Coffee Cloud Cake
Coffee Cloud Cake is a light, airy sponge flavored with coffee and walnuts, perfect for coffee lovers and special occasions seeking a delicious, elegant dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. instant coffee granules, divided ⓘ
- 1 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 6 large eggs
- 2 c. sugar, divided ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. chopped walnuts, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. powdered sugar, sifted ⓘ
- 1/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules in boiling water and set aside.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Beat egg yolks in a large mixing bowl until thick and pale.
- Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of sugar; beat until blended.
- Beat an additional 5 minutes at high speed.
- Add reserved flour mixture to egg yolk mixture, alternately with reserved coffee mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and 1 cup of chopped walnuts.
- Beat egg whites and cream of tartar at high speed until foamy.
- Gradually add remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves.
- Fold one-fourth of the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture; carefully fold in remaining egg white mixture.
- Pour batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 to 70 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Invert the pan, using a narrow metal spatula, and remove from the pan.
- Place the cake on a serving plate.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the coffee flavor, consider using espresso powder instead of instant coffee granules. If you want a nut-free version, you can skip the walnuts or replace them with chocolate chips for added sweetness. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better volume when beating the egg whites.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Coffee Cloud Cake dusted with sifted powdered sugar or topped with a light coffee-flavored glaze for a special touch. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a delightful dessert option alongside coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Coffee Cloud Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they remain moist and fluffy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coffee Cloud Cake contains roughly 599 calories, with 8g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 933mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts add a lovely crunch, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds based on your preference. Just make sure to chop them finely for even distribution throughout the cake.
What should I do if my cake doesn't rise properly?
If your cake doesn’t rise, it might be due to old baking powder or not beating the egg whites to stiff peaks. Ensure your leavening agents are fresh and thoroughly follow the mixing instructions to incorporate air into the batter.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the Coffee Cloud Cake a day in advance. Just allow it to cool completely before storing it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to develop further, making it even more delicious!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).