I have always been a coffee lover. The rich aroma and bold flavor of coffee captivate my senses, and I love exploring different ways to incorporate this delicious ingredient into my culinary creations. One of my all-time favorites is the coffee sponge cake. Not only does it bring together the heavenly combination of coffee and cake, but it also has a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth. In this article, I will share with you my tried and tested recipe for creating the perfect coffee sponge cake. Follow along, and soon you’ll be indulging in the heavenly delight of this delectable treat!
Gather Your Ingredients
To get started on our coffee sponge cake journey, we need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
For the cake:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons of baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules
– 1 cup of milk
For the coffee syrup:
– 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
For the coffee buttercream:
– 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cups of powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules
– 2 tablespoons of hot water
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the exciting process of baking this delectable coffee sponge cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the bowl aside for now.
In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in the milk. Gradually add the dry ingredients and coffee mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating between the two. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to create an even layer.
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Preparing the Coffee Syrup
While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the coffee syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the strong brewed coffee and granulated sugar. Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the coffee syrup cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Making the Coffee Buttercream
To make the scrumptious coffee buttercream, start by dissolving the instant coffee granules in hot water. Stir until the granules have completely dissolved, and let the mixture cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Finally, add the cooled coffee mixture and beat until well combined.
Step 5: Assembling the Cake
Once the cake layers have cooled, it’s time to assemble the coffee sponge cake. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and lightly brush the top with the prepared coffee syrup. Be generous but not excessive, as we want to infuse the cake with coffee flavor without making it soggy.
Spread a generous layer of coffee buttercream evenly over the soaked cake layer using an offset spatula or a butter knife. Place the second cake layer on top, aligning it with the bottom layer.
Cover the entire cake with the remaining coffee buttercream, ensuring the sides and the top are beautifully coated. You can get creative and decorate the cake with coffee beans, chocolate shavings, or any other toppings of your choice.
The Final Verdict
Congratulations! You have successfully baked your very own coffee sponge cake. With its light and fluffy texture, infused with the bold flavor of coffee, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family. It’s the perfect treat for any coffee lover, and it pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. Keep experimenting, and soon you’ll master the art of making this delicious coffee-infused delight. Enjoy!