Mary Berry Coffee Sandwich Cake
I. Introduction
Mary Berry is a beloved figure in British cooking, celebrated for her approachable yet sophisticated recipes. With a career spanning over 40 years and more than 70 cookbooks, including Mary Berry Cooks and Mary Berry’s Baking Bible, she has inspired countless home bakers. As a warm and inviting judge on BBC’s The Great British Bake Off, she has helped make baking a cherished pastime across the UK, blending tradition with a modern twist in her nostalgic recipes.
Her Coffee Sandwich Cake perfectly embodies comfort, making it an ideal treat for afternoon tea or special occasions. The recipe not only highlights rich flavors but also showcases her keen insight into culinary history. Moreover, it can be easily adapted to accommodate various dietary preferences, including vegan variations.
II. Mary Berry’s Unique Approach & Historical Context
Mary Berry is known for prioritizing quality ingredients in her cooking, believing that the essence of a great dish starts with the best components. The Coffee Sandwich Cake is a classic British recipe that dates back to the Victorian era, a time when coffee started to gain popularity in British homes.
Historically, cakes were elaborate, but coffee cake emerged as a simpler option to enjoy with coffee during social gatherings. Over time, bakers adapted the recipe, with Mary Berry’s version honoring this tradition while adding her own rich flavors and delicate texture. Sources like BBC Good Food and Culinary Hill shed light on the evolution of these cakes and their importance in British culinary culture.
III. Notices on Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- For the Coffee Buttercream:
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 500g icing sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment:
- 2 x 20cm round cake tins
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- Baking parchment
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Measuring scales
IV. Recipe Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease the cake tins with butter. Line the bottoms with baking parchment.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar with an electric mixer for about approximately 4-5 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dissolved coffee mixture and gently fold everything together until just combined.
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared tins, level the tops, and place them in the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Prepare the Buttercream: After this, In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar, followed by the brewed coffee and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of coffee buttercream on top, then add the second layer and spread the remaining buttercream over the top and sides.
Serve: Slice and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
V. Flavor Profile & Nutritional Information
The Coffee Sandwich Cake boasts a rich, buttery flavor with a robust coffee undertone, complemented by sweet, creamy buttercream. Each slice offers a delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of bitterness from the coffee, making it perfect for afternoon tea.
Nutritional Information (per slice):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 30g
VI. Tips for a Perfect This Coffee Sandwich Cake
- Troubleshooting: If the cake sinks in the middle, ensure that the oven temperature is accurate and do not open the oven door too early.
- Enhancing Flavor: Use freshly brewed coffee for the best taste. Consider adding a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult twist.
- Variations: Consider enhancing the batter by incorporating chocolate chips or nuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
VII. Alternative (Vegan and Non-Veg)
Vegan Coffee Sandwich Cake
- Ingredients: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs.
- Instructions: Follow the same method as the original recipe.
VIII. Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Variations: To enhance the mocha flavor, spread a layer of chocolate ganache over the buttercream.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant touch.
IX. Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to approximately 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week, and for longer storage, freeze it for up to around 3 months; allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy it later.
X. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use decaf coffee? Yes, you can substitute with decaffeinated coffee for a caffeine-free option.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! Bake the cakes a day in advance and assemble them just before serving.
- What can I replace the eggs with in the vegan version? Flax eggs or applesauce are great egg replacements in baking.
XI. Conclusion & Call to Action
This Coffee Sandwich Cake embodies the comforting essence of Mary Berry’s baking philosophy. Its versatility and delightful flavor make it a perfect addition to any gathering. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback with us. Explore other delicious recipes and resources on our website!
XII. Additional Resources
For more from Mary Berry, visit her official website or browse her cookbooks for more baking inspiration. For additional insights into the history of coffee cakes, check out Culinary Hill.
By focusing on quality ingredients and embracing the rich history of British baking, Mary Berry’s Coffee Sandwich Cake is a timeless classic that brings joy to any occasion.
