Fluffy Nut Cake

Fluffy Walnut Cake

Who doesn't love a fluffy, aromatic cake rich in walnuts? This walnut cake recipe is not just a simple recipe, but a sweet memory from the past, brought into our lives by a former colleague. It is a dessert that reminds us of warm moments and shared smiles around the table. Whether we enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack with coffee, or simply as a dessert after dinner, this cake will surely become a favorite in your home. Here’s how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

- 6 fresh eggs (ideally at room temperature)
- 1 cup of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 1 cup of flour (approximately 130 g)
- 6 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (quenched with the juice of 1/2 lemon)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon (for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt
- Chopped raw walnuts (as much as you like, but remember, the walnuts should be coarsely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon heaping of cocoa powder (for a contrast of taste and color)

Preparation of the fluffy walnut cake:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform composition. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and prepare a loaf pan lined with baking paper or greased with butter and dusted with flour.

2. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is important that no yolk remains in the egg whites; otherwise, they will not whip well. Start by beating the egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer. Beat them until you achieve a firm foam.

3. Preparing the composition: Gradually add the sugar to the egg whites, continuing to mix until a shiny, stiff foam forms. In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil and lemon zest until you obtain a homogeneous paste.

4. Combining the ingredients: In a small bowl, quench the baking powder with lemon juice and add it to the yolk mixture. Then, gradually incorporate the flour, mixing gently with a spatula from top to bottom, being careful not to lose the air from the egg whites.

5. Separating the composition: Reserve half a cup of the white mixture and mix it with cocoa, obtaining a darker paste.

6. Assembling the cake: Pour the white mixture into the prepared pan and add the cocoa mixture in the center. Using a spoon, gently swirl to create a beautiful spiral design.

7. Adding the walnuts: Sprinkle the coarsely chopped walnuts on top of the cake. Do not rush to crush them too much, as they may burn during baking. The walnuts add a crunchy texture and delicious flavor.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you notice that the cake is browning too quickly, cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil.

9. Cooling and serving: After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. You can serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips:

- Beaten egg whites: Ensure that the bowl used for beating the egg whites is clean and dry, without any traces of fat or water.
- Nuts: If you wish, you can experiment with other types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for a different flavor.
- Variations: You can also add some raisins or chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor.
- Storing the cake: This cake keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for several days and may even taste better the next day.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This fluffy walnut cake recipe offers a sweet snack rich in protein and healthy fats due to the walnuts. Each serving can contain approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size of the slices and the amount of walnuts used. Walnuts are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of oil?
Yes, you can also use olive oil, but the flavor will be different. Sunflower oil is the most neutral and works best.

2. How can I make the cake moister?
You can add a bit of yogurt or sour cream to the mixture for a moister texture.

3. What can I do if I don't have cocoa?
You can omit the cocoa for a simple walnut cake or replace it with melted chocolate for an even more decadent taste.

Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this fluffy walnut cake will surely bring joy and flavor into your life. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea and savor every bite!