As the UK prepares to get baking, here are some coffee-themed bakes for you to try at home.
Taking place from October 14th - 20th, National Baking Week 2023 is just around the corner, and what better way to commemorate this sweet occasion than by indulging in a delectable fusion of two beloved morning companions: coffee and baked treats!
At Cafe2U, we're passionate about crafting gourmet coffee experiences, so we thought we'd share some of our favourite coffee-flavoured baking recipes with you. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and bring a touch of Cafe2U to your home.
Why Coffee and Baking?
Coffee and baking have a special synergy that transcends the mere combination of flavours. Coffee's robust and earthy notes complement the sweetness and textures of baked goods perfectly and, by incorporating coffee into your baking, you can create a harmonious marriage of flavours that is simply irresistible.
Espresso Chocolate Cake
Rich, silky and decadent, this incredible cake is a guaranteed showstopper!
Ingredients
To make an Espresso Chocolate Cake, you will need:
500g plain flour
375g granulated sugar
250g unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup strong brewed espresso (cooled)
250ml buttermilk
125ml vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
250g chocolate chips
1 tub coffee-infused icing
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, mix the eggs, espresso, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until smooth, then fold in the chocolate chips.
Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool before frosting with the coffee-infused icing.
Coffee Cupcakes with Mocha Buttercream
Individual coffee treats that can be enjoyed on the go? Yes, please!
Ingredients
To make coffee cupcakes, you will need:
375g plain flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
85g unsweetened cocoa powder
250g granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup brewed coffee (cooled)
125ml buttermilk
85ml vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
To make the mocha buttercream, you will need:
250g unsalted butter (softened)
500g icing sugar
2 tbsp brewed coffee (cooled)
2 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp instant coffee granules (dissolved in 1 tsp hot water)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa and sugar. Next, in another bowl, beat the eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil and vanilla extract.
Combine the wet and dry mixtures until smooth, then fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the buttercream, beat the softened butter, icing sugar, coffee, cocoa and dissolved coffee granules until light and fluffy. Once the cupcakes have cooled, pipe or spread the mocha buttercream on top.
Coffee and Walnut Muffins
Coffee + walnuts = a match made in heaven!
Ingredients
To make coffee and walnut muffins, you will need:
420g plain flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp instant coffee granules
85ml hot water
125g unsalted butter (softened)
250g granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
85ml cup brewed coffee (cooled)
125g chopped walnuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners, then dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water and let it cool.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the coffee and dry mixture alternately to the wet mixture, ending with the dry ingredients, then fold in the chopped walnuts.
Divide the batter among the muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Happy National Baking Week from Cafe2U!
As National Baking Week 2023 approaches, we hope you'll be inspired to grab your apron, make a brew and celebrate the magical union of coffee and baking with one of our tasty recipes!
If you find yourself in need of some top quality coffee to accompany one of these bakes, contact your local Cafe2U van here and we'll deliver some straight to your door!