Karidopita Walnut Spiced Cake
Baking during the holiday season is not just about creating delicious treats; it’s also about infusing your home with warm, comforting aromas that evoke a sense of togetherness and joy. One delightful Greek Christmas recipe that never fails to impress is Karidopita Walnut Spiced Cake. This aromatic and flavorful cake is rich with the essence of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, making it the perfect indulgence for festive celebrations. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to bring this traditional Greek dessert to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, and flour. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. To the wet ingredients, add the orange juice, lemon zest, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until the liquid mixture is homogenous.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to form a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure it bakes uniformly.
7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Once baked, remove the Karidopita Walnut Spiced Cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the dish for about 15 minutes.
9. While the cake is still warm, you can prepare a simple syrup to drizzle over the top. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved.
10. Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the top and down the sides. This step adds moisture and sweetness to the Karidopita, enhancing its flavor and texture.
11. Once the cake has absorbed the syrup and cooled to room temperature, slice it into squares or diamonds for serving. This cake is delightful on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Karidopita Walnut Spiced Cake is a delightful addition to any holiday gathering, bringing a taste of Greece to your festive table. The combination of warm spices, crunchy walnuts, and citrusy notes creates a sensory experience that will have your guests asking for seconds. Embrace the spirit of the season by baking up a batch of this traditional Greek treat and sharing it with your loved ones. Enjoy the process of creating something special in your kitchen and savor the joy it brings to all who indulge in its deliciousness.
