Indulge in the delightful walnut cake, a traditional Greek dessert known as karithopeta, meaning "walnut pie." This delectable cake is characterized by its moist texture and rich, nutty flavor. With a filling made from finely chopped walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and spices, this treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. While traditional recipes call for a phyllo dough base, this article presents both phyllo dough and sponge cake variations, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic dessert. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, the step-by-step instructions and detailed ingredient lists will guide you through the process of creating this irresistible treat. So, let's embark on a culinary journey to explore the world of walnut cake and discover the secrets behind its alluring taste and texture.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
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.
WALNUT CAKE (KARITHOPETA)
A greek cake popular during Lent. Full of raisins and nuts. You can use all one kind raisin if desired.
Provided by Outta Here
Categories Dessert
Time 1h15m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350F Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and lemon zest together.
- Add oil and blend.
- Mix in remaining ingredients, one at a time, until well blended.
- Spread batter into prepared baking pan.
- Bake 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon if desired. Cut into squares and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 377.6, Fat 24.7, SaturatedFat 3, Sodium 198.7, Carbohydrate 38.5, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 23, Protein 3.4
WALNUT CAKE (KARITHOPETA)
A Greek cake popular during Lent. Full of raisins and nuts. You can use all one kind raisin if desired.
Provided by Mikekey *
Categories Cakes
Time 1h15m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- 2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and lemon zest together.
- 3. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and lemon zest together.
- 4. Mix in remaining ingredients, one at a time, until well blended.
- 5. Spread batter into prepared baking pan.
- 6. Bake 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- 7. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon if desired. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your cake.
- Measure your ingredients accurately. This is important to ensure that your cake turns out properly.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help to incorporate air into the batter, making your cake light and airy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help to prevent the batter from curdling.
- Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can make your cake tough.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven. This will help to prevent the cake from sinking in the middle.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Walnut cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and crunchy walnuts, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you are looking for a special treat, give this walnut cake recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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