Chocolate and Walnut Cake Recipe
Category: Desserts
Serves: 10
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 125g |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Sugar | 120g |
| Dark Chocolate | 180g |
| Walnut Kernels | 100g |
| Cornstarch (Maizena) | 40g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 60g |
| Baking Powder | 16g |
| Cointreau (orange liqueur) | 15g |
| Orange Zest | 1 |
| Dark Chocolate (for ganache) | 250g |
| Heavy Cream (Liquid Whipping Cream) | 125g |
| Walnut Kernels (for garnish) | 30g |
Instructions
To create this rich and decadent Chocolate and Walnut Cake, we start by preparing the base and then finishing it with a luscious ganache topping. Here’s how to make it step by step:
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Melt the Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into pieces and melt it gently. You can do this by placing it in a heatproof bowl and setting it over a pot of simmering water, or by microwaving it in short bursts, stirring each time. Once melted, set the chocolate aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Walnuts: While the chocolate is cooling, place the walnut kernels in a food processor and pulse them until they are finely ground. This will help incorporate them smoothly into the cake batter.
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Grate the Orange Zest: Wash the orange thoroughly and grate the zest. Set this aside for later, as it will add a fresh citrus flavor to the cake.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together. Start on a low speed and gradually increase to medium, mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture.
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Add the Eggs: One by one, add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Be sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. This helps the batter stay smooth and avoids curdling.
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Add Orange Zest and Dry Ingredients: Once all the eggs are incorporated, add the grated orange zest. Then, sift the cornstarch (maizena), all-purpose flour, and baking powder together and gently fold them into the batter using a spatula or whisk. Mixing gently ensures the cake remains fluffy.
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Incorporate the Melted Chocolate: Once the melted chocolate has cooled slightly, pour it into the batter and stir to combine. The chocolate will add a rich, deep flavor to the cake.
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Fold in the Ground Walnuts: Add the finely ground walnuts to the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will provide a pleasant texture and nutty flavor in each bite.
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Bake the Cake: Line a 22 cm round cake pan with parchment paper and pour the batter into it. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes if using a conventional oven, or 160°C (320°F) for 30 minutes in a fan-forced oven. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important before adding the ganache.
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Prepare the Ganache: While the cake is cooling, prepare the ganache. Finely chop the remaining dark chocolate. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it almost reaches boiling point (you should see small bubbles forming at the edges). Remove from heat and pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
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Whip the Ganache: Once the ganache has cooled slightly, place the bowl over a larger bowl of ice to cool it further. Using an electric hand mixer, whip the ganache for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens and becomes light and fluffy.
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Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely and the ganache has reached the right consistency, spread the ganache generously over the top of the cake using a spatula. Smooth the ganache over the entire surface, making sure it covers every part of the cake.
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Garnish with Walnuts: Finally, roughly chop the remaining walnut kernels and sprinkle them over the top of the cake for a crunchy, nutty garnish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into 10 pieces and serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious dessert experience.
This rich, fudgy chocolate and walnut cake is perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat. The combination of melted dark chocolate, ground walnuts, and the bright note of orange zest creates a dessert that is both indulgent and balanced in flavor. The velvety ganache topping adds an extra layer of luxury, making it a perfect showstopper for any gathering. Enjoy every bite!
