Chocolate Walnut Cake
It’s perfect for weekend baking with the family. Rich, chocolatey and oh-so-easy to make. Treat yourself and enjoy a slice!
Ingredients:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) hot water or hot coffee
• 3/4 cup (90g) chopped walnuts
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 200g semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the buttermilk.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until smooth. Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee.
5. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Divide the batter among the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Heat cream in a small saucepan until it just starts steaming.
8. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
9. Add butter and stir until glossy.
10. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens.
11. Place one cake layer on your serving board and spread a layer of ganache on top.
12. Add the second layer and cover with the remaining ganache. 13. Decorate with chopped or whole walnuts.
