Moist Coffee Cake

If you’re a coffee lover, this Moist Coffee Cake with a rich and decadent white chocolate and coffee ganache frosting is going to be your new go-to cake! Perfectly spiced with warm notes of cinnamon and a hint of coffee, this cake is incredibly moist, tender, and full of flavor. Topped with a creamy, whipped ganache and lightly candied walnuts, every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Whether you’re having it for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as an indulgent dessert, this cake is bound to satisfy all your cravings.

About The Recipe

There’s just something about the combination of coffee and cake that makes them the perfect pair. I remember the first time I decided to bake a coffee-flavored cake, thinking it would be a fun twist on traditional coffee desserts. The result was a cake that was both moist and rich, perfectly complementing the coffee flavor. When I developed this Moist Coffee Cake recipe, I wanted to ensure it was not only delicious but also light and fluffy with a perfectly spiced crumb. The addition of white chocolate and coffee ganache frosting takes it to a whole new level!

The star of this cake is the beautifully smooth whipped ganache that you’ll top the cake with. It’s not only easy to make, but it’s also the perfect pairing with the coffee-spiced cake. The lightly candied walnuts sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch, creating the perfect balance of textures.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make, yet the flavor is out of this world. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress!

Reasons You Will Love This Coffee Cake

Moist and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness.
The whipped white chocolate and coffee ganache frosting is rich and velvety.
Candied walnuts add the perfect crunch and flavor contrast.
Perfect for coffee lovers.
An easy-to-make cake that will impress everyone you serve it to.
Ideal for special occasions, brunches, or an indulgent treat anytime!

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls
Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer)
Whisk
Spatula
Two 8-Inch Round Cake Pans
Cooling Rack
Offset Spatula or Piping Bag (for frosting)
Saucepan (for making ganache)
Tray or Baking Sheet (for candied walnuts)

Ingredients

For the Coffee Cake:

2½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
⅓ cup (40 g) cornflour (also known as cornstarch)
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
4 tablespoons (15 g) instant coffee powder (I use a fine powdered coffee)
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup (105 g) unflavored vegetable oil (I use canola)
1½ cups (300 g) soft brown sugar, firmly packed
3 large eggs, room temperature
1¼ tablespoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1½ cups (337 g) buttermilk, room temperature Description:
Cornflour (Cornstarch) – This ingredient helps to create a soft and light cake texture. It helps balance the structure without making it too dense.
Instant Coffee Powder – The key to infusing the cake with the perfect coffee flavor. Use a finely ground coffee powder for a smooth finish.
Buttermilk – This adds moisture to the cake while also tenderizing the crumb. Room temperature buttermilk works best.

For the Whipped White Chocolate & Coffee Ganache Frosting:

1 cup (180 g) white chocolate (preferably couverture chocolate)
3 cups (675 g) cream (with a minimum fat percentage of 34%)
1½ tablespoons instant coffee powder Description:
White Chocolate – I recommend using couverture white chocolate for the best ganache texture and flavor. It will give the frosting a smooth, luxurious consistency.
Heavy Cream – Full-fat cream helps create a thick, velvety ganache that’s perfect for whipping.

For the Lightly Candied Walnuts:

2 tablespoons (30 g) soft brown sugar
1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (100 g) walnuts, roughly chopped or halved Description:
Candied Walnuts – These nuts add a lovely crunch and sweetness to the cake. The brown sugar and butter give them a rich, caramelized flavor that pairs wonderfully with the coffee and chocolate.

How to Make the Perfect Moist Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Cake Batter

Before starting, preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) with the fan on (if your oven has a fan function). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans. I prefer using a homemade cake release for easy removal after baking.

Whisk the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cornflour (cornstarch), baking soda, baking powder, salt, and instant coffee powder. Using a whisk or fork, mix until well combined. Set this bowl aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In another large mixing bowl, add the room temperature butter, vegetable oil, and soft brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together for 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and creamy.

Add the Eggs and Wet Ingredients:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition (about 10-15 seconds between eggs).
Stir in the vanilla extract and white vinegar, then pour in half a cup of buttermilk. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture may appear a little curdled, but don’t worry, that’s normal.

