Spiced Walnut Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

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This Greek recipe for karidopita, aka spiced walnut cake, is one of the most classic Greek desserts. Serve it with ice cream for an extra special treat.

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Spiced Walnut Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

By Diane Kochilas

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Servings

Recipes, Sweets & Desserts

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Servings

Recipes, Sweets & Desserts

Ingredients

Syrup:

¾ cup sugar
½ cup Greek honey
1 cup water
4 whole cloves
1 tbsp lemon juice

Cake:

2 ½ cups finely ground walnuts
¾ cup plain dry bread crumbs
¼ cup sifted all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp grated orange zest
5 tbsp butter
¼ cup sugar
4 egg separated, plus 2 whites
¼ cup milk
Ground walnuts for garnish
Vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

Simmer syrup ingredients over medium heat for 5 minutes. Strain and cool.
Stir together walnuts, breadcrumbs, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and orange rind.
Beat butter and sugar at high speed until fluffy. Add 1 egg yolk at a time and beat after each addition. Beat in half the nut mixture and enough to keep the mixture moist.
Whip the egg whites to firm peaks. Fold egg whites and remaining nut mixture into batter. Pour into a buttered 25 cm (10-inch) springform pan. Bake in preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes, or until set.
Remove pan from oven and place on a wire rack. Pour the cool syrup over the hot cake, cover it with a cloth and let it cool in pan.
Cut into diamonds or wedges, garnish with additional walnuts and serve with vanilla ice cream.

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Diane’s Greek Single-origin Artisanal Foods

Visit my online shop for a wide selection of Greek single-origin artisanal foods, from honeys to wild herbs, olives, olive oils, pistachios, heirloom grain products, fruit preserves and more.

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Diane Kochilas is one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, the award-winning 13-episode per season cooking-travel show about Greece that airs nationally on Public Television. The series is in its third season.

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Spiced Walnut Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream