Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece! This extraordinary walnut cake isn't just a dessert—it's a sensory experience that blends the rich, earthy crunch of toasted walnuts with the luxurious embrace of dark chocolate. Imagine a cake so moist, so decadent, that each bite tells a story of traditional Greek baking with a modern, irresistible twist. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious food lover, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary afternoon into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to mix, ensuring it's fully incorporated into the egg mixture.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a separate bowl.
- Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Fold in the toasted walnuts and orange zest, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully turn out the cake onto a wire rack and let it cool completely.
- Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or in short microwave bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- Let the chocolate set for 15-20 minutes at room temperature before serving.
- Slice and serve, optionally garnishing with additional chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips
- Toast your walnuts carefully: The key to intense flavor is gentle, even toasting. Watch them closely and stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Room temperature ingredients are crucial: Ensure eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Fold ingredients gently to maintain the cake's light, airy structure.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate: The better the chocolate, the more luxurious the final drizzle.
- Let the cake cool completely before chocolate drizzling to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful finish.
- For extra indulgence, serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
