Coffee and walnut cake

Coffee and walnut cake: a fluffy delight for coffee lovers

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

If you are a coffee enthusiast and desire a dessert that will delight your senses, the coffee and walnut cake is the perfect choice! This simple recipe combines the intense aroma of coffee with the delicate texture of walnuts, resulting in a fluffy cake ideal for any occasion. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients:

- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 200 g sugar
- 100 ml vegetable oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 200 g flour
- 50 g coffee powder (instant)
- 1 packet baking powder (10 g)
- 150 g ground walnuts (preferably Romanian walnuts for an authentic taste)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla essence (optional, for added flavor)

For decoration:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Ground walnuts (for a rustic look)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and prepare a baking tray (30x20 cm) by lining it with baking paper. This step will help with the easy removal of the cake and prevent sticking.

2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer for about 5-7 minutes or until the mixture becomes a light and fluffy foam. This step is crucial as the incorporated air will make the cake fluffier.

3. Add the oil and vanilla essence, continuing to mix on low speed until the ingredients are fully integrated.

4. In another bowl, mix the flour, coffee powder, baking powder, ground walnuts, and salt. This dry mixture will ensure an even distribution of ingredients in the batter.

5. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the egg mixture, stirring with a spatula using up-and-down movements. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the aeration of the batter.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared tray, leveling it evenly. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Once cooled, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top and decorate with ground walnuts for an attractive appearance.

Serving: Cut the cake into squares and serve it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The flavors complement each other perfectly, and the light texture of the cake will surely surprise everyone who tastes it.

Variations: If you desire a more exotic note, you can partially replace the walnuts with ground almonds or add some dark chocolate pieces to the batter for a delicious contrast. Also, for a vegan version, replace the eggs with 100 g of banana puree and use coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor.

This coffee and walnut cake is not only a quick dessert but also a wonderful way to bring a hint of coffee flavor into your life. With each slice, you will savor a delicious combination that will delight any meal!