Honey-Soaked Walnut Cake
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Description: Indulge in the delightful flavors of a simple yet enchanting cake, delicately infused with the earthy richness of chopped walnuts and the zesty essence of orange rind. This moist delicacy is luxuriously soaked in a luscious syrup crafted from the golden sweetness of honey and the aromatic notes of orange liqueur, presenting a quintessential Greek dessert tradition, often savored during the festive season of Christmas. Please note that the prep time excludes a crucial 3-hour resting period before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the syrup to infuse the cake thoroughly.
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Fruit, Nuts, Greek, European, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 404.9
- Fat Content: 22.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 11.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 96.2mg
- Sodium Content: 90.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 46.7g
- Fiber Content: 1.2g
- Sugar Content: 29.6g
- Protein Content: 5.9g
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Sugar | 3 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Walnuts | 2 cups |
| Plain Yogurt | 1 1/4 cups |
| Orange Liqueur | 1/4 cup |
| Orange Rind | From 1 orange |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey and water, and gently heat over medium heat until the honey dissolves completely.
- Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the syrup to thicken slightly.
- Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fragrant orange liqueur, infusing the syrup with its delightful essence.
-
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature for baking this delectable treat.
- Brush a 9-inch tube pan generously with melted butter, ensuring every crevice is coated, then dust the pan lightly with flour, tapping out any excess. Set the prepared pan aside for later use.
-
Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs vigorously until they become light and airy, achieving a fluffy texture.
- Gradually add in the sugar, melted butter (reserving some for greasing the pan), and the finely grated orange rind, continuing to mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture turns creamy and pale.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and the finely ground walnuts, creating a harmonious blend of dry ingredients.
-
Combine and Bake:
- Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the egg and sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully combined but taking care not to overmix.
- Fold in the plain yogurt, gently incorporating it into the batter until a smooth and homogeneous mixture is achieved.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the cake is perfectly baked and ready to be enjoyed.
-
Final Touches:
- Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, allowing it to set and firm up slightly.
- Using a toothpick or skewer, gently poke holes into the surface of the cake, creating pathways for the delectable syrup to permeate and infuse every bite with its irresistible sweetness.
- Spoon the cooled syrup generously over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the crevices and saturate the sponge thoroughly.
- To enhance the flavors and ensure optimal absorption, let the cake stand for at least 3 hours before serving, allowing the syrup to imbue every slice with its indulgent essence.
Indulge in the Divine Delight:
Garnish your honey-soaked walnut cake with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch, adding visual appeal and a delightful contrast of textures. Slice and serve this decadent treat alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream, elevating each bite to new heights of culinary bliss. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dessert after a hearty meal or shared with loved ones during festive gatherings, this exquisite Greek delicacy is sure to captivate hearts and palates alike, leaving a lingering impression of warmth and sweetness long after the last crumb has been savored. 🍰✨
