Easy Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting Recipe

If you crave a dessert that perfectly combines the rich aroma of coffee with a luscious creamy topping, then this Easy Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting is your new best friend in the kitchen. Moist, tender, and bursting with coffee flavor, this cake features a silky smooth cappuccino whipped cream frosting that takes it from everyday treat to something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging your own sweet tooth, this recipe brings the comforting café vibes right into your home with effortless style.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, making the cake moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured. From the instant coffee granules enriching the batter’s depth to the ground walnuts adding subtle crunch, each addition ensures this cake is as satisfying as it is beautiful.

• Whole milk (120 g / ½ cup): Blends with coffee granules for that signature rich coffee flavor in the batter.
• Instant coffee granules (15 g for cake, 2 g for frosting): Infuses a bold coffee aroma essential to the cake’s character.
• Unsalted butter (140 g / 1 ¼ sticks): Softened for creamy texture and richness throughout the cake.
• Light brown soft sugar (100 g / ½ cup): Adds moisture and a gentle caramel note to the crumb.
• Caster or superfine sugar (75 g / ¼ cup + 2 tbsp): Enhances sweetness and helps achieve the perfect rise.
• Vanilla bean paste (½ tsp): Provides a warm, sweet backdrop to complement the coffee flavors.
• Eggs (3 medium/large): Essential for structure and a fluffy, tender crumb.
• Plain gluten-free flour blend (180 g / 1 ½ cups): Keeps the cake light and moist; a mix without xanthan gum works best here.
• Ground walnuts (60 g / ½ cup + 1 ½ tbsp): Adds texture and nuttiness; easily substituted if needed.
• Baking powder (2 ½ tsp): The leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully.
• Xanthan gum (½ tsp): Provides structure and elasticity in gluten free baking; omit if your flour blend already contains it.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the delicious flavors.
• Double/heavy cream (300 g / 1 ⅓ cups): Whipped into the cappuccino frosting for lightness and richness.
• Cappuccino powder (18 g / 2 ½ tbsp): Gives the frosting that distinctly creamy coffee flavor with a hint of frothy delight.
• Icing/powdered sugar (120 g / 1 cup): Sweetens the frosting evenly without graininess.
• Chocolate shavings: A decorative and tasty finishing touch for the topping.

How to Make Easy Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Begin by setting your oven rack to the middle position and preheating to 350ºF (180ºC). Line an 8-inch (20cm) round cake tin with baking paper to ensure your cake lifts out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Infuse the Milk with Coffee

Gently heat the whole milk with instant coffee granules until dissolved, then allow it to cool. This coffee-milk infusion is the magical touch that gives the cake its authentic caffeine kick and subtle bitterness, perfectly balancing the sweetness.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, whisk softened butter with both the light brown and caster sugars alongside vanilla bean paste. This creates a pale, fluffy base that promises a tender crumb and rich flavor with every bite.

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

Beat in room temperature eggs individually, taking your time to mix thoroughly after each. This technique helps maintain a smooth emulsion, key to the cake’s soft, silky texture and delightful rise.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together gluten-free flour, ground walnuts, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and flavor while preventing any lumps that could disrupt the cake’s crumb.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Coffee Milk

Add the dry ingredients and the coffee milk infusion alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. This careful layering keeps the batter smooth and helps the cake reach the perfect fluffiness and moist crumb.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 38-40 minutes until the cake rises and turns a beautiful deep golden brown. Use a toothpick test to ensure the center is cooked through. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Let your cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer onto a wire rack to reach room temperature. This step prevents the cake’s texture from becoming soggy when frosted.

Step 9: Make Cappuccino Whipped Cream Frosting

Warm a portion of the heavy cream with cappuccino powder and instant coffee until dissolved, then cool completely. Whip the remaining cream with icing sugar until soft peaks form, then gradually fold in the coffee-cream mixture until you achieve a luscious, fluffy frosting that’s light but intensely flavored.

Step 10: Assemble Your Easy Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting

Spread the frothy cappuccino frosting evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula. Add chocolate shavings on top for a delightful visual and textural contrast. Slice, serve, and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Easy Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting

Garnishes

Freshly grated chocolate shavings on the frosting not only enhance the look but also add a rich cocoa touch that pairs beautifully with the coffee notes. For an added twist, sprinkle a light dusting of cocoa powder or instant coffee powder on top to intensify the coffee experience and elevate presentation.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of your favorite brew, whether that’s a classic cappuccino, black coffee, or even a chai latte. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance warm, spiced coffee flavors with bright or creamy accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert centerpiece, serve slices on rustic wooden boards or vintage plates with a few coffee beans and a sprig of fresh mint for an inviting aroma. You could also cut the cake into mini squares and serve on bite-sized dessert spoons at a brunch or party, letting guests enjoy that luscious cappuccino frosting with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Easy Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream frosting stays fresh and creamy for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy its magic without a rush.

Freezing

While the cake itself freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, the cappuccino frosting is best made fresh for optimal fluffiness. For freezing, freeze the cake layers without frosting, and once thawed, whip up a fresh batch of frosting to spread for a just-baked feel.

Reheating

Before serving refrigerated leftovers, let slices sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to bring out the cake’s softness and frosting’s creaminess. Avoid heating as it will melt the frosting but enjoy alongside a warm drink for a cozy treat.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute the gluten free flour blend for all-purpose flour in equal quantities. The texture will be similarly tender, and you’ll still get that delightful coffee flavor throughout.

What if I don’t have cappuccino powder for the frosting?

No worries. Instant coffee granules alone can replace cappuccino powder—but reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering bitterness. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder can also enhance the frosting’s flavor.

How do I ensure my coffee cake is moist and tender?

Key tips include using room temperature eggs and adding them one at a time, as well as alternating adding wet and dry ingredients to maintain a smooth batter. Also, don’t overbake to keep the crumb soft and inviting.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and using a dairy-free cream substitute for the frosting, you can enjoy a dairy-free version that’s still rich and flavorful.

How long will this cake stay fresh at room temperature?

Because of the whipped cream frosting, it’s best to store the cake in the refrigerator. Left at room temperature, it may keep for a few hours, but refrigeration is recommended to maintain freshness and safety.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Easy Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting the next time you want something both comforting and impressive. It’s a recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple, perfect for coffee lovers and cake enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment yourself, this cake will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with happiness.

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