Mary Berry’s Espresso Cake Recipe

What is Mary Berry Espresso Cake Recipe?

Mary Berry’s Espresso Cake is a rich, coffee-flavored cake that combines the deep flavors of espresso with a light, moist texture, often layered with buttercream or frosting infused with coffee for an extra boost of flavor.

What Goes Best with Mary Berry Espresso Cake Recipe?

• Coffee buttercream or icing: Adds richness and enhances the espresso flavor.
• Fresh cream: A dollop of whipped cream balances the strong coffee taste.
• Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans pair well with coffee flavors.
• Hot coffee: Serve with a cup of espresso or cappuccino for a perfect pairing.

Ingredients

• 225g self-raising flour
• 225g caster sugar
• 225g unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)

For the coffee buttercream:

• 175g unsalted butter, softened
• 350g icing sugar
• 2 tbsp espresso powder dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Prepare Mary Espresso Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and grease two 20cm round cake tins, lining the base with parchment paper.
2. Prepare cake batter: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition.
3. Add espresso and vanilla: Stir in the dissolved espresso and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour and baking powder.
4. Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tins and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Prepare buttercream: Cream the butter and gradually add the icing sugar until smooth. Stir in the dissolved espresso and vanilla until fully incorporated.
6. Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are cool, spread half the buttercream between the two layers and the rest on top.

Mary Berry Espresso Cake Recipe – Detailed Recipe

Ingredients

Refer to the list above.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare cake tins.
2. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, then mix in espresso and vanilla.
3. Fold in flour and baking powder.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Make buttercream, assemble, and frost.

Notes

• Moisture tip: If the batter seems thick, add 1-2 tbsp of milk to loosen it for a smooth consistency.
• Espresso strength: Adjust the amount of espresso powder based on your preferred strength of coffee flavor.
• Decorations: Dust with cocoa powder or coffee granules for an elegant finish.

How to Serve Mary Berry Espresso Cake Recipe

• Room temperature: Best served at room temperature to enjoy the flavors fully.
• With frosting: Serve with a generous layer of coffee buttercream.
• Accompaniment: Enjoy with fresh cream or a side of vanilla ice cream.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Espresso Cake Recipe

• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds to keep the cake moist.
• Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes.

How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Espresso Cake Recipe

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the fridge: If the cake contains cream-based frosting, store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• In the freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Espresso Cake Recipe

1. Can I use fresh brewed espresso instead of instant powder?
   Yes, but reduce the liquid to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
2. What can I use instead of coffee buttercream?
   You can use plain vanilla buttercream or even a chocolate ganache for a different twist.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the baking powder is gluten-free.
4. Can I use decaf coffee?
   Yes, decaffeinated instant coffee can be used if you prefer a caffeine-free version.
5. How can I prevent the cake from becoming too dry?
   Be careful not to over-bake and consider adding an extra tablespoon of milk to the batter for extra moisture.
6. Can I add flavorings like chocolate to the cake?
   Yes, adding cocoa powder or chocolate chips can enhance the richness of the cake.
7. What is the best way to ensure a smooth buttercream?
   Sift the icing sugar before mixing it with the butter to prevent lumps, and whip for several minutes to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
8. Can I add nuts or fruit to the cake?
   Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for texture, or dried fruits like raisins can be added.
9. Can I use non-dairy butter in this recipe?
   Yes, you can use a plant-based butter alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
10. What is the best way to serve this cake at a party?
    You can slice the cake into small squares or rectangles for a more casual, easy-to-serve presentation, and garnish with coffee beans or chocolate curls for decoration.

Nutritional Information of Mary Berry Espresso Cake Recipe (per serving)

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 130mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Sugars: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g