Black walnut cake is a rich, decadent dessert prepared with black walnuts. The recipe can vary widely, though old fashioned black walnut cake recipes are generally spicy. The cake may be prepared as a loaf, a ringed bundt cake, or any other shape the cook prefers.
Prior to being used in a cake, black walnuts should first be chopped. They may be purchased chopped if preferred, or the cook can chop the nuts in the kitchen. Most chefs warn not to use English walnuts. Black walnuts must be used to create the signature flavor of this cake.
Cinnamon and cloves are used in old fashioned black walnut cake. Allspice is another common ingredient used to flavor the spicy cake. In addition to typical cake ingredients, such as flour and eggs, prunes are sometimes used in walnut cake recipes. More modern recipes may instead call for brown sugar and vanilla extract instead of the older spice ingredients. Some Midwestern recipes in the United States even call for smashed bananas. The
The cake is prepared similarly to most cakes. Its ingredients are mixed, then emptied into a baking dish. The order in which the ingredients are combined usually varies according to the specific recipe, and should be closely followed in order to create the most optimal dessert. The cake batter is then cooked in an oven per the amount of time called for in the recipe.
Once complete, the cake should then be allowed to cool before being frosted. Homemade frosting, made with sugar and heavy cream or any other frosting ingredients preferred, can be applied, though icing purchased from a store can be used as well. Many cooks adorn their black walnut cake with more walnuts as a garnish. Crushed nuts can line the entire sides of the cake to create a crunchy texture and elegant appearance.
Walnut cake can be layered if desired. The cake can be prepared as thin sections in round pans. Any preferred icing can be mixed with chopped walnuts and spread in between the layers to keep the cake together, as well as to add texture and flavor to the cake. Once assembled, the entire cake can then be frosted in the remaining icing without walnuts.
Serving suggestions for black walnut cake also vary. Some families eat the cake alone. Others may prefer to serve it alongside fresh fruit, or with vanilla ice cream. Rather than icing the cake, some cooks dust it with powdered sugar.
