Karithopita, also known as Olympic walnut cake, is a traditional Greek dessert with a rich history and distinct flavor. Originating from the Peloponnese region, this delectable cake is characterized by its moist, dense texture, nutty aroma, and a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, walnuts, cinnamon, and cloves, Karithopita embodies the essence of Greek culinary heritage.
This article presents a collection of Karithopita recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dessert. From the traditional recipe that stays true to its roots to variations that incorporate modern ingredients and techniques, these recipes cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find a recipe here that guides you through the process of creating this delectable treat.
The traditional Karithopita recipe starts with a simple batter made from flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Ground walnuts, cinnamon, and cloves add depth of flavor and texture to the batter, resulting in a moist and fragrant cake. The batter is poured into a greased baking pan and baked until golden brown.
Variations of the Karithopita recipe include the use of different types of nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or pistachios, in addition to or instead of walnuts. Some recipes incorporate citrus zest or honey for a burst of freshness and sweetness. For a richer flavor, some bakers add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the batter.
This article also features a vegan Karithopita recipe that caters to those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Using plant-based milk, butter, and eggs, this recipe creates a moist and flavorful cake that is just as delicious as the traditional version.
With its unique flavor profile and rich cultural heritage, Karithopita is a must-try for anyone interested in exploring Greek cuisine. Whether you prefer the traditional recipe or a modern twist, the recipes in this article provide a comprehensive guide to creating this delectable dessert in your own kitchen.
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 - 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.
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.
Tips:
- Make sure to use fresh walnuts for the best flavor and texture. If you don't have fresh walnuts, you can use roasted walnuts instead. Just be sure to toast them for a few minutes in a preheated oven before using them.
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing will make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven. This will help the cake to rise evenly.
- Don't open the oven door during baking. This will cause the cake to fall.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving. This will help the cake to set and make it easier to slice.
Conclusion:
Karithopita is a delicious and easy-to-make cake that is perfect for any occasion. It is moist, flavorful, and has a beautiful golden brown crust. This cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Here are some additional tips for making the best karithopita:- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the cake will be.
- Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately. This will ensure that the cake turns out perfectly.
- Follow the recipe instructions carefully. Don't skip any steps or make any substitutions unless you know what you are doing.
- Be patient. Baking takes time. Don't rush the process or you will end up with a cake that is not cooked properly.
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