Makes 12 bars

INGREDIENTS

For the crumb topping

½ cup all purpose flour
½ cup walnuts, chopped
¹⁄₃ cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
½ teaspoon instant espresso
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, cut into pieces

For the cake

2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
²⁄₃ cup sugar
½ cup dried cherries, chopped
4 ounces melted butter, cooled
2 eggs
½ cup milk
½ cup strong coffee
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven 400°F. Butter an 8″ square pan and add cut parchment paper to bottom of pan.

For the crumb topping

In a medium sized mixing bowl add flour, walnuts, sugar, orange zest, instant espresso, ground cardamom and combine. Add butter and mix by hand to form crumbs. Set aside.

For the cake

In a large bowl, add flour, baking powder, salt, ground cardamom, and dried cherries.

In another bowl add cooled butter, eggs, milk, coffee and vanilla extract and combine well. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients. Stir to mix but not beat. Stir only to get an evenly moistened batter.

Scrape into pan and evenly cover with crumbs. Pat crumbs gently into batter and bake 30-35 minutes or until cake has risen and golden brown. Insert a knife to test if cake is done, if it comes out clean, it’s finished. Cool, cut into squares and serve with coffee.

Recipe Property of Shawona Jones