mmm… love that coffee

Here it is, my Grandma’s famous coffee cake. She used to make them for our birthdays as a special treat, and we loved them more than the presents! There’s nothing low-fat here; it’s just the way our grandparents make a cake. I’m sure you could experiment with substitutes if you are looking for a low-fat option. For those who like to know these things, my grandma’s name is Yvonne Benson. Hey, if you make this, why not send me a photo and tell me how much you enjoyed it?

We’ve made this in all sorts of shapes from tiny muffins to double-decker round cakes, so I haven’t specified a particular cake tin or tray to bake this in. Experimenting is half the fun anyway!

My Grandma’s coffee essence of choice is Bushells Sweetened Coffee and Chicory Essence. You can always make your own by mixing up a small amount of your favourite coffee. We’ve done this with excellent results when a premixed coffee essence was not on hand.

Grandma’s coffee cake

For the cake:

1/4 pound butter

1/4 pound sugar

7 ounces self-raising flour

2 tablespoons coffee essence

3 eggs

2 tablespoons boiling water

For the filling:

6 ounces icing sugar

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon coffee essence

What to do:

1. Cream the butter and sugar, then add beaten eggs. Beat everything together well.
2. Add coffee essence, sifter flour and water. Mix in well until smooth.
3. Bake in a moderate oven (350 F or 180 C) for about 20 minutes. Check with a toothpick before removing.
4. After the cake has cooled, prepare the filling. Cream the icing sugar with the butter.
5. Add coffee essence, and if necessary, a little milk.
6. Cut the cake in half and spread half the mixture in the centre. Top cake with remaining mix.
7. Since you won’t be able to wait to eat this, cut a slice and eat it straight away. If you can wait for your coffee to be ready, take a seat with your favourite mug and enjoy.

While the title says it all, I’ll just clarify by saying that this blog will probably be a wide-ranging one which will cover everything from reviews of coffee machines to the history of coffee, coffee recipes and research into coffee. If there’s something you’d particularly like to hear about, let me know. Since this blog is linked with www.lovethatcoffee.info then it’s also going to cover a lot of ground about coffee pods and k-cups.

First of all, though, I’m going to find my Grandma’s recipe for coffee cake and share it with you.  And no, I don’t mean a cake that you eat with your coffee.  I mean a real, honest-to-goodness cake made with coffee.  Coffee cake.  Coffee icing.  Now eat that with your coffee!  Very nice.  I’ll be back.