Description
This rich and moist Chocolate Walnut Cake is layered with deep cocoa flavor, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a silky chocolate ganache. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and indulgent—a true comfort dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (for ganache)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Fold in the toasted walnuts gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- For the ganache, heat the cream until just simmering and pour it over chocolate chips. Let sit, then stir until smooth. Spread over the cooled cake.
- Serve topped with extra walnuts if desired.
Notes
- To make your own buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
- Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor—don’t skip it!
- Dip your knife in hot water for cleaner slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chocolate walnut cake, chocolate dessert, easy cake recipe, nutty chocolate cake, homemade cake