Baking is more than just a way to make delicious treats—it’s an act of creativity, relaxation, and sharing. Whether you’re baking for your family or just for yourself, this simple yet incredibly flavorful cake recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. With ground walnuts for a nutty twist and a buttery, crunchy topping, this cake is bound to impress. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it the perfect everyday dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- Pinch of salt
- 200 g (1 cup) sugar
- 100 g (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) yogurt
- 150 ml (⅔ cup) sunflower oil
- 300 g (2 ½ cups) flour
- 10 g (1 packet) baking powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 150 g (1 ½ cups) ground walnuts
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp (16 g) flour
- 2 tbsp (30 g) sugar
- 30 g (2 tbsp) cold butter
- 50 g (½ cup) ground walnuts
Step-by-Step Method of Preparation
1. Preparing the Batter
Begin by prepping your batter, which is the heart of this moist and fluffy cake.
- Beat the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack in the 3 eggs and add a pinch of salt. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the eggs until they become foamy and pale in color, which will help create a light, airy texture in your cake.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add 200 g of sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture turns light and fluffy. The sugar will dissolve and give the batter a glossy appearance.
- Incorporate Yogurt and Oil: Gently stir in 100 g of yogurt and 150 ml of sunflower oil. These ingredients add moisture to the cake, ensuring a tender crumb. Add ½ tsp of vanilla extract to infuse a subtle hint of sweetness.
- Add Flour and Baking Powder: Sift together 300 g of flour and 10 g of baking powder to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution. Slowly fold this into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.
- Fold in Ground Walnuts: Finally, fold in 150 g of ground walnuts. The walnuts add a rich, nutty flavor and a pleasant texture that complements the cake’s moist crumb.
2. Preparing the Topping
The buttery walnut topping adds a delicious crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
- Mix Flour and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of sugar. This forms the base of the crumbly topping.
- Cut in Cold Butter: Add 30 g of cold butter, cut into small cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it becomes coarse and crumbly, resembling small peas.
- Add Ground Walnuts: Stir in 50 g of ground walnuts to add extra crunch and flavor to the topping.
3. Baking the Cake
Now that both the batter and topping are prepared, it’s time to bake the cake.
- Grease the Pan: Lightly grease a baking dish (an 8×8 inch pan works well) with butter or oil to prevent sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the walnut topping evenly over the batter. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a consistent crunchy layer across each slice.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the cake in the center of the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, with the edges crisp and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
4. Serving and Enjoying
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing. The cake can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The richness of the cake combined with the creamy topping makes for an irresistible dessert.
This cake also stores beautifully. You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw as needed—perfect for enjoying a sweet treat any day of the week.
Why Bake Every Day?
Baking isn’t just about the final product—it’s a wonderful way to nourish the soul and bring joy to those around you. Here’s why making time for baking in your daily routine is so rewarding:
1. Stress Relief
There’s something incredibly soothing about mixing ingredients together and watching them transform in the oven. The simple, repetitive motions involved in baking help to clear the mind and reduce stress. It’s a calming, therapeutic activity that allows you to focus on the present moment.
2. A Creative Outlet
Baking offers endless opportunities to experiment and be creative. You can tweak recipes, add your own flavor combinations, and even invent new desserts. This creative freedom keeps the baking process exciting and engaging.
3. Bonding with Loved Ones
Baking is an excellent way to bring people together. Whether you’re baking with your kids, a partner, or friends, it offers a shared activity that fosters connection and teamwork. Plus, everyone gets to enjoy the results together!
4. Sense of Accomplishment
There’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment you feel when you pull a beautifully baked treat out of the oven. It’s a tangible, delicious reward for your efforts, and sharing your homemade creations with others only enhances that feeling.
5. Control Over Ingredients
When you bake at home, you have full control over what goes into your desserts. You can use wholesome, high-quality ingredients and adjust the sweetness or fat content to suit your preferences. This is especially important if you’re mindful of what you eat or if you have dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 16 g
With this simple and delicious recipe, baking can be part of your everyday routine. Not only will you enjoy delicious homemade treats, but you’ll also benefit from the sense of accomplishment and joy that comes from creating something with your own hands. Happy baking!
