Craving a delectable dessert that perfectly balances sweet and nutty flavors? Look no further! This Walnut Cake recipe is delicious, and with the addition of brown sugar icing, it becomes irresistible. Read on to discover how you can make this delightful cake in your own kitchen and wow your friends and family.

Walnut Cake is a popular dessert enjoyed throughout the year, but it particularly shines during the autumn and winter months. Often featured at Christmas and Thanksgiving gatherings, its rich, nutty flavor complements the season's festive spirit. Speaking of festive delights, you might also want to explore our recipe for Marble Butter Cake, a delicious alternative to ring in the holiday cheer.
Jump to:
PREFER TO WATCH INSTEAD OF READ?
Ingredients
- Butter
- Sugar
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped walnut
- Brown sugar
- Powdered sugar
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions

Walnut Cake Batter
Combine and mix the batter ingredients, then pour into a greased mold and bake.

Baking the Cake
Bake the cake at 350°F until fully baked and let it cool down completely.

Brown Sugar Icing
Boil butter, milk, and brown sugar, then cool down and mix with powdered sugar.

Cutting the Cake
Cut the cake into 3 pieces, preparing for assembly.

Assembling the Cake
Layer the cake pieces with icing and add roasted walnuts.

Serving the Cake
Enjoy the cake with family and friends.
Hint: Ensure that your Walnut Cake is fully baked by testing it with a toothpick or cake tester before removing it from the oven. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready. Allowing the cake to cool down completely before icing ensures a smooth and even texture.
Substitutions
- To make it dairy-free, replace the milk and butter with a plant-based substitute.
Variations
- Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicier twist.
- Substitute pecans for walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Top with caramel sauce for added sweetness.
🍴 Equipment
Walnut Cake Batter
- Mixing Bowls: To mix ingredients.
- Keeps dry and wet ingredients separate.
- Hand mixer: To cream butter and sugar.
- Ensures a smooth mixture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For vanilla and baking powder.
- Accurate measurements are key.
- 8 inches Springform Mold: To bake the cake.
- Gives the cake its shape.
- Spatula: To fold in walnuts.
- Helps mix evenly.
Brown Sugar Icing
- Saucepan: To boil ingredients.
- Cooks the icing base.
- Whisk or hand mixer: To mix powdered sugar into icing.
- Makes icing smooth.
Assembly
- Knife: To cut the cake.
- Needed for layering.
- Offset Spatula Set: To spread icing.
- Makes layering easy.
Most Useful Equipment
The most useful item here, besides the oven, would be the 8 inches Springform Mold. It's crucial for shaping and baking the cake.
Storage
Store the Walnut Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Top tip
For the most flavorful result, use freshly chopped, high-quality walnuts, and roast them slightly before decorating the cake. It enhances the nutty flavor and adds a crunchy texture.
FAQ
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture of the cake slightly.
Stored properly, it can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can freeze the cake without icing for up to three months.
Absolutely! Pecans can be a great substitute for walnuts.
Use a toothpick or cake tester; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Yes, replace eggs with a vegan egg substitute, and use plant-based milk and butter.
The icing should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spreadable.
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in the fridge before icing.
With proper substitutions, it can be adapted to various dietary needs.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

How to Make Walnut Cake: The Ultimate Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors of Walnut Cake with brown sugar icing—a perfect treat for any celebration or a family gathering.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
Ingredients
250g (1 cup) Butter
180g (¾ cup) Sugar
200g (1 ⅔ cups) Flour
2 tsp (10g) Baking Powder
1 tsp (5g) Salt
4 Eggs
90ml (⅓ cup) Milk
1 tsp (5ml) Vanilla Extract
150g (1 ½ cups) Chopped Walnut
135g (⅔ cup) Brown Sugar
45ml (3 tbsp) Milk
75g (⅓ cup) Butter
200g (1 ⅔ cups) Powdered Sugar
Instructions
Walnut Cake Batter
- Cream the butter and sugar together
- Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt
- Add to the batter in three parts
- Alternating with the milk
- When the batter is homogeneous, add the walnut pieces
- Pour the batter into your greased 8inch springform mold
- Bake at 350°F for 50min to an hour or until it is fully baked
- Let it rest 10 minutes before unmolding
- Let it cool down completely
Brown Sugar Icing
- In a saucepan, bring the butter, milk, and brown sugar to a boil
- Immediately take off the heat
- Let it cool down completely
- Transfer in a bowl
- Using a hand mixer, mix while gradually adding the powdered sugar
- Add until the texture is right
Assembly
- Cut the cake into 3 pieces
- Add a third of the icing to the first piece
- Place the second piece over the icing
- Add more icing and the last piece of cake
- Add the rest of the icing
- Decorate with roasted walnuts
- Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Food safety
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator.
Leave a Reply