Coffee Walnut Loaf Cake with Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting

Delve into the classic combination of coffee and walnuts with this moist loaf cake, complete with a rich coffee cream cheese frosting that complements the nutty, caffeinated flavors perfectly.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
• 300g unsalted butter, softened
• 300g golden caster sugar
• 4 medium eggs, room temperature (or 3 large eggs)
• 300g self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 150g walnuts, chopped

For the Frosting:

• 75g unsalted butter, softened
• 75g full-fat cream cheese, chilled
• 150g icing sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) for a fan oven, or 180°C (356°F) for a conventional one. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking paper.
2. Dissolve the coffee granules in 1 tablespoon of boiling water and let it cool in the fridge.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
4. Beat the eggs into the mixture one at a time, adding a tablespoon of flour with each to prevent curdling.
5. Fold in the remaining flour and optional cinnamon to achieve a smooth batter.
6. Stir in the cooled coffee mixture and 100g of the chopped walnuts, reserving the rest for decoration.
7. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 65-75 minutes, or until the cake tests done.
8. Allow to cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. Dissolve the coffee granules in 0.5 tablespoon of boiling water and cool in the fridge for 10 minutes.
2. Beat the butter until soft, then gradually beat in the icing sugar until smooth.
3. Stir in the cooled coffee.
4. Fold in the cold cream cheese carefully to maintain a thick consistency. If the frosting is too runny, refrigerate it to firm up.

To Assemble:

1. Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting on top, creating swirls with the back of a spoon for texture.
2. Sprinkle the remaining walnut pieces over the frosting for a crunchy finish.

Slice up this Coffee Walnut Loaf Cake to enjoy a perfect slice of comfort. It's a delightful treat that's sure to please coffee and walnut lovers alike. Keep the cake refrigerated and consume within 3 days for the best experience