A moist and flavorful cake with the nutty crunch of walnuts and a hint of warm spices. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts, toasted
- For the Optional Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: extra chopped walnuts for decoration
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Toast the Walnuts:
- Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet.
- Toast them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Walnuts:
- Gently fold in the toasted chopped walnuts.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting (Optional):
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost and Decorate (Optional):
- Once the cake is completely cooled, frost it with the cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate with extra chopped walnuts, if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Cut into squares or slices and serve.