Soft Italian Walnut Cake

Italian walnut cake is a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert that will win you over with its rich, nutty flavor and soft, moist texture.This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you want a cozy breakfast treat, a delightful afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert to share with family and friends.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 200 g granulated sugar (- 1 cup)
• 100 g butter (- 7 tablespoons)
• 40 ml espresso coffee (- 2 1/2 tablespoons)
• 100 ml milk (- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon)
• 150 g walnuts (- 5 oz, chopped + extra for garnish)
• 250 g "00" flour (- 1 2/3 cups)
• 16 g baking powder (- 4 teaspoons)
• powdered sugar (- for decoration)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1separate: In two separate bowls, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites.
2. 2beat: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Set them aside.
3. 3beat: In a large mixing bowl, add the egg yolks and sugar, then beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. 4add: Gradually add the softened butter, milk, and coffee while continuing to mix.
5. 5add: Slowly incorporate the flour, a little at a time, until fully combined. Once the batter is smooth, add the baking powder and mix for a few more seconds.
6. 6chop: Put the shelled walnuts in a plastic food bag and chop them into small pieces with a meat pounder. You can also use a chopper if you like. I preferred to crush them by hand to get bigger pieces in the cake.
7. 7add: Now, add the chopped walnuts and gently fold them into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure they are evenly distributed.
8. 8add: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, adding them in small amounts at a time. Use a gentle folding motion from the bottom to the top to maintain the airy texture of the mixture.
9. 9Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) for a conventional oven or 340°F (170°C) for a fan-assisted oven.
10. 10pour: Line the bottom of a 22 cm (9 inch) springform pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
11. 11Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before removing it from the pan.
12. 12dust: Once the cake has cooled, transfer it to a serving plate and generously dust the surface with powdered sugar.
13. 13Decorate with walnut halves or pieces for a beautiful finishing touch. Your Soft Walnut Cake is now ready! Moist, fluffy, and full of nutty flavor—perfect for any occasion! Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.