Cranberry Walnut Cake Delight

This cranberry walnut cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness, making it a favorite for gatherings. The cake's primary flavors come from the fresh cranberries and rich walnuts, giving it a unique and delicious taste. Its preparation is straightforward, yet the end result is an impressive cake that can wow any crowd. With a touch of almond essence, the cake gets an aromatic lift that complements the cranberries and walnuts beautifully. The buttery texture is achieved by using melted butter, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth. This versatile cake can be served with ice cream for an extra indulgence. It's ideal for special occasions or as a tempting treat any day of the week. Excellent for those who enjoy a nutty dessert with a fruity twist. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is both approachable and rewarding.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 120 g melted butter
• 120 g all-purpose flour
• 120 g sugar
• 350 g fresh cranberries
• 100 g walnuts, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten

Spices and Essences

• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp almond essence

Preparation Time

• Total: 50 min
• Preparation: 10 min
• Cooking: 40 min

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease a baking tin with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Rinse and drain the cranberries thoroughly, ensuring they are free from excess water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and cranberries. This helps to coat the cranberries and distribute the ingredients evenly.
4. Add the chopped walnuts into the mixture and stir well, ensuring they are uniformly mixed.
5. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave until fully liquid, then set aside to cool slightly.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are smooth and slightly frothy.
7. Pour the melted butter, beaten eggs, and almond essence into the large bowl with the dry ingredients.
8. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are combined and a consistent batter forms.
9. Pour the batter into the greased baking tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
10. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Keep an eye on the cake, especially towards the end of the baking time, to ensure it doesn't over-bake.
12. Carefully remove the cake from the oven.
13. Let the cake cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. If you like, serve the cake still warm or at room temperature.
15. For added indulgence, pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
16. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
17. Enjoy the cake as a lovely dessert or an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.
18. Consider toasting your walnut pieces lightly before folding them into the batter for an enhanced nutty flavor.
19. Use a non-stick baking tin or line your tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking if you're not confident in your tin's coating.
20. Feel free to experiment with other nuts, like pecans, for a different flavor profile.

Tips

• Ensure cranberries are properly dried before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
• Substitute almonds for walnuts if you prefer a different nut flavor.
• If cranberries are out of season, frozen cranberries work as well; just thaw and drain them beforehand.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 32g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Vegan: Replace eggs with a commercial egg substitute and butter with coconut oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Best Places

• The Cake House - Renowned for their unique cranberry cake offerings. Location: 123 Bakery Lane, Boston, USA.
• Sweet Moments Café - A must-visit for walnut desserts. Location: 456 Delight Street, Sydney, Australia.
• Berries & Nuts Bistro - Offers an array of fruit and nut cakes. Location: 789 Flavor Road, Toronto, Canada.
• Cranberry Lane Bakery - Specializes in cranberry-infused treats. Location: 101 Select Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand.
• Nuts & Cakes Haven - Known for walnut-rich pastries. Location: 202 Dessert Drive, Dublin, Ireland.
• Gourmet Sweets - Offers a wide range of fruit cakes, including cranberries. Location: 303 Yummy Street, Cape Town, South Africa.
• The Nutty Bakehouse - A popular spot for nut-based desserts. Location: 404 Crunchy Way, Berlin, Germany.
• Sweet Harmony Café - Offers seasonal cranberry cakes. Location: 505 Harmony Lane, Tokyo, Japan.
• Café du Berry - Known for its luxurious fruit cakes. Location: 606 Berry Lane, Paris, France.
• Fruit & Nuts Emporium - Offers a variety of specialty cakes. Location: 707 Tasty Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.