Mary Berry Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent flavors and moist, light sponges, then you absolutely must try Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake recipe. Known for her ability to make baking both approachable and delicious, Mary Berry’s recipe offers a perfect balance of deep coffee flavor, crunchy walnuts, and a soft, airy texture that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for an easy yet impressive treat to whip up for a special occasion, this cake delivers every time. It’s the kind of recipe that has that comforting, home-baked feel with a touch of elegance-guaranteed to wow your friends and family!.

Mary Berry Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake, you’ll need a collection of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a rich, fluffy, and perfectly balanced cake. Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients and their purpose in this delightful recipe:

1. Butter (softened) – The key to a soft and tender cake. Butter provides flavor and moisture, ensuring your sponge doesn’t dry out during baking.
2. Caster Sugar – A fine-textured sugar that dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth batter. Caster sugar helps the cake rise and contributes to its light, airy texture.
3. Self-Raising Flour – This flour is already combined with a leavening agent (baking powder), which means you don’t have to add extra raising agents to the mix. It helps your cake achieve that perfect rise, making it light and fluffy.
4. Eggs – Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients together and providing structure. They also help with the rise and overall texture of the cake.
5. Instant Coffee Granules – The star of the show, coffee adds depth and flavor to the cake. Make sure to use high-quality coffee granules for the best flavor.
6. Walnuts (chopped) – Walnuts give a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor, which contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the cake. They’re also used in the decoration, enhancing the visual appeal.
7. Milk – A small amount of milk is added to the mixture to ensure the batter reaches the right consistency, giving it a smooth, spreadable texture.
8. Vanilla Extract – This adds a hint of sweetness and complexity, rounding off the flavors in the cake. The vanilla perfectly complements the coffee.
9. Icing Sugar (for the frosting) – Icing sugar is finely powdered sugar, perfect for making smooth, creamy frosting without any graininess.
10. Double Cream – Double cream is used to make the rich and silky buttercream frosting. It provides a luxurious texture and depth of flavor, which contrasts nicely with the coffee.

Equipment Needed

To successfully make Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake, the right equipment is essential. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to prepare this delicious dessert:

1. Two 8-inch Round Cake Tins – These are the ideal size for creating the perfect layers of cake. Ensure they are well-greased or lined with parchment paper for easy removal of the cakes.
2. Mixing Bowls – You’ll need a couple of medium or large mixing bowls to combine the ingredients for both the cake and the frosting.
3. Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer – While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer will save you time and energy, ensuring your cake batter is light and fluffy. A stand mixer is also an excellent option for smooth, consistent results.
4. Spatula – A spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl and ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated into the batter.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accuracy is key, especially when working with ingredients like flour and sugar. Use proper measuring tools to ensure your proportions are spot-on.
6. Sieve – A sieve is used to sift the flour, ensuring it’s light and airy, which contributes to the rise of the cake.
7. Cooling Rack – After baking, place your cakes on a cooling rack to allow them to cool evenly. This helps avoid a soggy bottom.
8. Piping Bag and Nozzle – If you wish to pipe the frosting in a more decorative way, a piping bag with a nozzle is ideal. You can achieve beautiful swirls and decorative designs for the top of your cake.
9. Knife or Palette Knife – For spreading the frosting evenly between the layers and across the top of the cake.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake

Making Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake is a rewarding experience that begins with the preparation and ends with a moist, flavorful cake perfect for any occasion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recreate this masterpiece:

1. Preheat the Oven – Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for a fan oven. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake tins with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Coffee Mixture – In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in a tablespoon of hot water. Set it aside to cool. This will give your cake the perfect coffee flavor.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and caster sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This will take around 4-5 minutes. The mixture should look pale and aerated, which is crucial for the texture of your cake.

4. Add the Eggs – Beat the eggs in one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a tablespoon of flour to bring it back together.

5. Fold in the Flour and Coffee – Gradually fold in the self-raising flour, followed by the cooled coffee mixture. You can use a spatula or a metal spoon to gently fold in the ingredients, being careful not to knock out too much air from the batter.

6. Add the Walnuts – Stir in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Bake the Cakes – Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the Frosting – While the cakes cool, prepare the buttercream frosting. Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, then sift in the icing sugar and add the cooled coffee mixture. Mix until well combined, then add the double cream and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

9. Assemble the Cake – Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of coffee frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and gently press it down. Spread the remaining frosting over the top of the cake and smooth it out. For an extra touch, decorate the cake with some whole walnuts.

Expert Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This will help everything mix together more smoothly and prevent the batter from curdling.

2. Don’t Overmix – When folding in the flour and coffee, avoid overmixing the batter. This helps keep the sponge light and airy, ensuring a perfect rise.

3. Coffee Strength – Adjust the strength of the coffee to your liking. If you prefer a more subtle coffee flavor, use less coffee granules; if you like a stronger flavor, add a bit more.

