Orange and Walnut Cake

Orange and Walnut Cake - a delicious and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8

If you are looking for a quick dessert that combines the flavors of citrus with the crunchy texture of walnuts, the orange and walnut cake recipe is the perfect choice. This cake is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. It is ideal to be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, for breakfast or as a sweet snack throughout the day.

A bit of history

The cake is a classic dessert, popular in many cultures, with deep roots in culinary tradition. It is believed that the first cake recipes appeared in Europe as a way to preserve ingredients when they were available in larger quantities. Today, cakes are customized with various flavors, from chocolate to fruits, and are easily adapted to personal preferences. Our orange and walnut cake recipe is a modern reinterpretation of this classic dessert, bringing a touch of freshness and added texture.

Necessary ingredients

- 100 g butter
- 100 g yogurt
- 3 eggs
- 220 g flour
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 1 orange (zest and juice)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 60 g walnuts (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons coconut or poppy seeds
- 100 g sugar or powdered sugar

Ingredient tips

- Use high-quality butter for a richer and more flavorful cake.
- The yogurt adds moisture to the mixture, so choose a creamy one, preferably Greek, for a better texture.
- Walnuts can be lightly toasted before adding them to the mixture to enhance their flavor.
- You can also experiment with other types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to vary the texture and taste.

Step by step - Preparation guide

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation.

2. Beat the butter with the sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the butter with the sugar until you achieve a fluffy and light-colored mixture. This is an essential step, as the incorporated air will help the cake rise well.

3. Add the egg yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, continuing to mix. These will provide richness and flavor to the cake.

4. Beat the egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for giving the cake a light and airy texture.

5. Combine the ingredients: Gradually add the beaten egg whites to the yolk mixture, gently folding with a wooden spoon. It is important not to overmix, so as not to lose the air from the egg whites.

6. Flavor it: Next, add the zest and juice of the orange, honey, and a tablespoon of flour, mixing gently.

7. Add the dry ingredients: Incorporate the yogurt, the remaining flour, baking powder, and chopped walnuts. If desired, you can also add 2 teaspoons of coconut or poppy seeds. Mix gently to avoid developing the gluten in the flour.

8. Prepare the baking pan: Grease a loaf pan with oil and line it with parchment paper to facilitate the removal of the cake after baking.

9. Chocolate version: If you want to add a touch of chocolate, reserve a little batter and mix it with a teaspoon of cocoa. Place this mixture in the middle of the yellow batter in the pan for a swirl effect.

10. Baking: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the cake is nicely browned and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, it is done).

11. Cooling: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and suggestions

The orange and walnut cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a chocolate sauce. Another idea is to pair it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more sophisticated dessert.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can replace the orange with lemon or other citrus fruits. You can also add pieces of apples or pears to vary the flavor.

2. How can I store the cake? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, and for longer freshness, you can freeze it.

3. Can I make it gluten-free? You can use almond flour or a specially designed gluten-free flour blend for baking.

Nutritional benefits

This cake offers a balance between carbohydrates from flour and sugar, proteins from eggs and yogurt, as well as healthy fats from walnuts. The orange adds vitamin C and antioxidants, while the walnuts provide essential fatty acids, contributing to heart health.

Calories per serving: approximately 250 kcal (approximately, depending on the exact ingredients used)

Possible variations

- Add chopped dark chocolate for a decadent taste.
- Replace some of the flour with cocoa for a chocolate-flavored cake.
- Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a deeper flavor.

Every bite of this orange and walnut cake will transport you to a world of flavors and textures. By experimenting with ingredients and varying the recipe, you can create a personalized dessert that reflects your preferences. Don't wait any longer, gather the ingredients and enjoy this delight at home! Enjoy your meal!