Portuguese Coffee Buttercake

Portuguese Coffee Buttercake Recipe | Authentic Dessert from Portugal

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Portuguese Coffee Buttercake is a delicious and decadent dessert that combines layers of buttery cake wafers with a rich and creamy coffee buttercream. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a unique and flavorful dessert.

History

The origins of Portuguese Coffee Buttercake are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in Portugal, where coffee is a popular ingredient in many desserts. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a beloved treat for many families.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (no substitutions)
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 tsp salt

Coffee buttercream

0.75 cup milk
6 large egg yolks
1 cup sugar
4 tsp instant coffee powder
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 cup unsalted butter, softened

How to prepare

Cake wafers

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Invert two 9-inch round cake pans (or more if you have them); grease and flour the bottoms of the pans.
Beat the butter in a mixer bowl until smooth.
Beat in the sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Beat in the vanilla.
Beat in the flour and salt just until combined.
Spread 0.33 cup of batter evenly on each inverted cake pan, leaving a 0.25-inch edge.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges.
Using a long, thin metal spatula, loosen each wafer and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Repeat the process with the remaining batter on buttered and floured pans to make a total of 12 wafers.

Coffee buttercream

Heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it reaches boiling point.
Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a medium bowl.
Gradually whisk in the hot milk.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 6 minutes, do not boil).
Strain the mixture through a sieve into a mixer bowl.
Stir in the coffee powder and vanilla.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Beat in the butter, 1 tbsp at a time, beating well after each addition.

Assembly

Place 1 cake wafer on a serving platter.
Spread evenly with 0.33 cup of buttercream.
Add the second wafer and 0.33 cup more buttercream; repeat with the remaining wafers and buttercream, ending with a wafer.
Pipe the remaining buttercream decoratively on top. (This can be made ahead. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours).
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.

Variations

For a mocha flavor, add cocoa powder to the cake batter or the buttercream.
Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake wafers for an extra decadent touch.
Top the cake with chocolate shavings or coffee beans for a decorative finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use unsalted butter for both the cake wafers and the buttercream to control the salt content of the dessert.

- Be sure to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy to ensure a tender and moist cake.

- When assembling the cake, make sure to spread the buttercream evenly between each layer for a balanced flavor in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

Portuguese Coffee Buttercake is best served chilled with a cup of hot coffee or espresso for a delightful combination of flavors.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is key to a tender and moist cake.

- Straining the coffee buttercream mixture ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have instant coffee powder, you can use brewed coffee or espresso for a stronger coffee flavor.

- You can use margarine as a substitute for butter in the cake wafers, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Make Ahead Tips

Portuguese Coffee Buttercake can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving. Just be sure to remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with swirls of buttercream, chocolate shavings, or coffee beans for an elegant and eye-catching presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Portuguese Coffee Buttercake pairs well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, espresso, or a glass of port wine for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Portuguese Coffee Buttercake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cake to come to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to soften the buttercream.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Portuguese Coffee Buttercake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Portuguese Coffee Buttercake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Portuguese Coffee Buttercake contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Portuguese Coffee Buttercake contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Portuguese Coffee Buttercake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk, eggs) and gluten (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Portuguese Coffee Buttercake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content.

Summary

Portuguese Coffee Buttercake is a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines layers of buttery cake wafers with a rich and creamy coffee buttercream. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a decadent and flavorful dessert. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Portuguese Coffee Buttercake. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As I sifted through the faded index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a crumpled piece of paper with a handwritten title: Portuguese Coffee Buttercake.

I had never heard of such a dessert before, and my mouth watered at the thought of combining rich coffee flavors with buttery cake. I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and preparing the batter, eager to see how this unique recipe would turn out.

As I mixed the butter, sugar, and eggs together, I couldn't help but think back to all the other recipes I had learned over the years. Each one had a story behind it, a memory attached to it that made it special. Whether it was my mother's famous meatballs or my aunt's decadent chocolate cake, each dish had its own place in my heart.

But this Portuguese Coffee Buttercake was different. It was a new challenge, a new adventure that I was excited to embark on. As the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen, I poured the batter into a greased pan and popped it into the oven, eagerly awaiting the final result.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the cake out of the oven and marveled at its golden-brown crust. As I sliced into it, the cake was moist and tender, with a subtle hint of coffee that danced on my taste buds. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my collection.

But as I savored each bite of that delicious Portuguese Coffee Buttercake, I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe had come from. Who had first created it, and how had it made its way into my hands?

I decided to do some digging and soon discovered that the recipe had been passed down through generations of Portuguese bakers. It was a closely guarded secret, shared only among family and close friends. I felt honored to have stumbled upon this hidden gem and vowed to keep it alive in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have continued to make the Portuguese Coffee Buttercake for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I bake it, I am reminded of the sense of discovery and excitement that I felt that warm summer day when I first found the recipe.

And as I watch my grandchildren eagerly devour each slice of the cake, I can't help but smile knowing that I am passing on a piece of culinary history to the next generation. The recipe for Portuguese Coffee Buttercake may have originated in a far-off land, but it has found a home in my kitchen, where it will continue to bring joy and delight for years to come.