My Childhood Coffee and Walnut Cake That Still Wins Every Birthday
JojoM
A nostalgic, deeply satisfying coffee and walnut cake with a bold espresso hit and rustic buttercream swirls—easy to whip up in a food processor.
My Childhood Coffee and Walnut Cake That Still Wins Every Birthday
JojoMA nostalgic, deeply satisfying coffee and walnut cake with a bold espresso hit and rustic buttercream swirls—easy to whip up in a food processor.
Chef's Tips
Swap espresso for regular instant coffee if serving to children.
Let the buttercream come to room temp before spreading.
Don’t worry about rustic swirls—it’s part of the charm.
Can be made a day ahead or frozen for convenience.
Tools Used
Food Processor
Mixing Bowls
Wooden Spoon
Spatula
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Ingredients
For the sponge
For the buttercream frosting
Instructions
Make the sponge
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) or gas mark 4. Grease and line two 20cm sandwich tins.
- 2
Blitz walnuts and sugar in a food processor to a fine nutty crumb.
- 3
Add butter, flour, espresso powder, baking powder, bicarbonate, and eggs. Process to a smooth batter.
- 4
With the motor running or pulsing, add milk until you get a soft, dropping consistency.
- 5
Divide batter between tins and bake for 25 minutes until risen and springy.
- 6
Cool in tins for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack and peel off parchment.
Make the buttercream and assemble
- 1
Pulse icing sugar in a food processor until lump-free. Add butter and process until smooth.
- 2
Dissolve espresso powder in boiling water and add while still hot. Blend until incorporated.
- 3
Place one sponge upside down and spread with half the frosting.
- 4
Add second sponge right side up and top with remaining frosting in rustic swirls.
- 5
Press walnut halves gently along the top edge, about 1cm apart.
Comments & Reviews
Lily B.
8/5/2025
Made this for a weekend treat and it disappeared in one sitting. The coffee hit is so satisfying!
Marco
8/5/2025
I used regular instant coffee for a more mellow version and my kids loved it too.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 slice
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
