Coffee and Walnut Cake

Certainly! I’d be happy to provide you with a detailed overview of Coffee and Walnut Cake, including its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time.

Coffee and Walnut Cake:

What is it?
Coffee and Walnut Cake is a classic British dessert that combines the rich flavor of coffee with the nutty crunch of walnuts. It’s a delicious cake that’s often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

History:
The origins of Coffee and Walnut Cake can be traced back to traditional British tea-time cakes. The combination of coffee and walnuts in a cake likely gained popularity in the mid-20th century when coffee became more widely available in the UK. Today, it’s a beloved classic in British baking.

Components:
To make a Coffee and Walnut Cake, you’ll typically need the following components:

• For the Cake:

  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Self-rising flour
  • Instant coffee or coffee extract
  • Chopped walnuts

• For the Frosting:

  • Butter
  • Icing sugar (powdered sugar)
  • Instant coffee or coffee extract
  • Chopped walnuts (for decoration)

Steps to Prepare Coffee and Walnut Cake:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious Coffee and Walnut Cake:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together 200g (about 1 cup) of softened butter and 200g (about 1 cup) of sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in 4 eggs, one at a time, and add a tablespoon of instant coffee or coffee extract.
4. Sift in 200g (about 1 ⅔ cups) of self-rising flour and gently fold it into the mixture until well combined.
5. Fold in 100g (about 1 cup) of chopped walnuts.
6. Divide the cake batter equally between the two prepared cake tins.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. In a clean mixing bowl, beat 200g (about 1 cup) of softened butter until creamy.
2. Add 300g (about 2 ½ cups) of icing sugar and a tablespoon of instant coffee or coffee extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.
3. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of coffee-flavored frosting on top of one of the cakes.
4. Place the second cake on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top.
5. Decorate with additional chopped walnuts.

Estimated Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Coffee and Walnut Cake is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including baking and cooling times.

Enjoy your homemade Coffee and Walnut Cake, a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea!

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a standard slice (approximately 1/8th of an 8-inch cake) of Coffee and Walnut Cake:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values):

• Calories: 350-400 calories per slice
• Total Fat: 20-25 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
• Cholesterol: 50-60 milligrams
• Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 25-30 grams
• Protein: 4-5 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: A slice of Coffee and Walnut Cake is moderately calorie-dense, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.

2. Moderate Fat Content: The cake contains a significant amount of fat, primarily from butter and walnuts. While fat is an essential nutrient, be mindful of your overall fat intake for the day.

3. Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content in the cake is relatively high, which should be consumed in limited quantities to maintain heart health. Saturated fats can contribute to raised cholesterol levels.

4. Cholesterol: Coffee and Walnut Cake contains cholesterol due to the use of butter and eggs. Keeping your dietary cholesterol intake within recommended limits is essential for heart health.

5. Sugar Content: The cake is sweetened with sugar. Consuming high amounts of added sugars can lead to weight gain and other health issues. It’s advisable to limit your sugar intake.

6. Protein: While the cake does contain some protein from eggs and walnuts, it’s not a significant source. Protein is essential for muscle and tissue repair, but this cake is not a substantial protein source.

7. Fiber: The cake has minimal dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, and it’s recommended to balance your diet with fiber-rich foods.

Note: The specific nutrition content can vary depending on the recipe and portion size. Additionally, homemade cakes may have varying ingredients and portion sizes, so it’s a good practice to check nutrition labels or use a nutritional calculator for precise values if you have dietary concerns or specific health goals. Enjoy Coffee and Walnut Cake as an occasional treat while maintaining a balanced diet.