Step 2: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Start by adding half of your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then gently fold it in with a spatula until just combined.
Pour in the remaining buttermilk and gently mix until incorporated. Follow this by adding the rest of the dry ingredients and folding until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your cake remains light and tender.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Give the pans a light tap on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
Bake the cakes for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make the Whipped White Chocolate & Coffee Ganache

Step 1: Prepare the Ganache

The ganache is the true star of this coffee cake, and it’s best to make it first so it has time to cool and thicken in the fridge.

Chop the White Chocolate:

Start by chopping your white chocolate into small pieces. If you’re using chocolate callets (small discs), you can skip the chopping. It’s essential to use high-quality chocolate, preferably couverture, for a smooth ganache.

Heat the Cream:

Place the cream in a saucepan and heat it over low-medium heat. Keep an eye on it until it begins to gently bubble. Be careful not to overheat the cream.

Combine Cream and Chocolate:

As soon as the cream begins to bubble, remove it from the heat and pour it over the chopped white chocolate. Add the instant coffee powder at this stage as well, but don’t stir just yet.

Let the Mixture Sit:

Let the chocolate and cream mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. This allows the cream to melt the chocolate without disturbing the texture.

Stir and Blend:

After 5 minutes, gently stir with a spatula until smooth. Then, use an immersion blender to blend the ganache until it’s silky and fully emulsified. Be sure to keep the immersion blender at the bottom of the bowl to prevent air bubbles.

Cool the Ganache:

Transfer the ganache to a wide, shallow baking dish to help it cool faster. Cover the ganache with cling film, ensuring the wrap touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Place the dish in the fridge for at least a few hours, but ideally, leave it overnight for the best results.

Step 2: Whip the Ganache

Once your ganache has cooled and thickened, it’s time to whip it into a luscious frosting.

Pour the cooled ganache into a bowl and whip it using an electric mixer or stand mixer until you achieve semi-stiff peaks. This should only take a minute or two, so keep an eye on it to avoid overwhipping.

Lightly Candied Walnuts

Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts

Candied walnuts add a delightful crunch and sweetness to this cake. They’re super easy to make and really elevate the flavor of your cake.

Cook the Sugar, Butter, and Cinnamon:

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the soft brown sugar, butter, and ground cinnamon. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally. Continue cooking until the sugar melts and the mixture begins to gently bubble.

Coat the Walnuts:

Once the sugar is melted, add the walnuts to the pan. Stir well so the walnuts are evenly coated with the butter and sugar mixture.

Remove from Heat:

As soon as the walnuts are well-coated, take the saucepan off the heat. Be sure to stir the walnuts immediately so that they don’t stick to the pan as the mixture cools.

Cool the Walnuts:

Pour the candied walnuts onto a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula or spoon to spread them out in a single layer. Let them cool for about 5 minutes. They will harden as they cool, giving them a crunchy texture.

Assembling the Cake

Step 1: Trim and Stack

Once your cakes have completely cooled, you can start assembling the coffee cake.

Trim the Cake Layers:

If your cake layers have domed slightly during baking, trim the tops to make them level. This will ensure a stable and even stack when you layer them.

Layer the Cake:

Place the first layer of cake onto your cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped ganache frosting over the top of the cake layer, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.

Add the Candied Walnuts:

Evenly distribute half of the candied walnuts on top of the frosting. These walnuts will add texture and flavor to the layers.

Top with the Second Layer:

Place the second layer of cake on top, and cover the top and sides with more of the whipped ganache. You can pipe the frosting onto the top for a beautiful finish.

Final Touch:

Top with the remaining candied walnuts. You can also pipe additional ganache on top for decoration or even add a drizzle if desired.

Enjoy Your Moist Coffee Cake!

This moist coffee cake with white chocolate and coffee ganache frosting is a treat that’s perfect for any special occasion. The balance of rich coffee flavor, creamy frosting, and crunchy candied walnuts will leave your guests asking for more.