1-Hour Rich Coffee Cake – With Best White Chocolate Layers & Caramelized Walnuts

A Luxurious Coffee-Infused Cake Layered with Silky White Chocolate and Crunchy Caramelized Walnuts 🎉

This Rich Coffee Cake is pure decadence! Moist coffee-flavored cake layers are filled and frosted with luscious white chocolate ganache, then crowned with golden caramelized walnuts for irresistible crunch. Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or anytime you crave an elegant, showstopping dessert!

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Rich Coffee Cake Recipe Overview

A sophisticated cake with deep coffee notes, creamy white chocolate layers, and sweet, nutty walnut crunch—every bite is indulgence at its best.

• Flavor: Bold coffee, creamy white chocolate, buttery walnuts
• Texture: Moist, tender cake with smooth frosting and crispy nut topping
• Perfect For: Special occasions, birthdays, holiday tables
• Bonus: Can be made ahead and stays moist for days!

Ingredients List

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For the Cake:

• 1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (100g) white chocolate, chopped

For the White Chocolate Filling and Frosting:

• 200g white chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

For the Caramelized Walnuts:

• 1 cup (100g) walnuts
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• 1 tbsp water

For Decoration:

• Powdered sugar
• Whole walnuts

Necessary Tools for Preparation

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Saucepan
• Cake pans (two 8-inch or 9-inch pans)
• Whisk and spatula
• Parchment paper

Quick Overview of Instructions

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1. Make the Cake
   Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add oil, coffee, and milk. Mix wet and dry ingredients together. Fold in chopped white chocolate.
2. Bake
   Divide batter into greased and lined pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
3. Prepare the White Chocolate Ganache
   Heat cream until simmering. Pour over chopped white chocolate. Stir until smooth. Chill slightly until spreadable.
4. Make the Caramelized Walnuts
   Heat sugar and water until golden caramel forms. Stir in walnuts quickly. Spread onto parchment paper to cool.
5. Assemble the Cake
   Spread ganache between layers and over the top. Decorate with caramelized walnuts and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for Perfecting the Rich Coffee Cake Recipe

• Brew extra strong coffee for the best flavor boost.
• Let ganache cool to a thick but spreadable consistency—not too runny!
• Quickly spread the caramelized walnuts before the sugar hardens.
• For a taller cake, double the batter and stack into 3 layers.

What to Serve With It

• Espresso or coffee drinks
• Baileys or coffee liqueur-infused whipped cream
• Fresh berries for a tart contrast
• A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream

Storage Instructions

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• Room Temp: Keep covered for up to 2 days
• Fridge: Store for up to 5 days (best at room temp before serving)
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months

General Information

• Occasions: Celebrations, holiday feasts, coffee dates
• Texture Tip: Let cake sit at room temp for 30 minutes after chilling for the creamiest bite
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Cake layers can be made 1–2 days ahead!

FAQ

Can I make it without coffee?
You could substitute with strong black tea or decaf coffee for a milder flavor.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of white?
Yes, but it will change the flavor and richness significantly!

Can I toast the walnuts instead of caramelizing?
Toasted walnuts are delicious too, but caramelized ones add a special crunch and sweetness.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Definitely! Bake in cupcake tins for about 18–20 minutes.

Conclusion

This Rich Coffee Cake with white chocolate layers and caramelized walnuts is a celebration-worthy masterpiece! Bold, buttery, and utterly irresistible, it’s guaranteed to impress at any gathering.

Tried it? Show us your gorgeous creation on Pinterest @poulefrecipe!

More Celebration Cakes You’ll Love:

• Rich Chocolate Cake with Ganache Frosting
• Torta della Nonna (Italian Custard Tart)
• Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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