Sinful Coffee Cake With Cappuccino Frosting Recipe

Dreamy Coffee Cake: Homemade Cappuccino Frosting Recipe

Indulgence takes on a whole new meaning with this decadent coffee cake with cappuccino frosting that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Rich, aromatic flavors dance through every delectable slice of this irresistible dessert.

Soft, moist cake layers meld seamlessly with a creamy cappuccino-infused frosting that adds a luxurious touch to each bite.

The combination of deep coffee notes and velvety sweet cream creates a dessert that stands out from ordinary treats.

Subtle hints of espresso weave through the cake, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to elevate your baking game with this extraordinary coffee-lover’s dream.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting Ingredients

For Cake Base:
  • Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Ensures tender texture with smooth crumb, choose a high-quality blend for best results.
  • Ground Walnuts: Adds nutty depth and rich flavor, select fresh, finely ground walnuts for even distribution.
  • Baking Powder: Provides essential lift and lightness, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
  • Xanthan Gum: Binds ingredients and improves gluten-free texture, crucial for structural integrity.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, balances sweetness.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich, moist foundation, use softened high-quality unsalted butter.
  • Light Brown Sugar, Caster Sugar: Delivers deep caramel undertones and sweetness, opt for fine-grain varieties.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and richness, use room temperature eggs for smooth incorporation.
  • Vanilla: Adds aromatic complexity, choose pure extract for authentic flavor.
  • Milk: Helps dissolve coffee and creates smooth batter, whole milk recommended.
  • Instant Coffee: Intensifies coffee essence, select premium brand for robust taste.
For Cappuccino Frosting:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, airy texture, use cold cream for best whipping results.
  • Cappuccino Powder: Delivers authentic coffee flavor, choose finely ground powder.
  • Icing Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes frosting, sift to prevent lumps.
  • Chocolate Shavings: Provides elegant decorative finish, use high-quality dark chocolate.

Tools to Bake Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and creating the cake batter.
  • Balloon whisk or hand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Sifter: Helps blend dry ingredients evenly and remove any lumps.
  • 8-inch round cake tin: Provides the right shape and size for baking the coffee cake.
  • Baking paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
  • Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan: Used for heating milk and dissolving coffee.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
  • Offset spatula or spoon: Helps spread frosting smoothly and create decorative swirls.
  • Grater or vegetable peeler: Optional for creating chocolate shavings for decoration.

Baking Coffee Cake with Cappuccino Frosting at Home

  • Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a warm and cozy 350°F, positioning the rack right in the middle. Grab a round cake pan and line it with soft baking paper.

  • Coffee Infusion

Gently heat milk with instant coffee, stirring until the rich coffee aroma blends smoothly. Let it cool down and rest.

  • Butter Blending

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together softened butter, sugars, and vanilla until the mixture transforms into a dreamy, light cloud.

  • Egg Integration

Slowly introduce eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a silky smooth batter.

  • Dry Ingredient Harmony

Sift together gluten-free flour, ground walnuts, baking powder, xanthan gum, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.

  • Batter Creation

Gradually fold dry ingredients and coffee-infused milk into the butter mixture, creating a beautifully balanced cake batter.

  • Baking Magic

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean, about 38-40 minutes.

  • Cooling Moment

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

  • Frosting Fantasy

Whip cream with icing sugar until soft peaks form. Blend in coffee-infused cream for a dreamy cappuccino topping.

  • Final Touch

Spread the luscious frosting over the cooled cake, creating elegant swirls. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings for a stunning finish.

  • Serving Suggestion

Slice and savor this delightful coffee-infused creation, best enjoyed with close friends or a quiet moment of indulgence.

Tips for Better Cappuccino Frosting Flavor

  • Expert Tips & Twists
  • Experiment with almond or coconut flour for unique textures and nutritional boosts, keeping the same measurement proportions to maintain cake structure.
  • Adjust instant coffee quantities to amplify or soften the coffee flavor, using stronger espresso powder for bold lovers or milder instant coffee for subtle hints.
  • Transform the whipped cream by incorporating mascarpone cheese for extra richness or adding a splash of coffee liqueur for sophisticated adult undertones.
  • Fold chopped walnuts or pecans directly into cake batter for delightful crunch, or toast nuts beforehand to intensify their natural, roasted flavors.
  • Prepare cake layers in advance and freeze wrapped tightly for up to one month, allowing stress-free entertaining and convenient dessert preparation.

