Karithopita Greek Walnut Cake
Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Karithopita, a traditional Greek walnut cake that perfectly balances warm spices and a luscious honeyed syrup. This moist and spongy dessert features ground walnuts folded into a lightly spiced batter of cinnamon and cloves, creating a texture that's hearty yet delicate. After baking, the cake is bathed in a fragrant syrup made with honey, lemon juice, and a hint of cinnamon, ensuring every bite is beautifully infused with sweetness and depth. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this classic treat makes the perfect finale for a dinner party or a cozy pairing with coffee or tea. Experience Greek culinary tradition with this irresistible walnut cake, guaranteed to transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 200 grams walnuts
- 180 grams all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cloves
- 150 grams unsalted butter
- 150 grams granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 80 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 250 ml water
- 200 grams granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a rectangular baking pan (approximately 9x13 inches).
Finely chop the walnuts or pulse them in a food processor until they are coarse crumbs. Set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir to distribute the spices evenly.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a handheld or stand mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in the chopped walnuts gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar (for syrup), honey, lemon juice, and the cinnamon stick.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the cinnamon stick and let the syrup cool slightly.
Once the cake is out of the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then slowly pour the warm syrup evenly over the cake. Use a spoon to help spread the syrup if needed.
Let the cake cool completely to absorb the syrup. Slice into squares or diamonds and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4902 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 281.7 g | 361% | |
| Saturated Fat | 94.9 g | 474% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 94.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1084 mg | 361% | |
| Sodium | 1846 mg | 80% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 565.6 g | 206% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.5 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 395.8 g | ||
| Protein | 78.4 g | 157% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 547 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 18.6 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 1595 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
