Introduction
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. With the added crunch of walnuts and the bold taste of espresso glaze, this cake is sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (240 ml) brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts
For the Espresso Glaze:
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp brewed espresso, cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Making the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and brewed coffee. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Espresso Glaze:
- Mix the Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, brewed espresso, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the espresso glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Serving:
- Slice the cake and serve with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Enjoy the rich flavors and delightful textures of this coffee loaf cake.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Coffee: For the best flavor, use freshly brewed coffee and espresso in this recipe.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and becoming too runny.
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts if you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free cake.
- Chocolate Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra indulgent treat.
- Spiced Coffee Cake: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced version.
Conclusion
This Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze is a delectable dessert that combines the robust flavors of coffee and espresso with the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make and sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of coffee-flavored heaven!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
- Perfect Pairing: Serve slices of the Coffee Loaf Cake with a hot cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful treat any time of day.
- Presentation: For an elegant presentation, dust the top of the cake with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar just before serving.
- Garnishing: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cake for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Warm it Up: If you prefer a warm slice, gently heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. The warmth enhances the flavors and softens the texture.
- Fruit Addition: Serve with fresh berries or a fruit compote to add a burst of freshness and color to the plate.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is well-sealed to keep the cake moist.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a particularly warm climate, you can store the cake in the refrigerator. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the Coffee Loaf Cake. Wrap the cake (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Glaze Freshness: If you plan to store the cake for more than a couple of days, consider adding the glaze just before serving. This will ensure the glaze stays fresh and doesn’t soak into the cake.
Additional Tips
- Single Servings: Cut the cake into individual slices before freezing for easy, single-serving portions. Simply take out a slice whenever you want a quick treat.
- Avoid Drying Out: To keep the cake from drying out, place a piece of parchment paper between the cake and the container lid if storing at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Transporting: If you need to transport the cake, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in a sturdy container to prevent damage.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Coffee Loaf Cake with Walnuts and Rich Espresso Glaze at its best, whether you’re savoring a fresh slice or enjoying a piece from the freezer.
1. Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee in the cake recipe?
Yes, you can use instant coffee. Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules in 1 cup of hot water and allow it to cool before using it in the recipe. This can provide a strong coffee flavor similar to brewed coffee.
2. What can I substitute for walnuts if I have a nut allergy?
If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free cake, you can omit the walnuts entirely or substitute them with an equal amount of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for added texture.
3. How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too runny?
To achieve the perfect consistency for the glaze, start by adding the brewed espresso to the powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the glaze becomes too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar until it thickens to your desired consistency. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before drizzling the glaze to prevent it from melting and becoming runny.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Bake the cake and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you’re making it more than a day in advance, consider adding the espresso glaze just before serving to ensure it stays fresh and maintains its texture. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months.