Serving Coffee Cake That Wows

  • Craft a Coffee Break Experience: Serve this delightful coffee cake alongside a steaming cappuccino or espresso to enhance the rich coffee flavors and create a perfect afternoon treat.
  • Elevate with Chocolate Garnish: Sprinkle extra chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder just before serving to add an elegant and indulgent touch that complements the cake's deep coffee notes.
  • Create a Dessert Platter: Pair the cake with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the intense coffee flavor and provide a creamy contrast to the cake's texture.
  • Share with Friends: Cut into small, elegant slices for a sophisticated dessert at brunch gatherings or afternoon tea parties, allowing everyone to enjoy this rich and flavorful coffee-infused delicacy.

Storage Guide for Coffee Cake with Frosting

  • Maximize Freshness: Store the coffee cake in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain its moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Refrigerate Wisely: Keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the cappuccino frosting stays fresh and creamy. Remove from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving to bring it to room temperature.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh frosting before serving.
  • Prevent Flavor Transfer: Place the cake in a separate compartment or use a cake carrier to protect it from absorbing other refrigerator odors, maintaining its delightful coffee and walnut flavors.
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Sinful Coffee Cake With Cappuccino Frosting Recipe

Sinful Coffee Cake With Cappuccino Frosting Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Rich espresso-infused coffee cake with cappuccino frosting delivers intense flavor and delightful texture. Coffee lovers will savor this indulgent dessert that blends robust coffee notes with creamy, smooth frosting.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 UK medium/US large eggs, room temperature
  • 140 g (1 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 180 g (1 ½ cups) plain gluten-free flour blend
  • 100 g (½ cup) light brown soft sugar
  • 75 g (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons) caster or granulated sugar
  • 120 g (½ cup) whole milk
  • 60 g (½ cup + 1 ½ tbsps) ground walnuts
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp xanthan gum (omit if gluten-free flour blend contains it)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 15 g (3 ½ tbsps) instant coffee granules
  • ½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
  • 300 g (1 ⅓ cups) double/heavy cream
  • 18 g (2 ½ tbsps) cappuccino powder
  • 2 g (1 ½ tsp) instant coffee granules
  • 120 g (1 cup) icing/powdered sugar
  • Chocolate shavings for decoration

Instructions

  1. Prep Workspace: Position oven rack in the middle and preheat to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. Coffee Liquid Infusion: Warm milk with instant coffee in a saucepan, stirring until dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
  3. Butter Mixture: Cream softened butter, brown sugar, caster sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add eggs, blending thoroughly after each addition.
  4. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift gluten-free flour blend, ground walnuts, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt into a uniform mixture. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with coffee-infused milk until smooth batter forms.
  5. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 38-40 minutes, covering with foil if surface browns too quickly. Remove from oven and let rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Cappuccino Frosting Creation: Heat portion of heavy cream with cappuccino and instant coffee powder until dissolved. Cool completely. Whip remaining cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then gradually incorporate coffee-cream mixture, whisking to achieve smooth consistency.
  7. Cake Finishing: Once cake is fully cooled, spread cappuccino frosting generously over the top, creating elegant swirls with an offset spatula. Sprinkle delicate chocolate shavings for garnish.
  8. Serving and Storage: Slice and serve immediately. Alternatively, store in sealed container in refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Notes

  • Optimize Coffee Infusion: Warm milk with instant coffee slowly to ensure complete dissolution and rich, deep flavor without bitterness.
  • Master Gluten-Free Texture: Sifting dry ingredients prevents clumping and ensures even distribution of ground walnuts and binding agents for a tender crumb.
  • Control Baking Temperature: Cover cake with foil if browning too quickly to achieve consistent golden color and prevent burning.
  • Handle Cream Carefully: Add coffee-cream mixture gradually to whipped cream to maintain smooth, stable frosting consistency without deflating.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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