Description
This Greek-inspired Walnut Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert made primarily from ground walnuts, eggs, and natural sweeteners like maple sugar and honey. Lightly sweetened and subtly nutty, this cake is perfect for those who appreciate wholesome ingredients baked into a tender, satisfying treat. It is ideal for gatherings or as a delightful everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups ground walnuts (or walnut flour)
- 1/3 cup flour (all-purpose or gluten free flour mix)
- 3/4 tsp baking soda (or 2 tsp baking powder)
- 1/3 tsp sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 6 medium eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup maple sugar (or your favorite granulated sugar)
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or grape-seed oil)
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Grease the bottom of a 9×13-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with oil and preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Grind Walnuts: Using a food processor, pulse the walnuts until you achieve a flour-like consistency without turning them into walnut butter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Transfer the ground walnuts to a bowl, then add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk everything together to combine and set aside.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack the room-temperature eggs and add the maple sugar. Beat with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light and thickened.
- Add Oil and Honey: Incorporate the neutral oil and honey into the beaten egg mixture, mixing once more to combine thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the walnut flour mixture over the egg mixture in two halves, gently folding with a spatula after each addition until fully combined and homogeneous.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes until set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Unmold: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool on a rack. Once completely cooled, run a thin-bladed knife around the edges to release the cake from the pan.
- Serve: Cut the cake into squares using a flat metal spatula to lift the pieces from the pan. Enjoy your walnut cake!
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature before beating to achieve better volume and texture.
- If using baking powder instead of baking soda, use 2 teaspoons as the recipe suggests.
- Be careful not to over-process walnuts to avoid turning them into walnut butter.
- You can substitute maple sugar with your preferred granulated sugar, but maple sugar enhances the flavor with a natural sweetness.
- Neutral oils like avocado or grape-seed oil work best as they do not overpower the walnut flavor.
- The cake keeps well for a few days stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek