Coffee and walnut pound cake is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the rich flavor of coffee with the crunchy texture of walnuts. Ideal for enjoying with a morning cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack, this pound cake is perfect for any occasion.
Its aroma and flavor evoke warm, homey moments, making it a favorite in many kitchens. In this article, we share a simple recipe for a delicious coffee and walnut cake.
Ingredients for making Coffee and Walnut Cake
- 1 ½ cups of wheat flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup of sugar (you can substitute with brown sugar or natural sweeteners)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup of strong coffee (cold or at room temperature)
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped, you can use pecans or regular walnuts)
Instructions for making Coffee and Walnut Cake
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan or line it with baking paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. This may take 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.
- Stir in the dry ingredients and coffee: Alternate adding the flour mixture and coffee to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined, but avoid overmixing. Finally, add the chopped walnuts and fold in with a spatula.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the pancake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Variations
- Add Chocolate: For a more indulgent touch, add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips to the mix before baking. The combination of chocolate and coffee is irresistible.
- Flavored Coffee: You can experiment with different coffee flavors, such as vanilla coffee or hazelnut coffee, to give your pound cake a unique twist.
- Dried Fruits: Adding dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins can also provide a sweet and delicious contrast to the coffee flavor.
- Glaze: If you want an extra touch, make a powdered sugar glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little coffee and a splash of milk. Drizzle the glaze over the cake once it's cooled.
Tips
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it well in plastic before freezing.
- For the best flavor, use freshly brewed, good-quality coffee. Stronger coffee can enhance the flavor of the pound cake.
- For a clean cut, use a serrated knife. This will prevent the cake from crumbling.
- You can decorate the top of the cake with whole walnuts or sprinkle a little powdered sugar before serving for an attractive finish.
Coffee and walnut pound cake is not only delicious, but it's also a fantastic way to enjoy your coffee in a different way. With its combination of flavors and textures, it's sure to become a favorite in your home. Make it and enjoy a sweet treat no matter the occasion!