Description
A rich, moist, and aromatic loaf cake infused with coffee and packed with crunchy walnuts. Perfect for cozy afternoons or a simple dessert with friends, this classic bake is deeply flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (225g) light brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 tbsp instant coffee granules
1 tbsp boiling water
1 ¾ cups (225g) self-raising flour
1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts
Extra walnuts for topping (optional)
For the Coffee Buttercream (optional):
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¼ cups (160g) powdered sugar
1 tbsp instant coffee granules
1 tsp boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper.
- Dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules in 1 tablespoon of boiling water and let it cool slightly.
- Cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition.
- Stir in the cooled coffee mixture.
- Sift in the self-raising flour and gently fold to combine without overmixing.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smooth the top, and optionally scatter extra walnuts on top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the optional coffee buttercream: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules in 1 teaspoon boiling water.
- Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and dissolved coffee. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the loaf is fully cooled, spread or pipe the buttercream on top if using.
Notes
Add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract for a flavor twist.
Substitute pecans for walnuts if desired.
Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version and skip the buttercream.
Store plain loaf at room temperature for up to 3 days; refrigerate if topped with buttercream.
Freeze without buttercream for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 412
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
