Walnut Spice Cake

This delightful walnut spice cake is a treat for those who love rich flavors and a moist texture. The cake combines the earthy tones of walnuts with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, creating an aromatic masterpiece. Sweetened naturally with honey and balanced by the tang of yogurt, this cake is perfect for any occasion. The addition of rose liqueur or rum gives it a unique twist, while the walnut topping adds a pleasing crunch. The process of preparing this cake is straightforward, and the result is a beautiful dessert that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Its subtle sweetness makes it an ideal pairing with a cup of tea or coffee. What's more, you can adjust the spice levels to suit your palate, making it a versatile recipe. Whether you serve it at home, take it to a gathering, or give it as a gift, this walnut spice cake is sure to impress everyone who tries it.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 100 g ground walnuts
• 200 g soft butter
• 100 g honey
• 4 eggs
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
• 150 g all-purpose flour
• 150 g whole wheat flour
• 1 packet baking powder
• 1 tbsp rose liqueur or rum
• 150 g yogurt

Spices:

• 2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp clove powder
• Pinch of nutmeg, ginger, and allspice powder
• 1 pinch of salt

For the Glaze:

• 100 g powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp rose liqueur or rum
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 100 g coarsely chopped walnuts

Preparation Time

55 minutes, including preparation and baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. In a mixing bowl, whip the soft butter, honey, and eggs using a hand mixer until the mixture turns light and fluffy.
3. Add in the ground walnuts, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, clove powder, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and salt to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and baking powder.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, a spoonful at a time, alternating with the rose liqueur or rum and yogurt. Make sure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
6. Grease a cake mold with some butter or oil.
7. Pour the prepared batter into the greased mold, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F) and bake the cake for about 30 minutes.
9. Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
10. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, rose liqueur or rum, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
12. Once the cake has cooled, spread the glaze evenly over the top using a spatula or a brush.
13. Immediately sprinkle the coarsely chopped walnuts over the glazed surface of the cake.
14. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving the cake.
15. This cake pairs beautifully with afternoon tea or coffee.
16. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the cake moist.
17. For variations, try substituting the rose liqueur with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
18. The recipe can also be adapted for muffins by dividing the batter into muffin tins and reducing the baking time.
19. Enjoy your homemade walnut spice cake with friends and family!

Tips

• If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the honey by 20-30 grams.
• For a gluten-free version, use almond or coconut flour instead of wheat flour.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
• If rose liqueur isn't available, experiment with other flavored liqueurs like amaretto or almond extract.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 350 per slice
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 35g

Variations

• Try adding a chocolate glaze instead of the lemon glaze for those who love chocolate.
• For a fruitier twist, include some chopped dried fruits like raisins or apricots in the batter.
• For a nut-free version, replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Pair with a cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, to enhance the cake's spicy flavor.
• Add a sprig of mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar as a simple garnish.

Best Places

• Ladurée - Famous for its pastries and elegant atmosphere. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
• Café Central - A historic venue with traditional Viennese coffee and cake service. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Offers a wide variety of classic Italian pastries. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, Milan, Italy.
• Café Savoy - Known for its grand interior and traditional Czech desserts. Location: Vítězná 124/5, Prague, Czech Republic.
• The Connaught Patisserie - Elegant pastries in the heart of London. Location: Carlos Pl, Mayfair, London, UK.
• Tiffany’s Blue Box Café - Iconic for its luxurious brunch menu. Location: 727 5th Ave, New York, USA.
• Café de Flore - A Parisian classic with a rich history. Location: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
• Demel - A royal patisserie with rich history and exquisite cakes. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Pierre Hermé - Renowned for its inventive pastry creations. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Angelina - Famous for hot chocolate and Mont Blanc dessert. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.