COFFEE WALNUT LAYER CAKE

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Coffee Walnut Layer Cake image

This is a subtle cake: the coffee tempers the sweetness, and the buttery sweetness keeps it all mellow. Even if you don't make cakes, this one is a cinch. Don't be alarmed if the two sponge layers look thin when you unmold them. They are meant to be, because the cake gains a lot of height with its frosting. This cake is all about old-fashioned, homespun charm, so don't worry about how messy it looks: however the frosting goes on is fine. If you want to fully cover the sides of the cake, make a double batch of the frosting.

Provided by Nigella Lawson

Categories     project, dessert

Time 1h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Butter for pans
1/2 cup (60 grams) walnut pieces
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (245 grams) sugar
2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 2/3 cups (230 grams) flour
1 tablespoon (14 grams) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk at room temperature, more as needed
1 tablespoon (3 grams) instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon boiling water
2 1/2 cups (300 grams) confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 tablespoon (3 grams) instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon boiling water
1/4 cup walnut halves, for decoration

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-inch cake pans, and line base of each with parchment paper. In food processor, combine 1/2 cup walnut pieces and sugar. Process to a fine powder. Add butter, flour, baking powder, salt and eggs. Process to a smooth batter.
  • Add 2 tablespoons milk to coffee mixture and pour this down feed tube with motor running. Mixture should be just soft enough to drop from a spoon; if not, add more milk. Divide cake batter between two pans. Bake until risen and springy to touch, about 25 minutes. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and place on rack. Remove parchment paper. Cool completely. You may want to level them if they domed in the oven.
  • For frosting: Place confectioners' sugar and salt in food processor and pulse until lump-free. Add butter and process until smooth. Add coffee mixture down feed tube and pulse until well blended.
  • Place one cake upside down on a plate or cake stand. Spread with about half the frosting. Place second cake right side up on frosting, and cover top and sides in a swirly pattern. Place a walnut half in center of cake, and gently press remaining halves into top of cake, around the edge.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 721, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 85 grams, Fat 41 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 23 grams, Sodium 301 milligrams, Sugar 76 grams, TransFat 1 gram

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