Hungarian Walnut Cake Recipe

ByEmily Cake, International Cuisine
Hungarian Walnut Cake Recipe

This Hungarian walnut cake is a treasured pastry that has been winning hearts around the world for over two decades. With its tender, buttery layers embracing a rich walnut filling sweetened with apricot jam, this traditional cake delivers an unforgettable combination of textures and flavors. The golden, flaky crust gives way to a moist, nutty interior that makes every bite absolutely divine. Perfect for special occasions or weekend baking, this cake is surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients

For the Walnut Filling:

  • 200 g (7 oz / 2 cups) walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 100 g (3.5 oz / ½ cup) granulated sugar
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2-3 tablespoons apricot jam

For the Dough:

  • 150 g (5.3 oz / ⅔ cup) butter, melted
  • 100 g (3.5 oz / ¾ cup) powdered sugar
  • 1 egg yolk (plus 1 extra for brushing)
  • 8 g (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar
  • 100 g (3.5 oz / ⅓ cup) sour cream or yogurt, at room temperature
  • 350-380 g (12-13.5 oz / 2¾-3 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 10 g (2 teaspoons) baking powder

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Walnut Filling Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool completely. Chop the toasted walnuts into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts with sugar, egg whites, and apricot jam. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with powdered sugar and stir until smooth. Add the egg yolk, vanilla sugar, and room temperature sour cream or yogurt. Mix well until the mixture is creamy and uniform.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously. Continue adding flour until you achieve a soft, pliable dough that doesn’t stick to your hands but remains tender.

Step 4: Chill the Dough Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This resting period makes the dough easier to roll and handle.

Step 5: Divide and Roll Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into 3 portions. Make one portion slightly larger than the other two. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the largest portion to fit a 22 cm (8.5 inch) round cake pan or springform mold. Dust the rolled dough lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 6: First Layer Place the first rolled dough portion into the prepared pan, pressing it gently against the bottom and sides. Spread half of the walnut filling evenly over this base layer.

Step 7: Second Layer Roll out the second portion of dough to the same size. Carefully place it over the walnut filling. Press the edges together with the bottom layer to seal them, creating a pocket for the filling.

Step 8: Final Layer Spread the remaining walnut filling over the second dough layer. Roll out the third and final portion of dough and place it on top. Press all the edges together firmly to seal the cake completely, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking.

Step 9: Finishing Touches Beat the remaining egg yolk with a teaspoon of water. Brush this egg wash generously over the top of the cake for a beautiful golden finish. Using a fork or knife, create a decorative pattern on the surface by drawing lines or a crosshatch design.

Step 10: Bake Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden brown and the cake is cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the mold before unmolding and slicing.

Time and Serving

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 380 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g

Why This Hungarian Walnut Cake is Good for You

This traditional Hungarian cake offers more than just incredible taste. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant-based protein, which support heart health and brain function. The moderate use of natural ingredients like sour cream provides calcium and probiotics for digestive health. While this is definitely an indulgent treat, the combination of nuts and whole ingredients makes it more nutritious than many commercial pastries. The egg yolks and dairy contribute essential vitamins A, D, and B12. Enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, this cake can be a wholesome dessert choice that brings both pleasure and nutritional benefits to your table.