Walnut cake is a classic dessert that blends the richness of nuts with the lightness of cake, creating a delicate, flavorful result that’s ideal for both casual occasions and formal gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or simply want to treat yourself to something refined, this walnut cake recipe delivers a perfect balance of elegance and taste.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a moist walnut cake from scratch, how to highlight the flavor of walnuts without overpowering the cake, and optional frosting and presentation tips that will turn this simple dessert into a showstopper.
Why Walnut Cake?
Walnuts have a warm, earthy flavor and a slightly bitter edge that pairs beautifully with sweet, buttery cake batter. They also provide a subtle crunch and bring added nutrition in the form of omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Key advantages of walnut cake:
- Moist and lightly textured
- Elegant and understated
- Pairs well with coffee, cream, and chocolate
- Easily customizable with spices or fruit
- Beautifully versatile: simple or dressed up
Ingredients for Classic Walnut Cake
This recipe makes one 9-inch (23 cm) round cake, or a 9×5 loaf if you prefer slices. Serves 8–10.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
Walnuts:
- 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts (lightly toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing with the walnuts)
Optional Frosting:
- Cream cheese frosting
- Coffee glaze
- Simple dusting of powdered sugar
- Chocolate ganache
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Toast the Walnuts (Optional but Recommended)
Spread chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes. Let them cool, then toss with 1 tablespoon flour (this prevents them from sinking in the batter).
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes until creamy and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
6. Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with yogurt and milk. Mix just until the batter is smooth and combined. Do not overmix.
7. Fold in the Walnuts
Gently fold the chopped walnuts into the batter with a spatula.
8. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Frosting & Finishes
Cream Cheese Frosting (Recommended)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese
- ¼ cup (60g) butter
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat together until smooth. Spread over the cooled cake. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts.
Coffee Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee
- Mix until smooth and drizzle over the cake
Chocolate Ganache
Perfect for a bolder flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio of cream and chocolate.
No Frosting? No Problem
Simply dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Store unfrosted cake in an airtight container for 2–3 days
- Refrigerator: Frosted cake lasts up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving
- Freezer: Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
Serving Suggestions
Walnut cake pairs well with:
- Coffee or espresso
- Whipped cream and berries
- A drizzle of honey
- Caramel sauce
- A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream
Perfect for:
- Afternoon tea
- Elegant dinner desserts
- Holiday brunch
- Giftable loaf cakes
- Fall-themed menus
Creative Variations
Spiced Walnut Cake
Add ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for a cozy, autumnal feel.
Apple-Walnut Cake
Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped apples with the walnuts for texture and freshness.
Banana Walnut Cake
Use mashed bananas in place of yogurt for a banana bread twist.
Gluten-Free Walnut Cake
Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is GF-certified.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Walnuts Sinking?
Always toss them in a bit of flour before folding into the batter.
Dense Texture?
Don’t overmix after adding flour. Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation.
Dry Cake?
Overbaking is the main culprit. Use a timer and toothpick test.
Final Thoughts: A Cake That’s Simple Yet Sophisticated
Walnut cake is proof that elegance doesn’t need to be complicated. With minimal effort and a few pantry staples, you can create a cake that’s rich in flavor, perfectly moist, and ideal for nearly any occasion.
Dress it up with frosting or keep it rustic — either way, you’ll have a dessert that’s memorable, satisfying, and full of character. And with so many ways to customize it, this walnut cake recipe is sure to become one of your signature bakes.