Best Coffee & Walnut Cake Recipe

Tea and coffee aren’t only for sipping. They’re also brilliant for baking. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a walnut cake that’s moist, rich, and packed with flavor, this is the recipe to try. In fact, it might just become your go-to. Some would say it’s the best coffee and walnut cake recipe out there.

To get the best results, start with high-quality ingredients. If you’re not grinding your own beans, look for reputable sources when buying coffee beans online. A good brew makes all the difference in the final cake.

This classic bake balances bold espresso notes with sweet, nutty depth, a true crowd-pleaser whether you serve it at teatime or as a special dessert.

What is Coffee Walnut Cake?

Unlike when Harry met Sally, it is difficult to determine when Coffee and Walnuts found their way into a cake. It didn’t happen in 1989; we can tell you that much. Standalone Coffee cake likely evolved from other sweet dishes in 17th-century Vienna.

These were referred to as “Gugelhupf” or “Kaffekuchen.” The recipe’s popularity eventually spread through Europe to become the dessert giant we know today.

Despite almost certainly coming from the European mainland, Coffee and Walnut cake now has a close association with British cuisine. The chances are you’ve seen it served while enjoying an Afternoon Tea near you, perhaps alongside finger sandwiches and scones. It is a sponge cake literally made with Coffee and Walnut pieces, flavoured with butter icing and adorned with walnut halves. Delightful!

The Best Coffee and Walnut Cake Recipe

You’re probably dying to try your hand at our Coffee and Walnut Cake Recipe. Here are all the ingredients you’ll need.
Sponge Ingredients

The sponge will require:

• 225 g (8 oz) softened, unsalted butter
• 225 g (8 oz) caster sugar
• four eggs
• 50 ml (1¾ fl oz) strong Espresso Coffee or instant coffee paste
• 225 g (8 oz) self-raising flour
• 75 g (2½ oz) finely chopped walnuts

Buttercream Ingredients

The buttercream topping will need:

• 125 g (4½ oz) unsalted butter
• 200 g (7 oz) icing sugar
• 50 ml (2 fl oz) strong Espresso Coffee
• Roughly chopped or halved walnuts to decorate

How to Make a Coffee and Walnut Cake Step by Step

1, Brew Espresso Coffee
Choose a type and grind of Espresso Coffee from our selection, and brew as a small concentrate. Alternatively, you can mix 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee with 1 tablespoon of boiling water to create a paste. However, the flavor will not be as rich as if you use freshly ground coffee.

2, Turn on the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4 ready for your Coffee and Walnut sponge.

3, Mix Butter and Sugar
Get a bowl and beat butter and sugar together until pale and light.

4, Combine with Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. To prevent curdling, alternate with spoonfuls of the flour — e.g., add 1 egg, then a bit of flour, and repeat.

5, Time to Include Coffee
Your small concentrate of Espresso Coffee can be poured into the mixture and stirred thoroughly.

6, The Flour and Walnuts Come Next
Put in the rest of the flour and finely chopped walnuts, and continue to stir in. Finely chopping helps distribute the nuts evenly through the batter, while larger walnut pieces will be saved for topping.

7, Transfer the Mixture to Cake Tins
Get two lined and greased 20cm/8inch cake tins and spoon in the cake mixture.

8, Ready, Steady, Bake
Bake it for 25-30 minutes so that it comes out golden-brown.

9, Remove and Cool Your Coffee Walnut Recipe
Take it out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Ensure the sponges are completely cool before frosting. A warm cake will melt the buttercream and make it difficult to assemble.

Optional: Before assembly, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of brewed coffee over the top of one sponge layer to intensify the coffee flavor and add moisture.

10, Move on to the Buttercream Topping
Beat butter and icing sugar together in a small bowl until light and pale.

11, More Espresso Coffee is Needed
Add more Coffee to your buttercream topping and mix well.

Variation: For a lighter, creamier frosting, substitute the buttercream with mascarpone and cream. Beat 250 g mascarpone with 100 ml double cream and 2-3 tablespoons of icing sugar. Add your espresso and whip until it’s smooth for a luxurious finish.

12, Spread the Buttercream on the Cake
Layer the buttercream over the top of each sponge.

13, Place One Sponge on the Other
Sandwich the sponges with the buttercream used to stick them together.

14, All That’s Left is to Decorate
Top the cake off with roughly chopped or halved walnuts, slice it up and serve to friends and family.

Tips for Making the Perfect Coffee and Walnut Cake

The best Coffee and Walnut Cake Recipe is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. These simple but important tips will help you bake a sponge that’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully balanced every time.

Bring the Ingredients to Room Temperature

Cold butter won’t cream properly, and cold eggs can cause curdling. Let everything come to room temperature before you start — it helps the batter emulsify smoothly, resulting in a lighter, more even crumb.

Use a Strong Coffee Base

The flavor of your coffee should shine through, so feel free to reach for your favourite single origin coffee or coffee blend. Brew your espresso strong, or mix instant coffee into a thick paste using minimal boiling water. A concentrated base delivers that signature richness without thinning the batter.

Chop Walnuts with Purpose

Use finely chopped walnuts in the sponge to ensure they distribute evenly, avoiding dense pockets. Save larger pieces or halves for the topping, which adds contrast and visual appeal.

Don’t Overmix Once the Flour Goes In

Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense sponge. Gently fold in the flour and walnuts just until combined to keep the texture light and tender.

Brush the Sponge with Coffee

For an extra hit of coffee flavor and added moisture, try brushing the baked sponge layers with a tablespoon or two of brewed espresso before adding the frosting.

Cool Completely Before Frosting

Warm sponge will melt your buttercream or mascarpone frosting, making assembly messy. Allow the cake to cool fully on a wire rack before layering and decorating.

What to Drink with Coffee and Walnut Sponge

You now know how to make a walnut cake with coffee flavor. But what should adorn your cup while you indulge? The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company stock over 1,000 types of Tea and 70 Types of Coffee.

These we pack fresh to order here at our Pluckley-based factory, nestled in the stunning vistas of the Kentish countryside. Be sure to browse our vast range and choose the brew for you. Maybe there’s a fine Ethiopian coffee or Arabica coffee calling your name.

If this turns out to be the best Coffee and Walnut Cake Recipe you’ve ever tried, you might also enjoy learning how to make a Matcha Cheesecake or how to make an Earl Grey Tea Loaf.

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