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freshly baked walnut coffee cake loaf

Walnut Coffee Cake

A soft, buttery walnut coffee cake with rich coffee flavor, warm cinnamon, and toasted walnuts. Topped with smooth coffee icing for that perfect cozy afternoon treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Bakery-style
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee or 1 tbsp coffee granules dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts
For the Coffee Icing:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp butter softened
  • 1½ tbsp strong brewed coffee cooled
  • A handful of crushed walnuts for garnish

Method
 

Step 1 – Preheat the oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or two 8-inch round pans and line with parchment paper.
Step 2 – Cream the butter and sugar
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until it turns light and fluffy. This adds air for a soft crumb.
Step 3 – Add eggs and coffee
  1. Mix in the eggs one at a time. Add the brewed coffee (or coffee granules mixture) and stir until smooth.
Step 4 – Combine dry ingredients
  1. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 5 – Mix it all together
  1. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in parts, alternating with sour cream. Stir gently until just combined.
Step 6 – Add walnuts
  1. Fold in the chopped toasted walnuts. Don’t overmix.
Step 7 – Bake
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 40–45 minutes for a loaf or 30–35 minutes for layer cakes. Check with a toothpick — if it comes out clean, it’s done.
Step 8 – Cool and ice
  1. Let the cake cool completely. Mix powdered sugar, butter, and coffee for icing until smooth. Spread evenly over the top and sprinkle with crushed walnuts.

Notes

  • Toasting the walnuts brings out their flavor — don’t skip it!
  • You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • For a stronger coffee taste, add an extra teaspoon of coffee granules.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5.