Can I Use Instant Coffee Instead of Espresso in the Cake?
Yes, you can use instant coffee as a substitute for espresso in this recipe. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant coffee in 50ml of hot water to create a strong coffee solution. Let it cool before adding to the cake batter and buttercream to ensure the flavor closely mimics that of espresso.
How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version of Nigella's Coffee and Walnut Cake, simply replace the self-raising flour with an equal amount of your preferred gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder you use is also gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but the delicious flavors will remain the same.
What's the Best Way to Decorate the Coffee and Walnut Cake?
For an elegant finish, use the coffee buttercream to frost the top and sides of the cake smoothly. Then, decorate with walnut halves and a light dusting of cocoa powder or finely ground coffee for a sophisticated look. For an added touch, you can pipe rosettes or swirls of buttercream around the edges.