Coffee Extravaganza Cake

My Mum had her birthday yesterday and so I had another brilliant excuse to bake. I pondered for ages abut the type of cake to make - would she prefer lemon? Should it be themed? e.t.c. Eventually I went for coffee but wanted to make it that extra bit special for the big day.

This cake has three layers and hidden in the icing are chopped walnuts to add a surprise crunch. I coated the sides then topped it with popping candy and chocolate covered cocoa beans. I then added some homemade decorations on sticks and finished it off with sparklers. All in all, I'd say it was a success and it will be interesting to see how long it lasts!

Ingredients

For the sponges

340g caster sugar

340g unsalted butter

340g self raising flour

6 medium eggs

2 tbsp ground coffee (dissolved in a little boiling water)

For the icing

250g unsalted butter

500g icing sugar

1 tbsp ground coffee (dissolved in a little boiling water)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C and line 3 circular baking tins (roughly 20cm in diameter and 4cm deep).

2. To make the sponges, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Then add the eggs, one at a time, and mix the flour in as well.

4. Add the coffee the mix thoroughly.

5. Divide the cake mix between the three tins and bake for 20-25 mins until a skewer comes out clean.

6. When the sponges have baked, remove from the tins and leave on a wire rack to cool.

7. Meanwhile, make the icing.

8. Mix the butter and sugar until creamy, then add the coffee.

9. Assemble the cake by layering up the sponges and icing the coat the sides with the icing too. (A palette knife is really useful here).

10. Decorate with absolutely anything - halved walnuts work well!

11. ENJOY!