Butter and Walnut Cake

Butter and Walnut Cake: A Simple and Delicious Dessert

A recipe for butter and walnut cake is not just a simple combination of ingredients, but a culinary experience that brings back memories of family moments, childhood flavors, and the warmth of home. This fluffy and aromatic cake is perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, as well as a dessert for special occasions. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this delight!

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 150 g soft butter, at room temperature
- 150 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 150 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10 g)
- 100 g chopped walnuts (preferably Romanian walnuts for an authentic taste)

Useful

- A loaf pan (approximately 20x10 cm)
- Baking paper or oil and flour for lining
- A large mixing bowl
- An electric mixer or a whisk for mixing

A Brief History

The cake is a classic dessert, loved by many generations, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Although it has evolved over time, its essence remains the same: a fluffy batter, easy to prepare, that can undergo various variations. In this recipe, the combination of butter and walnut provides a rich texture and intense flavor, perfect for satisfying any sweet craving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature. Soft butter will incorporate much better into the batter. The walnuts can be chopped finely or left larger, depending on your preference.

2. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 180 °C to heat evenly while you prepare the batter.

3. Mixing the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes a fluffy, light-colored cream (about 3-5 minutes). This step is essential for incorporating air into the batter, which will make the cake soft and fluffy.

4. Adding the vanilla extract and eggs: Continue mixing and add the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. This step ensures good emulsification, essential for the final texture.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until the ingredients are combined.

6. Adding the walnuts: At this stage, fold in the chopped walnuts, mixing gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

7. Preparing the pan: Line the loaf pan with baking paper or grease it with oil and sprinkle flour. This step is important to prevent the cake from sticking.

8. Pouring the batter into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula.

9. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.

10. Cooling: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

The butter and walnut cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or dusted with a little powdered sugar for an elegant touch. If you want a contrast of textures, try pairing it with cream cheese or vanilla ice cream, which will perfectly complement the walnut flavor.

Variations and Tips

- Adding chocolate: To give a more decadent flavor, add some dark or white chocolate chunks to the batter.
- Dried fruits: You can replace the walnuts with dried fruits such as raisins or dried apricots for a softer note.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to give the cake a more complex aroma.

Nutritional Benefits

The butter and walnut cake provides a good source of healthy fats from walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Additionally, butter adds a rich flavor, but it is important to consume it in moderation. Each serving contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the thickness of the slices and the ingredients added.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?: Yes, but you will need to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
- What can I use instead of walnuts?: You can use almonds, hazelnuts, or even sunflower seeds for an allergen-free version.
- How do I keep the cake fresh?: Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Whether you are preparing this cake for a family gathering or simply to treat yourself, it is guaranteed to delight everyone. So let’s put on our aprons and enjoy this delicious recipe! Enjoy your meal!