There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen. If you’re looking for a treat that combines the rich flavors of coffee and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, then look no further than the coffee and walnut traybake. This classic bake is surprisingly easy to make and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a perfectly moist and delicious traybake every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coffee and walnut cake holds a special place in many hearts, often conjuring memories of childhood or afternoon tea with loved ones. Its enduring popularity lies in its simple yet satisfying flavor combination. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty aroma. This recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for a casual afternoon treat or dressed up for special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cake:
- 225g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
- 225g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tbsp boiling water
For the frosting and decoration:
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tbsp boiling water
- 50g chopped walnuts
Equipment You’ll Need
- One 8-inch square baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Let’s Get Baking!
Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Preheating the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/ 350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends slightly above the edges for easy removal later.
Step 2: Combining the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 3: Incorporating the Dry Ingredients and Coffee
In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on a low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as it can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake.
Now, add the dissolved coffee to the batter and gently fold it in. Make sure the coffee is fully dissolved to avoid any bitter clumps in the cake.
Step 4: Baking the Traybake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Gently tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to release any large air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cooling and Frosting
Once baked, let the traybake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake cools, prepare the coffee frosting.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar, beating well after each addition until you have a light and fluffy frosting. Add the dissolved coffee and mix until well combined.
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the coffee frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the frosting, gently pressing them down.
