Indulge in the delectable flavors of Karithopita, a traditional Greek walnut cake that embodies the essence of simplicity and comfort. This delectable treat, originating from the Peloponnese region, boasts a moist and tender crumb, generously studded with plump walnuts and delicately spiced with cinnamon. Savor the warm, nutty aroma that wafts from the oven as Karithopita bakes, promising a taste of Greece in every bite.
This versatile recipe offers three variations to cater to diverse preferences. The classic Karithopita features a simple syrup glaze that adds a touch of sweetness, while the Chocolate Karithopita elevates the experience with a rich chocolate ganache. For those seeking a gluten-free option, the Gluten-Free Karithopita provides a delightful alternative without compromising on flavor.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, Karithopita is an approachable and rewarding treat to make. Its straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions ensure a hassle-free baking experience. As you gather the walnuts, flour, sugar, and spices, let the anticipation build for the moment when you take your first bite of this irresistible Greek delicacy.
So, prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey to Greece and embark on the delightful adventure of baking Karithopita. With its captivating flavors and comforting aroma, this walnut cake is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.
KARIDOPITA/KARITHOPITA RECIPE (GREEK WALNUT CAKE WITH SYRUP)
A mouthwatering Greek walnut cake recipe (karidopita), scented with the aromas and blends of cinnamon and grounded clove. Find out how to make the perfect walnut cake with this traditional Greek recipe.
Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos
Categories Dessert
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Use an electric mixer to mix the sugar and butter; mix at medium-high speed for at least 5 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, whilst continue mixing; wait each time for each egg to be absorbed, before adding the next. Pour in the cognac and the orange zest and mix for 10 more seconds. Set aside.
- Into a large bowl, add the chopped walnut, the powdered Melba toast, the cinnamon, the clove, the nutmeg, the baking powder and blend with a spoon. (Chop the walnut, using a blender, but be careful not to powder it; the authentic greek walnut cake calls for roughly chopped walnuts.)
- Combine the two mixtures and blend, until smooth.
- Place the egg whites into the bowl of the electric mixer, along with a pinch of salt. Make sure your egg whites, bowl and whisk attachments are clean and free of any water. Whisk the egg whites until the mixture is very thick and glossy and a long trailing peak forms when the whisk is lifted (meringues).
- With a spatula add gradually the meringues into the mixture and blend with light circular movements from the bottom up.
- Butter the bottom and the sides of a round baking tray, approx 30cm diameter and bake in a preheated oven at 170C, for about 35 minutes, until nicely colored on the outside and baked through.
- Let the karidopita (greek walnut cake) to cool and then prepare the syrup. Add all the ingredients for the syrup into a pot, and boil, until the sugar has dissolved. Scar the cake into pieces, and slowly ladle the hot syrup over the cold cake, allowing time for each ladle of syrup to be absorbed.
- Let it cool down for a while, before serving. This Greek walnut cake is ideally served cold with some vanilla ice-cream aside. Enjoy!!
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 piece, Calories 747kcal, Sugar 58.8g, Sodium 181.3mg, Fat 44.9g, SaturatedFat 13.6g, UnsaturatedFat 28.8g, TransFat 0g, Carbohydrate 76.7g, Fiber 3.8g, Protein 12.3g, Cholesterol 157.6mg
KARITHOPITA (GREEK WALNUT CAKE)
This is my mom's specialty and she makes it for all holidays. It is a rich, dark, spicy cake that has been soaked in a syrup and is best served with a dollop of whipped cream.
Provided by evelynathens
Categories Dessert
Time 1h25m
Yield 12-15 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F; butter and flour a 13 x 9 baking pan.
- In a bowl combine the walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, breadcrumbs, flour, and baking powder.
- In a small glass, dilute the soda with the cognac.
- Beat the egg whites in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
- In a large bowl mixing bowl, cream the butter with the sugar and then add the eggs yolks; mix in the soda with the cognac, and add the milk and the walnut mixture, beating until well combined; fold in 1/4 of the beaten egg whites to lighten batter, then carefully fold in the rest; it is ok if a few white streaks show in the batter; spread into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the cake tests done. Cool cake completely (it is very important that the cake is cooled before pouring on hot syrup because otherwise it will turn mushy).
- For the syrup: Mix all the ingredients together in a medium saucepan; bring it to a boil and boil for 5-7 minutes; remove cinnamon stick and pour hot syrup over cooled cake; let the cake cool completely (from the addition of the hot syrup) before serving.
KARYTHOPITTA: WALNUT CAKE
Steps:
- For the syrup: Heat the sugar, honey, water, and brandy over medium-high heat until the sugar has dissolved. Turn heat to low and add in cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange rind. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes and remove from the heat. Remove the orange, cloves and cinnamon stick and cool.
- Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
- For the Cake: In a medium bowl mix together walnuts, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and clove.
- In a medium bowl, with an electric mixer, whip together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Slowly add in the egg yolks and continue whipping. Add in the walnut mixture slowly, and mix until well blended.
- In a very clean bowl, with an electric mixer, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the batter until the mixture is completely incorporated.
- Grease a 12 by 9-inch baking pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake until the cake is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and pour the syrup over the cake, until it is drenched in syrup. Cover with a kitchen towel and let cool. Cut into diamonds and serve.
KARITHOPITA - OLYMPIC WALNUT CAKE
Karithopita (Kefalonian Walnut Cake) is made at Artopolis bakery in New York City with a recipe from co-owner Nick Pantelatos' mother, who comes from the Greek island of Kefalonia. As printed in our local newspaper. Cooling time not included in cooking time.
Provided by Molly53
Categories Dessert
Time 50m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F Grease an 8- or 9-inch round pan.
- Beat egg yolks with sugar until pale yellow.
- Stir in orange juice, brandy and vanilla.
- Combine semolina and baking powder and fold into egg yolks.
- In separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff.
- Fold in walnuts, nutmeg and orange zest.
- Fold 1/2 of whites into yolk mixture, then fold in remaining whites.
- Spread in pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Cool on rack.
- While cake is baking, combine water, sugar, lemon rind and cinnamon in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cook until sugar is melted.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
- Pour hot syrup on cake, place 8 walnut halves around the top outside edge and 1 in the center and serve.
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. This will help you stay organized and avoid any mishaps.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the final product. Use fresh, organic ingredients whenever possible.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a precise science, so it's important to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake at the Right Temperature: The temperature of your oven will affect the texture and flavor of the cake. Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking.
- Don't Open the Oven Door: Opening the oven door during baking can cause the cake to fall. Resist the urge to peek!
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: Before you frost or serve the cake, let it cool completely. This will help it to set properly.
Conclusion:
Karithopita is a delicious and versatile cake that can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between. With its moist texture, nutty flavor, and crispy topping, it's sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a special treat, give this Greek walnut cake a try. You won't be disappointed!
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