Intro:
During the festive season in Greece, the scent of warm spices and sweet treats fill the air, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. One beloved dessert that graces many Greek tables during Christmas is Karithopita, a delicious walnut cake that is a perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting textures. The earthy taste of walnuts combined with fragrant cinnamon and honey makes this dessert a delightful addition to any holiday spread. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary journey to create this traditional Greek Christmas treat!
Karithopita Walnut Cake
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of finely ground walnuts
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup of honey
– 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup of milk
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with a light coating of olive oil, then lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, finely ground walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, honey, olive oil, eggs, milk, orange zest, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
6. Bake the Karithopita in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Optional: Before serving, dust the top of the Karithopita with a sprinkling of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
9. Slice the Karithopita walnut cake into wedges and serve with a hot cup of Greek coffee or a dollop of whipped cream for a festive and indulgent treat that captures the essence of Greek holiday traditions.
Enjoy this delightful Karithopita walnut cake with loved ones and savor its rich flavors and comforting aromas. May this recipe bring warmth and joy to your home this holiday season!
