Chocolate Walnut Cake

This rich and moist Chocolate Walnut Cake is perfect for chocolate lovers who appreciate a touch of crunch. The cake combines the deep flavors of cocoa with the earthy, slightly bitter notes of walnuts, creating a balanced dessert that feels luxurious yet comforting. The ground walnuts add a delightful texture to the cake, while the chopped walnut pieces offer a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you’re serving it with a dusting of powdered sugar or topping it with a smooth chocolate ganache, this cake makes a wonderful treat for gatherings, celebrations, or a cozy evening at home.

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) hot water
  • 1 cup (120g) finely ground walnuts
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts
• For the Ganache (optional):
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 8 oz (225g) dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the finely ground walnuts and mix until combined.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Add the hot water slowly, mixing until the batter is smooth. The batter will be quite thin.
5. Add Chopped Walnuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts gently.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Ganache (optional): Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled cake.
8. Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled and the ganache is set, slice and serve. Garnish with additional walnut pieces if desired.

This Chocolate Walnut Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Enjoy!