This is my favourite quick and easy coffee cake recipe that is fabulously moist and oozing flavour. It's one of the flavour variations from our Hero Sponge Recipe download. I must admit, I'm a latecomer to the coffee cake party. I used to poo-poo it, thinking it was for boomer bridge club afternoons, until I tried it again recently with cream cheese frosting. I loved it.

I wonder if this is a coming-of-age thing and I am now a fully-fledged adult who can't play bridge to save my life despite my dad being Kuwait's bridge champion (true story...and sadly not something that's been passed down the gene pool). The only thing that I would be winning at bridge club would be with this insanely good coffee cake with a coffee cream cheese buttercream and walnuts.

The coffee in this tall layer cake is subtle yet very present and really balances out the sweetness of the sponge. And the coffee cream cheese frosting...oh, the coffee cream cheese frosting...I have to physically restrain myself from just spooning it straight into my cake-hole. It's got a delightful tang and is of perfect piping consistency, giving the cake an effortlessly fancy look. The walnuts are nice as they are a classic pairing with coffee cake, adding to the texture and aesthetics of the cake, but they aren't essential if you want to omit nuts.

Coffee Cake with Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting

Making the Sponges

Coffee Cake Ingredients

Follow the coffee variation from our Hero Sponge Recipe download. It yields 3x 6" layers. You can leave the sponges as three deep layers or, if you'd like to make a mile-high layer cake, split each layer into two even layers (using a cake leveller is best for this).

Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting

Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

125g butter, room temperature

300g icing sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

80g cream cheese

Method

1. In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the butter until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and coffee granules and beat until smooth.

2. Slowly add in the sifted icing sugar to create a light and fluffy buttercream.

3. Add in the cream cheese and whip until combined.

Decorating your Coffee Cake

Ingredients

Walnuts, halved and chopped

Method

1. Place an 8 inch cake board on a decorating turntable and spread a dollop of buttercream in the centre using a cranked spatula. Place a layer of sponge on top and affix it to the board.

2. Spread two heaped tablespoons of buttercream onto the coffee cake sponge layer and smooth it to the edges. Sandwich with another layer of sponge and repeat until all sponges are sandwiched. It is easier to layer sponges if they are chilled in the fridge and a bit firm.

3. Add a crumb coat of the coffee cream cheese buttercream around the sides of the cake using an angled spatula and smooth it using the edge of the spatula or a cake scraper. Chill it in the fridge to set for 5-10 minutes.

4. Smooth another layer of frosting over the crumb-coat and fill a piping bag fitted with your nozzle of choice with the remaining buttercream. Pipe dollops on top of the cake.

5. You can add halved walnuts to decorate the top and crushed walnuts along the base of the cake.

Ta-daaa! Just look at those lovely layer-upon-layer levels of deliciousness! I hope you love this cake. Actually, I know you will. Even if you hate coffee cake, you may change your mind like me when it's paired with the delicious coffee cream cheese frosting.

Variations to try: different flavours and toppings

If you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new with your coffee sponge, there are plenty of variations and flavour combinations to explore.

You can try adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your sponge batter for a warm and spicy twist. Or, add another flavour such as vanilla, chocolate or peach for a unique and delicious result.

When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. Instead of the classic cream cheese buttercream, why not try a rich chocolate ganache or a tangy lemon curd? Lemon works! You can also add fresh fruit like blackberries, blueberries banana and peach for a pop of colour and flavour.

If you're feeling particularly daring, you could even experiment with adding savoury ingredients like bacon to your sponge batter. Who knows? You might just discover your new favourite flavour combination.

How to store and serve your coffee cake

First of all, if you have any leftover cake (which could be a rare occasion), you'll want to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh. If the cake has been frosted, cover it with a cake dome or place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you've made a naked cake or a cake with minimal frosting, you can leave it covered at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For more information about keeping your cake, read our our compete cake storage guide. 

When it comes to serving your coffee cake, you have a few options. You can serve it as is, with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-morning or afternoon treat. Alternatively, you can pair it up with additional treats, such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

For a special occasion, you can also turn your coffee cake into a show-stopping dessert by layering it with fresh fruit and topping it with a rich chocolate ganache. Alternatively just order a coffee and walnut cake from us!

Coffee cake for special occasions: decorating ideas

Coffee cake is a versatile and delicious dessert that can be dressed up for special occasions.

One idea is to make a naked cake with layers of coffee sponge and a coffee cream cheese frosting. Add some crushed walnuts around the edge of the cake and top with fresh flowers for a rustic and elegant look.

For a more formal occasion, try covering the cake with a smooth layer of buttercream and decorating with edible gold leaf and sugar flowers (i recommend buying these online to make life simpler).

You could also try making a coffee cake trifle by layering slices of coffee cake with whipped cream and your favourite berries. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different decorations and presentation styles to make your coffee cake stand out at your next special event.   

FAQs: Common Questions About Coffee Cake Answered

Can I freeze coffee cake?

Yes, you can freeze coffee cake. Wrap it tightly in cling film and place it in an airtight container before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

How long will coffee cake stay fresh?

Coffee cake will stay fresh for up to four days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, it can last for up to a week. Remember to wrap it well with cling film before putting it in the fridge. 

Can I substitute ingredients in a coffee cake recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ingredients You will however need to find the correct conversions eg: baking powder/baking soda, gluten free flour etc. 

Can I make coffee cake without eggs?

Yes, you can make coffee cake without eggs by using substitutes such as applesauce, mashed bananas, flax eggs or silken tofu.

How can I make my coffee cake more moist?

You won't need to with our Hero Sponge Recipe - it's the most moist and delicious sponge with the perfect fluffy texture. But if you've gone rogue and used another recipe that needs a moisture injection you can brush the cake with a simple syrup made from sugar and water before adding the frosting.   

Can I use instant coffee in my coffee cake recipe?

Yes, you can use instant coffee in your coffee cake recipe. It can be added to the batter, frosting, or as a flavouring in a simple syrup to brush on the cake layers.  

I hope these answers help you make the perfect coffee cake every time!

If you make this cake, please share your thoughts in the comments and tag me on your Instagram photos @angesdesucre #angesdesucre - just because I love seeing your cakes! And if you have any questions, just pop them below and I will add them to the FAQ section.