Mary Berry Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of light, fluffy cakes with a rich, aromatic twist, Mary Berry Coffee Cake recipe is a must-try. This delightful bake brings together the bold, rich flavor of coffee with a light, tender sponge, all topped off with a smooth, creamy icing. Perfect for coffee lovers and cake enthusiasts alike, it’s an ideal centerpiece for any casual get-together or a relaxing afternoon at home.

Unlike overly sweet desserts, this Mary Berry coffee cake recipe strikes a beautiful balance between flavor and texture. The sponge is infused with just enough coffee to enhance the taste without overpowering it, while the buttery frosting adds a luxurious finish. It’s simple to make yet impressive enough to serve on special occasions, offering a satisfying treat that feels both familiar and a little indulgent.

Recipe at a Glance

Before you dive in, here’s a quick look at what to expect from this recipe:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Dietary Suitability: Vegetarian

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Mary Berry coffee cake recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the sponge:

• 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (½ cup) caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 100g (¾ cup) self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp instant coffee, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water

For the coffee buttercream:

• 75g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 150g (1 ¼ cups) icing sugar, sifted
• 1 tbsp instant coffee, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water

For the topping:

• A handful of walnut halves (optional)

Substitutes and Optional Ingredients

• Flour Substitute: Use plain flour with an extra 1 tsp of baking powder if you don’t have self-raising flour.
• Coffee Options: Swap instant coffee for espresso powder for a stronger flavor or use decaf if you prefer.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts if you’re avoiding nuts; the cake is just as delicious without them.

Equipment You’ll Need for Coffee Cake

This recipe is straightforward and requires just a few kitchen essentials:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring spoons
• 2 x 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Spatula or palette knife for frosting

Steps to Make Mary Berry Coffee Cake

Step-Specific Tips or Notes

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Even Layers: Weigh your batter for perfectly even cake layers.
• Smooth Buttercream: Beat the icing sugar thoroughly to avoid a gritty texture in your frosting.

Nutrition Facts & Dietary Info

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per slice, based on 10 servings:

This cake is vegetarian but contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Bold Coffee Flavor: Perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a rich, aromatic dessert.
• Simple Yet Elegant: Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for special occasions.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for afternoon tea, birthdays, or as a delightful after-dinner dessert.

Pro Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cake toward the end of the baking time to ensure it stays moist.
• Customize the Strength: Adjust the coffee amount to suit your taste—stronger for a bold flavor, milder for a subtler kick.
• Smooth Frosting: For the silkiest buttercream, sift your icing sugar and beat thoroughly.

Fun Variations & Ingredient Swaps

• Mocha Twist: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the sponge for a chocolate-coffee fusion.
• Spiced Coffee Cake: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: Top with a light caramel drizzle for an indulgent finish.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Using Hot Coffee: Make sure your dissolved coffee is cool before adding it to the batter to prevent curdling.
• Skipping Parchment Paper: Lining your tins ensures the cakes come out cleanly and intact.
• Overmixing: Stir the batter just until combined to avoid a dense sponge.

How to Store & Serve Coffee Cake

Storing

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the unfrosted sponges for up to 3 months—just thaw and frost when ready.

Serving

This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature, paired with a fresh cup of coffee or tea. For a more indulgent dessert, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Read: How to make Mary Berry Blueberry Cake Recipe

Coffee Cake FAQs

Can I make this coffee cake without walnuts?

Absolutely! The walnuts are optional and can be left out if you prefer a nut-free cake. The flavor and texture of the cake will still be delicious.

Can I use decaf coffee in this recipe?

Yes, decaf instant coffee works just as well and will give you the same rich coffee flavor without the caffeine.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Simply substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add an extra ½ tsp of baking powder to help with the rise.

Conclusion

Mary Berry coffee cake recipe is the perfect balance of rich coffee flavor and light, fluffy sponge, topped with smooth, creamy buttercream. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, this cake is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of classic British baking at its best!