4. Walnut Toasting – Toasting the walnuts slightly before adding them to the cake batter can enhance their nutty flavor and add a bit more texture. Just make sure to cool them before folding them into the batter.

5. Chill the Frosting – If the frosting becomes too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm it up before spreading or piping it onto the cake.

6. Make Ahead – The cake layers can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the layers and frost them later.

Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake is an iconic, crowd-pleasing dessert that blends the richness of coffee with the crunchy texture of walnuts. Its soft, fluffy sponge is perfectly complemented by the creamy, velvety frosting, making it the ideal treat for afternoon tea or any special occasion.

With the right ingredients, equipment, and attention to detail, you can create a cake that rivals any professional baker’s masterpiece. Follow the recipe, keep the expert tips in mind, and you’re guaranteed to impress your friends and family with this delicious, show-stopping cake!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake

Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake is a quintessential treat for coffee lovers, offering a perfect balance of light, airy sponge, rich coffee flavor, and crunchy walnuts. If you’re looking to put a personal twist on this classic, there are plenty of easy recipe variations that can be incorporated to create new and exciting versions of this beloved cake.

1. Flavored Coffee: While the original recipe typically uses instant coffee or espresso powder for a deep coffee flavor, you can experiment with different types of coffee to customize the taste. For example, use flavored coffee beans like hazelnut, vanilla, or caramel for a unique twist. You can even brew a batch of strong flavored coffee and replace the instant coffee in the recipe.

2. Nuts and Seeds: While the traditional version calls for walnuts, don’t be afraid to experiment with other nuts or even seeds. Try using almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts in place of walnuts for different textures and flavors. Alternatively, adding sunflower seeds or chia seeds can give the cake an interesting crunch while keeping it nut-free for those with allergies.

3. Adding Spices: Incorporating spices into the cake batter can add a surprising and warming layer of flavor. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom could complement the coffee’s bitterness beautifully. Try adding these spices into both the sponge cake and the frosting for a full-bodied taste.

4. Chocolate Twist: For a more decadent dessert, consider adding a layer of chocolate. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top of the cake or in the middle layer can elevate the flavor profile, pairing wonderfully with both the coffee and walnut. You could even mix cocoa powder into the cake batter to create a rich mocha-flavored sponge.

5. Buttercream Variations: The buttercream frosting that typically accompanies Mary Berry’s cake is made with coffee, but this can be swapped out for a variety of other flavorings. For a creamier texture and flavor, use mascarpone cheese mixed with a little honey or vanilla extract. Or, for an even richer taste, consider making a caramel coffee buttercream instead of the usual simple coffee flavor.

6. Gluten-Free or Vegan: If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, a few modifications can make this cake both gluten-free and vegan. Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend, use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk), and replace the eggs with a flax egg or chia egg. Opt for a vegan butter and choose a plant-based cream for the frosting, ensuring the cake is suitable for those with dietary preferences.

7. Coffee-Infused Syrup: To make the cake even more moist and flavorful, you can brush the sponge layers with a coffee-infused syrup. Simply brew a strong cup of coffee and mix it with sugar, heating it until the sugar dissolves. This syrup will infuse the cake with an extra hit of coffee flavor, taking it to the next level.

With these variations, you can easily personalize Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake, adapting it to your tastes, dietary needs, or the occasion at hand. Whether you prefer a more decadent, spice-filled, or lighter version, there’s a variation for everyone.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake (which, let’s face it, isn’t always guaranteed!), proper storage is key to ensuring the cake remains fresh and retains its texture and flavor. Here are some best practices to keep your cake tasting just as good as the day it was made.

1. Cool Completely: Always allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. Storing it while still warm can cause moisture to collect inside the container, which will make the sponge soggy over time. Allowing it to cool prevents this moisture buildup.

2. Airtight Container: Store leftover cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh for a longer period. This will help maintain the moisture of the sponge while also keeping any unwanted odors from other foods out. If you don’t have an airtight container, wrapping the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then covering it with aluminum foil can serve as a good alternative.

3. Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the leftovers within a couple of days, storing the cake at room temperature is typically the best option. Just make sure it’s kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can dry the cake out.

4. Refrigeration for Longer Storage: For cakes that need to last a bit longer, refrigeration is the way to go. The cold environment will help preserve the freshness for up to a week. However, you’ll want to ensure that the cake is in an airtight container, as the fridge can sometimes dry out the cake. If the buttercream frosting starts to firm up in the fridge, simply let the cake sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

5. Freezing Leftovers: If you know you won’t be able to finish the cake within a week, freezing the leftovers is a great option. To do this, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, and the cake will taste just as fresh as when you first made it.

6. Recreating the Frosting: One downside of storing cakes with frosting is that the frosting can harden or separate over time. If the frosting loses its smooth texture, you can always whip up a fresh batch of coffee buttercream or just a dollop of whipped cream to serve alongside the cake when you’re ready to indulge.

