Maple-Glazed Coffee Walnut Cake
A moist walnut cake sweetened with maple syrup and infused with brewed coffee, topped with a glossy maple glaze and crunchy walnut pieces. This general-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers (113g), softened unsalted butter, (150g) granulated sugar, large eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g), softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup (120ml), cooled brewed strong coffee
- 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
- 3/4 cup (75g), toasted chopped walnuts
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix to the butter mixture alternating with 1/2 cup cooled brewed strong coffee, starting and ending with flour mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in 3/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts gently. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: For the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Coffee Walnut Cake take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Coffee Walnut Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Coffee Walnut Cake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple-Glazed Coffee Walnut Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Maple-Glazed Coffee Walnut Cake?
General desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
