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## Ingredients and Preparation
### Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you begin baking, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. For the cake base, you will need the following:
– **Self-raising flour**: 225g, which provides the structure and rise needed.
– **Baking powder**: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the cake’s fluffiness.
– **Butter**: 225g, softened, which adds richness and moisture.
– **Caster sugar**: 225g, for sweetness and texture.
– **Eggs**: 4 large, to bind the ingredients and provide structure.
– **Coffee essence**: 2 tablespoons, to infuse the cake with a robust coffee flavor.
For the fudge icing, gather these ingredients:
– **Butter**: 100g, softened, for a creamy base.
– **Icing sugar**: 200g, sifted, to create a smooth, sweet topping.
– **Coffee essence**: 2 tablespoons, to ensure the icing complements the cake’s flavor.
– **Walnuts**: Optional, for garnish and added texture.
### Step-by-Step Baking Process
1. **Prepare the Cake Batter**:
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a rectangular baking tray with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the coffee essence.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients**:
In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.
3. **Bake the Cake**:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tray for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. **Prepare the Fudge Icing**:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the icing. In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and sifted icing sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the coffee essence and mix until fully incorporated.
5. **Assemble and Garnish**:
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the fudge icing evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the icing for added crunch and flavor.
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