By following these storage guidelines, your Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake can stay fresh for several days, ensuring that you get to enjoy every last bite.

What Goes Well With Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake

Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake is a versatile dessert, and there are a variety of accompaniments that can enhance its flavors or balance out its richness. Whether you’re serving it at an afternoon tea or as a post-dinner treat, here are a few things that go particularly well with this cake:

1. Coffee or Espresso: Of course, coffee pairs beautifully with a Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake. A freshly brewed cup of strong black coffee or a smooth espresso enhances the rich coffee flavor in the cake, creating a harmonious pairing. You can even serve a flavored coffee, like a vanilla latte or cappuccino, for a little extra creaminess.

2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense, nutty cake. You could even flavor the whipped cream with a hint of vanilla or cinnamon to give it an extra touch of elegance.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream: For a cool and creamy contrast, a scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonderfully with Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake. The sweet, creamy flavor of the ice cream pairs beautifully with the slightly bitter coffee notes in the cake, creating a balanced, indulgent dessert.

4. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of rich caramel sauce over the top of the cake or on the side can complement the nutty walnuts and deepen the coffee flavor. The sweet, slightly salty flavor of caramel adds another layer of decadence to the dessert.

5. Chocolate Ganache: If you’re craving an extra bit of indulgence, a silky chocolate ganache can be the perfect pairing. The bitterness of dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the cake, adding a luxurious finish.

6. Berries: Fresh berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, add a fresh and slightly tart contrast to the rich cake. The vibrant color of the berries also adds visual appeal, making it a delightful addition to the dessert table.

7. Nutty Treats: If you want to complement the walnut flavor in the cake, serving roasted or candied nuts on the side can further enhance the nutty profile. Try serving a small bowl of roasted almonds, pistachios, or even some salted mixed nuts to create a savory contrast to the cake.

8. Tea: If you’re hosting a traditional afternoon tea, a light and fragrant tea like Earl Grey or Darjeeling works well with the cake. The floral or citrus notes of the tea complement the rich coffee flavor of the cake without overpowering it.

With these various accompaniments, your Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake can transform from a simple dessert to a full-fledged, delightful culinary experience.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake is a timeless classic, combining the warmth of coffee, the richness of buttercream, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts in one delightful bite. Whether you enjoy it in its original form or add your own creative twists, this cake is a versatile dessert that appeals to a wide range of tastes and occasions.

By experimenting with different flavorings, textures, and complementary ingredients, you can easily tailor the cake to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Proper storage ensures that leftovers stay fresh for as long as possible, allowing you to savor the cake even after the initial indulgence. And when it comes to what to pair it with, the possibilities are endless, from a strong cup of coffee to a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Ultimately, whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just for an afternoon treat, Mary Berry’s Coffee and Walnut Sponge Cake is sure to impress, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will leave you coming back for more.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Required For Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake?

The key ingredients for Mary Berry’s coffee and walnut sponge cake include flour, baking powder, butter, caster sugar, eggs, coffee extract or instant coffee, walnuts, and icing sugar. The recipe also calls for a little milk and sometimes a touch of vanilla extract.

How Do I Prepare The Coffee For Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake?

To prepare the coffee for the cake, dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in a small amount of hot water. Allow it to cool before adding it to the cake batter to avoid cooking the eggs or butter.

Can I Use Fresh Coffee Instead Of Instant Coffee In The Recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh brewed coffee instead of instant coffee, but it’s important to ensure the coffee is strong enough for flavor and that it’s fully cooled before being added to the batter.

How Do I Achieve A Light, Fluffy Texture For The Sponge Cake?

For a light, fluffy sponge, be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Additionally, folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently will help avoid deflating the batter.

What Type Of Walnuts Should I Use In Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake?

Mary Berry recommends using fresh, unsalted walnuts. You can chop them roughly to fold into the batter or use them as a garnish on top of the cake. Toasting the walnuts lightly can enhance their flavor.

How Long Should I Bake Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake?

The cake should be baked in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) or 350°F for about 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when it is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I Make The Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake In Advance?

Yes, you can make the cake in advance. It keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze the sponge layers for up to 3 months, just ensure they are fully cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.

What Type Of Frosting Is Used In Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake?

Mary Berry’s coffee and walnut sponge cake is typically topped with a coffee-flavored buttercream frosting. This is made by mixing softened butter, icing sugar, coffee extract (or cooled coffee), and a splash of milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Can I Substitute The Butter In The Recipe For A Dairy-free Alternative?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free margarine or butter substitute in place of the butter. Ensure that the alternative is suitable for baking, as some may behave differently in recipes.

What Is The Best Way To Decorate Mary Berry’s Coffee And Walnut Sponge Cake?

To decorate, spread a smooth layer of coffee buttercream on the top and sides of the cake. You can top it with whole or chopped walnuts and even a drizzle of extra coffee for added flavor and visual appeal.