If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug, this Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the rich, nutty crunch of walnuts with the sweet and spicy allure of cinnamon, this cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for afternoon tea or a comforting end to any meal. The texture is moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness balanced by the aromatic cinnamon and buttery crumb. Once you try this Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe are simple but essential, working together to create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Each one adds its magic, from the soft butter that ensures moisture to the crunchy walnuts that bring a satisfying bite and the cinnamon that infuses the cake with warmth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your cake, making it tender yet firm enough to hold its shape.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light crumb.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, key for a tender cake.
- 1 cup crushed walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements cinnamon perfectly.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and deepens the sweetness.
- 2 eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, fragrant touch.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise light and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice, infusing the cake with its signature warm and cozy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps meld the ingredients together smoothly.
How to Make Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready to bake the cake evenly from the start. Grease your cake pan so the cake won’t stick—this little step makes a big difference in the final texture and ease of serving.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your batter, ensuring your Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe will have a wonderfully tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps maintain the batter’s texture. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which lifts and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This keeps your cinnamon and leavening agents evenly distributed. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with the milk to maintain a smooth batter without overmixing.
Step 5: Fold in the Crushed Walnuts
Gently fold in the walnuts, evenly dispersing their crunch and nutty goodness throughout the batter. This step lets you keep those delightful chunks intact for texture contrast in every bite.
Step 6: Bake
Pour your batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is perfectly baked—moist but not underdone.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing or slicing. Cooling helps the cake set, making it easier to cut and enhancing its flavors as they meld.
How to Serve Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to elevate your Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe is with simple garnishes that add a touch of elegance and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar complements the warm cinnamon notes, while a few extra walnut halves on top add a rustic charm. For something more indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake is versatile enough to pair with various side treats. Serves amazingly well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast warm and cold sensations. Fresh berries or a cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or coffee will also complement the cake perfectly, making your snack or dessert time truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at your next gathering, try serving this Walnut Cinnamon Cake in individual ramekins topped with a pecan praline or cinnamon whipped cream. Another fun idea is to layer slices with mascarpone cheese and fresh fruit to create a quick, rustic trifle that looks as fabulous as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe fresh, store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s warmer or more humid, refrigerate to prevent spoilage, wrapping it well to avoid drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, keeping it safe from freezer burn. It will stay delicious for up to three months and be ready for a cozy treat anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, unwrap it and microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds, or warm it in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This helps revive its fresh-out-of-the-oven softness and brings those cinnamon aromas back to life.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can be great substitutes, offering their own unique crunch and flavor that pair beautifully with cinnamon.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to make it suitable for gluten intolerance.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, and plant-based milk. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.
How long does the cake last once baked?
When stored properly at room temperature, the cake stays fresh for about two days. Refrigerating will extend freshness up to five days but may affect the moistness slightly.
Can I add frosting to this cake?
Definitely! Cream cheese frosting or a simple cinnamon glaze enhances the Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe wonderfully without overpowering the natural flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe is such a heartwarming, delicious way to brighten any day. Its inviting aroma, lovely texture, and perfect balance of flavors will make it your go-to cake for cozy occasions. I hope you have as much fun making and eating this as I do sharing it with friends and family!
Print
Walnut Cinnamon Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Walnut Cinnamon Cake is a cozy, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring a tender crumb infused with warm cinnamon and crunchy walnuts, this easy-to-make cake balances sweetness and spice beautifully. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, it delivers a comforting homemade treat with every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Add-ins
- 1 cup crushed walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature by the time your batter is ready.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This will incorporate air and help the cake rise.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, homogenous batter.
- Mix in Vanilla: Stir the vanilla extract into the wet mixture to add flavor depth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the crushed walnuts, evenly distributing them throughout the batter to add texture and nutty flavor.
- Prepare Cake Pan and Pour Batter: Grease a cake pan to prevent sticking, then pour in the batter, smoothing the top with a spatula for even cooking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra moisture, you can add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
- Chop walnuts roughly for a crunchier texture or finely if you prefer a more subtle nutty presence.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for added sweetness.
