Coffee Walnut Loaf Cake
In short: A tender brown sugar loaf flavored with strong coffee and chopped walnuts, finished with a coffee glaze and walnut halves. It takes about 1 h 20 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 55 min
- Total
- 1 h 20 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Coffee and walnut is a classic teatime flavor pair, and in loaf form it is easy to slice and share. Instant coffee dissolved in a little hot water gives the batter a strong roasted flavor, brown sugar adds a caramel note, and chopped walnuts bring crunch. A thin coffee glaze and a few walnut halves finish the top. It is not very sweet, so it works well with a cup of coffee or tea.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23 x 13 cm (9 x 5 inch) loaf pan and line the bottom and long sides with parchment paper.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl.
- Beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer for 4 minutes, until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the cooled coffee.
- Fold in the flour mixture in two additions, alternating with the milk. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Scrape the batter into the pan and level the top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until a skewer in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil after 35 minutes if the top browns quickly.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a rack.
- Stir the icing sugar with the coffee until smooth and thick, adding a few drops of water if needed. Spread it over the loaf, top with the walnut halves and leave it to set for 15 minutes.
Tips
- Cool the dissolved coffee fully before adding it. Hot liquid can curdle the butter and eggs.
- Toast the walnuts in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 6 to 8 minutes first. It deepens their flavor and keeps them crisp in the crumb.
Questions and answers
Can I use decaf coffee in this loaf?
Yes. Instant decaf granules work the same way, so you can serve the cake in the evening.
Can I use ground coffee instead of instant?
Not directly, because coffee grounds make the crumb gritty. Use instant granules, or replace them with 45 ml (3 tbsp) of strong, cooled espresso.
How long does coffee walnut loaf keep?
Wrapped well, it keeps for 4 days at room temperature. Freeze unglazed slices for up to 3 months.
How long does it take to make Coffee Walnut Loaf Cake?
About 1 h 20 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 55 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Coffee Walnut Loaf Cake?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 38 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 23 g |
| Sodium | 155 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
