Recipe

Greek Walnut Cake with Honey Syrup

Divine Delights: A Taste of Greece in Every Bite

4.7 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Greek cuisine with this traditional Karydopita recipe. This delectable walnut cake, soaked in a luscious honey syrup, is a beloved dessert that showcases the essence of Greek culinary traditions.

Dessert› Cake› Karydopita

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

35-40 minutes

Total time

1 hour

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Kosher, Halal, Nut-free (excluding the walnuts)

Allergens

Walnuts, Gluten (breadcrumbs)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Low-carb

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) walnuts, finely ground 2 cups (240g) walnuts, finely ground
1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs 4 large eggs
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1/2 cup (120ml) Greek yogurt 1/2 cup (120ml) Greek yogurt
Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 2g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 35g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground walnuts, breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
4.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
5.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7.
While the cake is baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, honey, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
8.
Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm honey syrup over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing.
9.
Sprinkle the top of the cake with a dusting of cinnamon before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Walnuts — Make sure to finely grind the walnuts for a smooth texture in the cake batter.
Greek yogurt — Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a rich and moist cake.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the Karydopita with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, add a few drops of orange blossom water to the honey syrup.
To enhance the presentation, garnish the cake with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or edible flowers.
Store any leftover Karydopita in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

Serving advice

Serve the Karydopita at room temperature to fully enjoy its flavors and moist texture. Cut into slices and serve on dessert plates.

Presentation advice

Place a slice of Karydopita on a dessert plate and drizzle some additional honey syrup around the cake. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon and a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.