Walnut Cake from the Sheet

Walnut cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavor of walnuts with a light and airy cake base. This cake is not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual afternoon teas.

Why Make This Recipe

If you love the nutty flavor of walnuts and want to impress your friends and family with a homemade treat, this walnut cake is for you. It is simple to prepare, and the sheet format means you can bake and serve a large number of pieces with ease. Plus, the added chocolate coating takes this cake to the next level of deliciousness.

How to Make Walnut Cake

Ingredients:

300 g Walnuts
5 Eggs (size M)
250 g Soft Butter
250 g Sugar
2 Pinches of Salt
220 g All-purpose Flour
3 tsp Baking Powder
200 g Dark Chocolate Coating
3 tbsp Neutral Cooking Oil (e.g., sunflower oil)
50 g Walnut Halves
Some Butter (for greasing the baking sheet)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens). Grease a baking sheet (approx. 38 x 45 cm) and optionally line it with parchment paper. Grind the walnuts in a food processor and set aside 3 egg whites.
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, 150 g sugar, and salt with a hand mixer on high speed for about 2 minutes until creamy. Then, add the 3 egg yolks and mix well. Incorporate the 2 whole eggs and continue mixing.
In another bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Alternately stir this mixture and the ground walnuts into the butter mixture. Whip the reserved egg whites with the remaining 100 g sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter. Spread the walnut batter evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Allow the walnut cake to cool on the baking sheet.
For the coating, roughly chop the chocolate and melt it in a bowl over a hot water bath. Stir in the oil. Pour the chocolate coating over the surface of the cake and spread it with a spatula or brush.
Decorate the cake with walnut halves, let it set, and then it is ready to serve. This quick walnut cake on the baking sheet yields about 20 pieces and can be stored airtight at room temperature for at least 3 days.

How to Serve Walnut Cake

Slice the cake into pieces and serve it on a nice plate. It goes well with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also enjoy it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

How to Store Walnut Cake

Store any leftover walnut cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the slices. Just wrap them tightly and place them in the freezer.

Tips to Make Walnut Cake

Make sure to grind the walnuts finely for a smoother texture in the cake.
Whipping the egg whites separately helps create a light and fluffy cake.
Use good quality dark chocolate for the coating to enhance the flavor.

Variation

You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or hazelnuts for a different twist. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also give the cake a warm flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, you can use other types of flour, but all-purpose flour gives the best results for this recipe.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container until you are ready to serve.

Can I add frosting instead of chocolate coating?

Yes, you can use a buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting if you prefer that over a chocolate coating. Just let the cake cool completely before applying the frosting.