Chocolate and Walnut Cake
- Easy
- 1 h 10 min
- Kcal 736
Walnut cake, you know, holds a special place in many Italian kitchens. It's perfect when you want something a bit special without too much fuss. This walnut cake recipe? Comes from a tradition of comfort and moist slices that fill the house with an amazing aroma. I mean, really really good. Italian versions, like la torta di noci, are known for their simplicity, yet offer a deep, nutty flavor that feels like a warm hug. So here's the thing: in Italy, it's often served plain with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, but it can also be a base for creamy chocolate or mascarpone fillings. Either way, the tender crumb and sweet nuttiness make it perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or with a hot cup of tea on those cozy winter afternoons. Pretty much when you crave something warming and familiar.
Regional twists make every easy walnut cake a little different, yet the heart of a traditional walnut cake remains the same: honest ingredients and a focus on taste. And look, some areas in Italy might add a touch of lemon zest for brightness, while others keep it extra rich with lots of ground walnuts, making each bite a bit golden and satisfying. The texture of a good homemade walnut cake really brings people back—moist and never dry, with just enough crumble to feel homemade. Kids love it for snacks, and adults appreciate how a slice pairs with coffee or tea. Especially on a chilly day. Seriously good.
You won’t find a lot of fancy toppings—just a soft dusting of sugar, maybe a few whole walnuts on top, and you’re set. This kind of walnut dessert fits perfectly with the idea of slowing down and enjoying the simple things, just as Italian families have done for ages. It’s the kind of nut cake that tastes like home and never gets old, no matter how often you make it. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your personal taste, whether you prefer it plain or with a smooth filling. So next time you're looking for something comforting and tasty, try making this classic Italian treat, and really enjoy the flavors that have been cherished for generations. For real.
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To prepare the walnut cake, start by chopping the walnuts with 1/4 cup of sugar until fine 1. Beat the butter at room temperature with the remaining sugar 2 until you get a light and fluffy mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to beat 3 until the mixture is homogeneous, then add the vanilla extract.
Add the chopped walnuts together with the sugar 4 and then the cornstarch that you will sift together with the baking powder 5; once you have mixed everything with a spoon, pour the mixture into a 9.5-inch greased cake pan coated with cornstarch 6. Bake everything in a preheated static oven at 355°F for 50-60 minutes, then check the cooking by pricking the cake with a skewer; if it comes out dry, the cake is ready to be taken out of the oven. Once warm, remove it from the mold and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Serve the walnut cake by dusting the surface with powdered sugar.