Ingredients for the Coffee Cake:
- 325g self-raising flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp instant coffee (15g) dissolved in 2 tbsp boiling water
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g vegetable oil
- 300g soft light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 325ml buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredients for the Coffee Buttercream:
- 125g unsalted butter
- 250g icing sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp instant coffee, dissolved in 1 1/2 tbsp hot water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk
(Double the buttercream recipe for a fully covered cake.)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (fan) Grease and line two 8-inch cake tins
- In a large bowl, sift together 325g self-raising flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream together 125g softened unsalted butter, 100g vegetable oil, 300g soft light brown sugar, and 2 tsp vanilla extract for 2 minutes until light and creamy.
- Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing for 20 seconds between each addition.
- Mix in the dissolved 3 tbsp instant coffee along with a small splash of 325ml buttermilk. Don't worry if the mixture appears curdled.
- Gently fold in half of the dry ingredients, followed by the rest of the buttermilk. Finally, fold in the remaining dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
2. Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared tins.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before icing.
3. Prepare the Coffee Buttercream:
- In a stand mixer, beat 125g unsalted butter for 5 minutes until pale and creamy.
- Gradually add 250g icing sugar, dissolved 1 1/2 tbsp instant coffee, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp milk. Continue to beat for an additional 4-5 minutes until smooth.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the buttercream evenly over the top.
- Gently place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining buttercream over it.
- Optional: Decorate with walnuts for a classic coffee cake finish.
Enjoy your homemade coffee cake! Perfect for any occasion, this cake delivers rich coffee flavor in every bite.