Walnut cake with orange flavor

Walnut and Orange Aroma Cake: A Sweet Delight

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 10-12

If you’re looking for a quick, easy-to-make dessert with a unique flavor, the walnut and orange aroma cake is the perfect choice! This recipe combines a fluffy texture with the intense flavors of walnuts and oranges, creating a dessert that will delight family and friends. Plus, the cake is versatile, suitable for both festive occasions and everyday snacks.

A Brief History of Cake
Cake has a long history, being a popular dessert in many cultures. Our version with walnuts and oranges is inspired by the tradition of using available ingredients and transforming them into delicious treats. Walnuts add a crunchy texture, while the orange aroma brings a touch of freshness.

Ingredients
- 500 g flour
- 150 ml milk
- 150 ml oil
- 3 eggs
- 50 g melted butter
- 250 g sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 100 g ground walnuts
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet natural orange flavor (or the grated zest of one orange)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Step by Step to a Perfect Cake

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure they are at room temperature, especially the eggs and milk, for better mixing.

2. Beating the Egg Whites
In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until frothy. When they start to form soft peaks, gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix. Beat until the egg whites are firm and glossy, forming stiff peaks.

3. Adding the Egg Yolks
Gently fold the egg yolks into the egg whites using a spatula or wooden spoon. This will help maintain the air in the mixture, ensuring a fluffy texture.

4. Incorporating the Liquid Ingredients
Add the oil, melted butter, and milk, mixing gently after each addition. The orange flavor is the next ingredient that will enhance the taste. Whether you choose to use store-bought flavoring or grated orange zest, mix well.

5. Incorporating the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour together with the baking powder to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid deflating the batter. Finally, fold in the ground walnuts for added texture.

6. Preparing the Cocoa Mixture
Divide the batter into two equal parts. In one part, add the cocoa powder and mix well. This step will create a beautiful marbled effect in the cake.

7. Forming the Cake
Prepare a baking pan. If you are not using a silicone pan, grease it with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Using a spoon, alternate pouring portions of each batter into the pan, creating layers.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 160°C (low heat). Place the pan in the oven and let the cake bake for about 60 minutes. Check for doneness using the toothpick method: if the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready.

9. Cooling and Decorating
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant and appealing look.

Practical Tips
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract along with the orange flavor.
- Chocolate Variation: Replace some of the flour with cocoa powder for a more chocolatey cake.
- Serving: The cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of citrus tea or coffee, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also offers benefits. Walnuts are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, while oranges provide vitamin C, which is important for the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute walnuts with something else? Yes, you can use almonds, hazelnuts, or even dried fruits, depending on your preferences.
- How can I keep the cake fresh for longer? I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature.

The walnut and orange aroma cake is not just a simple recipe, but also an opportunity to bring a little magic into your kitchen. I wish you great success and hope you enjoy every slice!