Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe

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If you are craving a cake that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, look no further than this Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake. It’s a beautiful, chocolatey masterpiece with the perfect balance of rich cocoa and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. Every bite melts in your mouth with velvety softness, thanks to the tender crumb and luscious ganache frosting. This cake isn’t just any chocolate treat; it’s one that brings joy, comfort, and a touch of elegance to any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect texture, deep chocolate flavor, and nutty richness that you’ll love.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake’s tender crumb and structure.
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides the rich, deep chocolate flavor that’s essential for this cake.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda: Works with acidity to enhance moistness and lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
• 1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to a tender texture.
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar): Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the cocoa.
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances chocolate flavor and aroma.
• 1 cup (240ml) hot water or hot coffee: Makes the batter thin—this is the secret to the cake’s incredible moistness and depth.
• ¾ cup (90g) chopped walnuts: Adds crunch and a delightful nutty contrast to the soft crumb.

How to Make Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease your 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper. This ensures your cake will release beautifully after baking without sticking or breaking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and cocoa so every bite has consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another big bowl, mix the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and glossy. Then stir in the buttermilk. This mixture creates the rich base that will keep your cake moist and tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gently

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until smooth. Now, the magic: pour in the hot water or hot coffee and whisk gently. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry—that thin batter is exactly what makes your Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake incredibly soft and luscious.

Step 5: Fold in Walnuts

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts to distribute them evenly. These little nuggets add the perfect crunch and nutty flavor contrast.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans, then bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—this step keeps the cake’s texture perfect.

Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Frosting

Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just steaming, then pour it over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let this sit for 2 to 3 minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy. Stir in butter to enhance shine and richness. Let it cool slightly until thick enough to spread without dripping.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

Place one layer of cooled cake on your serving board, spread a generous amount of ganache over the top, then place the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache. Finish by decorating with chopped or whole walnuts for a stunning, rustic look.

How to Serve Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake

Garnishes

A few extra walnuts sprinkled on top bring texture and visual appeal, while a light dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar can add a delicate, elegant touch. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint also brighten the presentation and complement the rich chocolate wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to cut through the richness. A hot cup of coffee or creamy latte makes the perfect companion, enhancing the chocolate flavors even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake as individual mini cakes with ganache drizzled over each slice. Or layer it with whipped cream and berries for a deconstructed dessert tray that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days to keep it fresh and moist without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either whole or in slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Frozen, it stays delicious for up to 3 months and thaws beautifully overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back the homemade cake warmth and enhance flavors. Be careful not to overheat or the cake may dry out.

FAQs

Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, simply combine regular milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. It adds the right tang and acidity to keep the cake moist and tender.

Will the cake be as moist without coffee?

Yes! Hot water works perfectly to keep the batter thin and moist, but using hot coffee adds an extra depth of rich chocolate flavor that’s lovely if you enjoy that nuance.

How do I toast the walnuts for the best flavor?

Toasting walnuts gently in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant enhances their nutty flavor and crunch. Let them cool before folding into the batter to avoid altering the batter temperature.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can experiment by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that matches cup for cup, but results may vary slightly. For best texture, use a blend with xanthan gum included.

Is this cake suitable for layering with other frostings?

Definitely! While the chocolate ganache is divine, you can also frost this Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake with cream cheese frosting or buttercream for a different but equally delightful twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to bake your very own Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake and share it with those you love. The combination of velvety chocolate, nutty crunch, and luscious ganache is truly irresistible and always gets rave reviews. There’s just something so special about a homemade cake that’s both simple and sophisticated—go ahead and treat yourself to a slice today!

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