Black Walnut Cake

Black Walnut Cake is a timeless dessert, beloved for its rich, earthy flavor and hearty texture. This recipe brings out the best of black walnuts, transforming them into a cake that's perfect for any occasion.
category
Recipe
Author
Foraged
date
12.25.23
read time
1 minutes

Overview:

Prep Time
20 minutes
Active Time
60 minutes
Total Time
80 minutes
Cost
15
Calories
450
Course
Dessert
Keyword
Black Walnut Cake, Black Walnut Cake Recipe
Cuisine
American
Yields
12

INGREDIENTS:

Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped black walnuts
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk

INGREDIENTS:

Frosting
Frosting Ingredients
- 1-3/4 cups sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

Step 1 - Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-in. tube pan. 

Step 2 - Prepare Walnuts

Toss walnuts with 1/4 cup flour and set aside.

Step 3 - Beat Butter and Sugar

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 4 - Add Baking Powder, Salt, Flour and Milk

Combine baking powder, salt, and remaining flour; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk. Stir in the walnut mixture.

Step 5 - Bake Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6 - Frosting

Combine sugar, egg whites, water, and cream of tartar in a saucepan. Beat over low heat until it reaches 160°F, about 9 minutes. Pour into a mixer, add vanilla, and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over the cake and top with additional walnuts if desired.

Where Can I Buy Black Walnuts?

Great question – check out our marketplace where you can buy black walnuts directly from foragers and cultivators.

What are Black Walnuts?

Black walnuts, scientifically known as Juglans nigra, are a type of wild walnut commonly found in North America. They are part of the Juglandaceae family and are known for their hard shells and distinct flavor​​.

What do Black Walnuts Taste Like?

Black walnuts are renowned for their strong, earthy flavor which is much more intense than the mild taste of English walnuts. Their unique scent and robust aroma make them a highly prized ingredient in cooking, especially in baked goods like cakes and bread, or as a topping for dishes like granola and yogurt​​.

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