Nut cake

Walnut Cake - A Delight That Enchants

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn’t love a slightly moist walnut cake with a fine and flavorful cream? This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia to every slice. The walnut cake is a classic dessert, often associated with special occasions such as birthdays or holidays. So, let’s get to work!

Ingredients

For the base:
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 100 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 7 eggs
- 140 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cream:
- 250 ml milk
- 1 packet vanilla pudding
- 125 g honey
- 25 ml red wine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 150 g butter or Rama margarine, at room temperature
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 130 g powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons apricot jam

Step by Step: Preparing the Walnut Cake

1. Preparing the oven and the pan
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is essential to have the oven well-prepared so that the base bakes evenly. Grease a 23 cm round pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

2. Preparing the base
In a large bowl, combine the ground walnuts with the flour and a pinch of salt. This combination will give the base a rich texture and deep flavor.
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Continue mixing for about 6 minutes until the mixture becomes very fluffy and leaves traces on the surface.
Gradually fold the flour and walnut mixture into the egg mixture in two batches, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture. Pour the obtained mixture into the prepared pan.

3. Baking the base
Bake the base in the oven for 35-45 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the base is perfect. Once you take it out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Preparing the cream
After the base has cooled, it’s time to prepare the cream. In a saucepan, bring 250 ml of milk to a boil and prepare the pudding according to the instructions on the package, without adding extra sugar. Once the pudding is ready, add the honey and mix well.
Strain the pudding into another bowl for a smooth texture, then add the red wine and vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly, then incorporate the butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the ground walnuts and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.

5. Assembling the cake
Cut the base in half horizontally. On the first half, spread the apricot jam, followed by the pudding cream. Place the other half of the base on top and cover the cake with the remaining cream.
Decorate the cake with walnut halves on top and chopped walnuts on the sides. Let the cake chill for at least an hour before serving, so the flavors meld perfectly.

Chef’s Tip

For a personal touch, you can add a few drops of rum extract to the pudding cream or experiment with various jams, such as raspberry or blackberry jam, for a flavor contrast. This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for relaxing moments.

Nutritional Benefits

Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet. Additionally, honey adds a boost of antioxidants and is a healthier natural sweetener than refined sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I keep the cake fresh?
I recommend storing it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This way, it will stay fresh and moist for a few days.

2. Can I use other types of nuts?
Of course! You can replace walnuts with almonds or pistachios for a different texture and flavor.

3. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can use almond flour or a combination of gluten-free flour to make this cake accessible for those with gluten intolerance.

This walnut cake recipe is not just a delicious dessert but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories around the table. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cake will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Happy cooking and enjoy every moment!

 Ingredients: For the base: 100g ground walnuts, 100g flour, a pinch of salt, 7 eggs, 140g granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla essence. For the cream: 250ml milk, 1 packet of vanilla pudding, 125g honey, 25ml red wine, 1 teaspoon vanilla essence, 150g butter or margarine (Rama), at room temperature, 200g ground walnuts, 130g powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons apricot jam.