Irish coffee cake

Enjoy this luxurious twist on classic coffee cake, which takes flavour inspiration from the coffee-based cocktail

PREP: 25 MINS COOK: 30 MINS PLUS COOLING SERVES 6 - 8

175ml vegetable oil, plus extra for the tins

2 eggs, beaten

175ml buttermilk

170ml strong coffee made with 2 tbsp coffee granules, cooled

350g plain flour

2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 tsp baking powder

125g caster sugar

125g light brown soft sugar Chocolate shavings or chocolate-coated coffee beans, to decorate (optional)

FOR THE MASCARPONE ICING

250g double cream

250g mascarpone

225g icing sugar, sifted

1 tbsp cocoa powder

90ml Irish cream liqueur

1 Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Oil two 20cm cake tins and line with baking parchment. Whisk the oil, eggs, buttermilk and cooled coffee together in a medium bowl until combined. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, bicarb, baking powder, both the sugars and a pinch of salt, breaking up any lumps of sugar.

2 Slowly drizzle the wet ingredients into the dry, whisking until smooth. Divide the batter between the two tins and bake for 20-25 mins, or until a skewer inserted into the middles comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tins for 10 mins, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

3 Meanwhile, make the mascarpone icing. Beat the double cream, mascarpone, icing sugar, cocoa powder and Irish cream liqueur together in a stand mixer or using an electric whisk until the mixture is thick, creamy and holds its shape.

4 When the cakes have cooled, spread a small dollop of icing in the middle of a cake plate or stand and put one sponge on top. Spread half the remaining icing over the top, then sandwich with the second sponge, making sure the flat side is facing up.

5 Spread over the rest of the icing, swirling it with a palette knife. Decorate with chocolate shavings or chocolate-covered coffee beans, if you like. Will keep chilled for up to three days.

TOMORROW’S RECIPE: COFFEE CREAM & WALNUT CUPCAKES

Fancy more great recipes like this? Try a subscription for BBC Good Food magazine and get your first 5 issues for only £5! Each month you’ll receive your copy through the letterbox packed with more than 70 beautifully photographed, thoroughly tested recipes as well as features from your favourite chefs and ways to cut down costs in the kitchen. Subscribe today by visiting buysubscriptions.com/ GFMIR23