I remember the first time I baked Mary Berry’s Walnut and Coffee Sandwich Cake. It was a chilly afternoon, and I was craving something rich and comforting. I had always admired Mary Berry’s recipes, but I hadn’t tackled one quite like this before. The combination of walnuts and coffee sounded so intriguing. The moment I took the first bite, it was clear – this was a perfect treat for cozy afternoons or special occasions. The cake was light yet indulgent, with the perfect balance of nutty richness and coffee flavor.
Since then, it’s become one of my go-to cakes when I want to impress guests or treat myself to something extra special. Let me walk you through this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe.
Mary Berry Walnut And Coffee Sandwich Cake Recipe
This cake is a classic example of Mary Berry’s ability to create simple, flavorful cakes that feel indulgent without being overwhelming. With a moist sponge, a creamy coffee-flavored buttercream filling, and a walnut crunch, it hits all the right notes.
Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients Needed
-
For The Cake
- 225g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee (dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water)
- A pinch of salt
-
For The Filling
- 100g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 200g icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee (dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water)
- A handful of walnuts, chopped (to decorate)
Equipment Needed
- Two 20cm round cake tins
- Electric hand whisk or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Sieve (for flour and icing sugar)
- Spatula or butter knife (for spreading)
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl (for dissolving coffee)
How To Make Mary Berry Walnut And Coffee Sandwich Cake?
When I first tried this recipe, I was a little unsure how the coffee and walnut would come together in a cake, but it was so easy, and the results were fantastic. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the cake tins: Grease your two 20cm round cake tins and line the bottoms with baking parchment.
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Make The Cake Batter
- Start by beating the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together. Add it to the wet ingredients, a little at a time, folding it in gently.
- Stir in the dissolved coffee and a pinch of salt. This adds that lovely coffee flavor.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two tins.
-
Bake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
- Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the center.
- Once baked, leave the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
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Make The Buttercream
- Beat the butter and icing sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in the dissolved coffee, adjusting the amount to taste. You want it strong but not overpowering.
-
Assemble The Cake
- Spread the coffee buttercream over the top of one cake.
- Place the second cake on top, pressing gently.
- Finish by spreading the top of the cake with a little more buttercream and decorating with chopped walnuts.
Recipe Variations
One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make little adjustments based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Here are a few variations you could try:
- Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to the cake mix for a chocolatey take on the walnut and coffee flavor.
- Nuts Swap: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds for a different flavor.
- Coffee Cream: Instead of coffee-flavored buttercream, try whipped cream with a hint of coffee liqueur for a lighter filling.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can swap out the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for cakes.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Walnut And Coffee Sandwich Cake?
When I make this cake, I often serve it with a few additions to enhance the experience:
- Coffee: It’s obvious, but coffee and cake just go together. Serve a strong espresso or a cappuccino on the side to complement the flavors of the cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a nice cold contrast to the rich, warm cake.
- Whipped Cream: For a lighter touch, some freshly whipped cream with a touch of sugar makes the cake feel even more indulgent.
- Fruit: Fresh berries or poached pears bring a slight acidity that balances the richness of the cake.
- A Digestif: Something like Amaretto or Irish whiskey pairs beautifully with the coffee notes in the cake.
What I Have Learnt
Baking this cake has taught me a lot about the joy of simple ingredients coming together to create something spectacular. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Quality matters: The butter and coffee flavor really shine in this cake. Using good quality butter and fresh coffee makes a noticeable difference.
- Temperature is key: Room temperature ingredients – like butter and eggs – are essential for a smooth batter and even baking.
- Patience pays off: The cooling time is just as important as the baking. Letting the cake cool properly ensures that it stays moist and doesn’t crumble when you cut into it.
- Customization is fun: This recipe is flexible, and once you get the basics down, it’s easy to experiment with different variations.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients For Mary Berry’s Walnut And Coffee Sandwich Cake?
The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s walnut and coffee sandwich cake include unsalted butter, caster sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, ground walnuts, and instant coffee powder. The filling typically includes butter, icing sugar, and more instant coffee for the coffee flavor.
How Do I Make The Coffee Flavor Stronger In Mary Berry’s Walnut And Coffee Sandwich Cake?
To make the coffee flavor stronger, you can increase the amount of instant coffee powder used in both the cake batter and the filling. Additionally, consider using freshly brewed coffee instead of instant coffee to achieve a richer, more intense flavor.
Can I Substitute Walnuts With Another Nut In Mary Berry’s Walnut And Coffee Sandwich Cake?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or hazelnuts. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cake may change slightly, but the substitution should still work well with the coffee flavor.