>225g (8oz)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ground Coffee</td> <td>2 tbsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Walnuts (chopped)</td> <td>100g (3.5oz)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Milk</td> <td>2 tbsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Walnut halves</td> <td>For decoration</td> </tr> </table>
Notes:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- You can substitute ground coffee with instant coffee for convenience.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Walnut%20Coffee%20Cake%20Ingredients" alt="Ingredients for Walnut Coffee Cake" /> </div>
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation 🍰🔪
Follow these simple steps to prepare the walnut coffee cake:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two 20cm (8 inch) round cake tins with baking parchment.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and golden caster sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 5 minutes with an electric mixer.
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Add the Eggs: Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a tablespoon of flour to bring it together.
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Mix in the Coffee: Dissolve the ground coffee in 2 tablespoons of boiling water, then mix it into the batter.
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Incorporate the Flour and Walnuts: Sift in the self-raising flour, and fold it into the mixture along with the chopped walnuts. Finally, add 2 tablespoons of milk to adjust the consistency of the batter.
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Divide and Bake: Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared cake tins and level 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 the Cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Preparing the Coffee Buttercream Frosting 🍮✨
The frosting is what truly elevates the walnut coffee cake. Here's how to make Mary Berry’s luscious coffee buttercream:
Ingredients for the Frosting:
- 225g (8oz) Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 450g (16oz) Icing Sugar
- 2-3 tbsp Ground Coffee (to taste)
- 2-3 tbsp Hot Water
Instructions for Buttercream:
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Make the Coffee Mixture: Dissolve the ground coffee in hot water and allow it to cool.
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Beat the Butter: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
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Add Icing Sugar: Gradually sift in the icing sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Incorporate Coffee: Add the dissolved coffee and mix until well combined. Adjust the consistency with more icing sugar or water as needed.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Coffee%20Buttercream%20Frosting" alt="Coffee Buttercream Frosting" /> </div>
Assembling the Cake 🎂🧁
Now that your cakes are cool and your frosting is ready, it’s time to assemble the walnut coffee cake:
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Layer the Cakes: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of coffee buttercream on top.
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Add the Second Layer: Place the second layer on top and use the remaining buttercream to frost the top and sides of the cake.
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Decorate: Finish with walnut halves on top for an elegant touch.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Decorated%20Walnut%20Coffee%20Cake" alt="Decorated Walnut Coffee Cake" /> </div>
Tips for a Perfect Walnut Coffee Cake 🌟🥳
Here are some handy tips to help you create the perfect walnut coffee cake:
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Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, and it can last up to a week.
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Freezing: You can freeze the un-frosted cake layers. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply thaw and frost.
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Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a little extra indulgence, serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Walnut%20Coffee%20Cake%20Served" alt="Walnut Coffee Cake Served" /> </div>
With its moist texture and delectable flavor, Mary Berry’s Irresistible Walnut Coffee Cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your baking journey, this cake is a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the delightful combination of walnuts and coffee and make your gatherings even more special with this irresistible treat!