Introduction
Golden Walnut Cake is a rich and flavorful dessert that combines the warm, nutty taste of walnuts with the light, airy texture of a golden cake. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration, a holiday treat, or just a cozy afternoon snack. The walnuts add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor, making each bite irresistible. Topped with a simple glaze or served with whipped cream, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
1 cup (120 g) walnuts, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil (or melted butter) and sugar until smooth and combined.
Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition until fully incorporated.
Stir in the vanilla extract and milk.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and any spices (cinnamon or nutmeg) if using.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the chopped walnuts.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optionally, drizzle with a simple glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts.
Description
Golden Walnut Cake is a tender and moist cake, with a subtle sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts. Its golden color comes from the oil and eggs, giving it a soft and inviting texture. The cake’s simplicity is part of its charm—it’s not overly sweet, letting the natural flavors of the walnuts shine through. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and is sure to be a hit at any gathering. You can enjoy it plain, with a light glaze, or topped with whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Tips
Toast the Walnuts: For a more intense flavor, lightly toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before folding them into the batter.
Add a Frosting: While the cake is delicious on its own, you can add a simple cream cheese frosting or honey glaze for extra sweetness.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh to get the best rise and texture in your cake.
Moisture: If your cake feels too dry, try adding an extra tablespoon of milk or use sour cream instead of milk to make it extra moist.
Variations
Honey Walnut Cake: Drizzle the top of the cake with honey before serving to add a layer of sweetness that complements the walnuts.
Chocolate Walnut Cake: Fold in a handful of chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a chocolatey twist.
Spiced Walnut Cake: Add 1 tsp of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Corrections
Cake Too Dense: If your cake comes out too dense, it might be overmixed. Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently and only until combined.
Underbaking: If the center of the cake is still wet after the baking time, try adding another 5-10 minutes of baking time, checking with a toothpick until it comes out clean.
Enjoy!
Now that your Golden Walnut Cake is ready, slice it up and enjoy the wonderful balance of soft cake and crunchy walnuts. It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, and it makes for a lovely homemade dessert to share with friends and family. Enjoy the simple, wholesome flavors of this delicious cake!