Recipe: Karithopita (Greek Walnut Cake) 🍰🇬🇷
Description: Karithopita, a traditional Greek dessert, is a delightful walnut cake that embodies the rich flavors of Greece. This recipe, passed down from generations, promises a moist and indulgent treat, perfectly balanced with the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of walnuts. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight indulgence, this Karithopita recipe will surely become a favorite in your repertoire.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cake
Yield: Multiple squares or diamonds
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Eggs |
| 1/4 | Cup butter |
| 4 | Cups flour |
| 1 1/2 | Teaspoons baking powder |
| 4 | Teaspoons cinnamon |
| 1 | Teaspoon salt |
| 1 | Cup walnuts, ground |
| 1 | Cup sugar |
| 2 | Cups water |
| 1 1/2 | Cinnamon bark |
| 1 | Fresh lemon juice |
| 1 | Cup brandy |
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×12 inch cake pan by greasing it with butter.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Incorporate Eggs: Add the egg yolks to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well until fully incorporated.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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Beat Egg Whites: In another clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
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Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the butter-sugar mixture. Gradually add about one-third of the beaten egg whites, folding gently to incorporate.
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Add Walnuts: Fold in the ground walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
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Incorporate Remaining Egg Whites: Carefully fold in the remaining beaten egg whites using a metal spoon, ensuring thorough mixing without deflating the batter.
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Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Prepare Syrup: While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in water. Add cinnamon bark and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 10 minutes.
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Add Brandy: Remove the syrup from heat and discard the cinnamon bark. Stir in the brandy and allow the syrup to cool.
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Pour Syrup: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot cake, ensuring even coverage.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut the cake into squares or diamonds.
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Serve: Serve the Karithopita slices with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Enjoy your delightful Karithopita Walnut Cake, embracing the flavors of Greece with every bite! 🇬🇷🍰
