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Coffee and Walnut Layer Cake

moka coffee pot
A moist, coffee-spiked layer cake packed with toasted walnuts and smothered in luscious, buttery frosting. It’s drama, decadence, and crunch in every bite.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
Calories 470 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in ¼ cup hot water
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts toasted
  • For the Frosting:
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: extra walnut halves for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line both tins, or suffer the wrath of stuck sponge.
  • Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. Channel your inner baker.
  • In another bowl, beat butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Don’t stop until your arm feels it.
  • Add eggs one by one. Beat after each like you mean it.
  • Stir in the coffee mix, milk, and vanilla. Try not to drink it.
  • Add dry mix gradually. Fold in toasted walnuts like a professional.
  • Divide batter between tins. Bake for 28–30 minutes or until golden and proud.
  • Let cakes cool completely before frosting unless you enjoy sliding disasters.
  • For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add sugar, coffee mix, vanilla, and salt. Whip until dangerously irresistible.
  • Frost generously. Layer, smooth, top with walnuts, and pretend you didn't lick the spoon five times.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 470
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g

Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Iron: 9%
  • Folate: 7%
  • Vitamin A: 6%
  • Magnesium: 6%
  • Zinc: 5%

Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance Flavor

  • Toast your walnuts—raw ones are for trail mix and sadness.
  • Add a splash of walnut liqueur to the frosting for extra sass.
  • Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner layers (and fewer crumbs of regret).
  • Want drama? Drizzle caramel on top and act like it was always the plan.
  • Best enjoyed with a black coffee and zero interruptions.