Orange Walnut Cake

Orange Walnut Cake

This Orange Walnut Cake is incredibly soft, light, and mildly sweet boasting a fine crumb. Made easily in the food processor, this recipe has been a beloved favorite among readers for years! Follow the instructions closely, and you’ll make an amazing snack cake that you’ll cherish making time and again.

Ingredients

  • all purpose flour
    1 c
  • walnuts
    ½ c
  • baking powder
    ½ tsp
  • baking soda
    ½ tsp
  • salt
    ¼ tsp
  • unsalted butter

    1 stick

    ½ c
  • sugar
    ½ c
  • oranges
    2 medium
  • eggs

    room temperature

    2 large

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Orange zest - Using a microplane or grater, zest one orange, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith underneath.Orange juice - Juice both oranges and measure out ½ cup for the recipe. Enjoy any leftover fresh-squeezed juice as a refreshing drink!

  3. 3

    Add the flour, walnuts, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a food processor. Process for 90 seconds or finely ground. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.

  4. 4

    Into the now empty food processor, add the butter, sugar and orange zest. Process for 45 seconds.

  5. 5

    Scrape down the sides to incorporate any butter clinging to the bowl, then add both eggs and process for 25 seconds.

  6. 6

    Add half the flour mixture and process for 10 seconds.

  7. 7

    Add the orange juice and process for 10 seconds. Finish with the remaining flour mixture and process for 10 seconds.

  8. 8

    Transfer batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly and bake for 30 to 32 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted in the middle comes clean. Pro tip: If you’re using a 9-inch pan, the cake will take about 25 to 30 minutes to bake.

  9. 9

    Place the pan on a wire rack to cool and serve!

Orange Walnut Cake

Orange Walnut Cake

202 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for an effortlessly elegant dessert that’s guaranteed to impress? This Orange Walnut Cake is a beloved favorite, celebrated for its incredibly soft, light, and mildly sweet profile. It's a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a casual afternoon treat or a delightful end to any meal.

This recipe works wonders thanks to its clever use of a food processor, simplifying the preparation process significantly. The result is a cake with a consistently fine crumb and a delicate texture that belies its ease of creation, setting it apart as a standout snack cake.

Prepare for a delightful sensory experience. You'll savor a cake that is wonderfully moist and tender, offering a harmonious blend of bright, aromatic orange zest and the subtle, earthy crunch of walnuts. Each bite delivers a mild sweetness that isn't overpowering, making it a perfect companion for a cup of coffee or tea. This dessert is designed to be approachable and rewarding for bakers of all skill levels, promising a comforting, homemade taste without fuss.

Feel free to personalize this cake to your preference. While walnuts are classic, you could swap them for pecans or almonds for a slightly different nutty profile. For a citrus twist, consider experimenting with lemon or lime zest in place of orange, adjusting the balance of flavors to your liking. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability while maintaining its core charm.

This Orange Walnut Cake is ideally suited for everyday enjoyment, family gatherings, or a potluck where you want to bring something special yet comforting. Serve it simply, perhaps dusted with a little powdered sugar, to let its natural flavors shine.

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