Discover the ultimate indulgence with this melt-in-your-mouth walnut cake recipe! Combining the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts with a sweet, caramelized condensed milk topping, this cake is sure to become a beloved treat in your dessert repertoire. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful everyday treat, this easy-to-make cake requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. With a tender crumb and a luscious topping, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

180 grams (6.3 oz) walnuts, crushed

100 grams (3.5 oz) butter, softened
70 grams (2.5 oz) sugar
A pinch of salt

1 large egg
200 grams (7 oz) all-purpose flour

For the Condensed Milk Topping:

380 grams (13.4 oz) condensed milk

Optional for Garnish:

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Extra crushed walnuts, for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven reaches the right temperature for even baking.

Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round or square baking pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, giving the cake a soft texture.

Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat well until fully combined. The egg acts as a binder and adds moisture to the cake.
Sift the flour and salt into the bowl. Gently fold the flour into the mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Fold in the crushed walnuts. These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor throughout the cake.

3. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, which helps the cake cook uniformly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly based on your oven and the type of pan used.

4. Prepare the Condensed Milk Topping:

While the cake is baking, prepare the topping. Place the condensed milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Cook the condensed milk, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to caramelize. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.

5. Assemble and Bake Again:

Remove the cake from the oven once it’s baked through and let it cool slightly in the pan.
Pour the warm, caramelized condensed milk evenly over the top of the cake. Use a spatula to spread it out if needed.

Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling. This step ensures that the topping sets and becomes slightly crispy.

6. Cool and Serve:

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This makes it easier to slice and helps the topping set properly.

Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with extra crushed walnuts, if desired, for added texture and visual appeal.
Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips:

Softening Butter: To quickly soften butter, cut it into small pieces and leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it for a few seconds on a low power setting.

Crushing Walnuts: For more even pieces, place the walnuts in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor.
Prevent Overmixing: Mix the flour into the batter until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check the cake’s doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The cold will help preserve the cake’s texture and flavor.
Freezing: Freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its best texture.
Serving Fresh: For the best flavor, serve the cake at room temperature or slightly warmed. The topping will be gooey and delicious if allowed to warm slightly.

Conclusion:

This walnut cake with a condensed milk topping is a true delight for any dessert lover. Its rich, buttery flavor combined with the sweet and creamy topping creates a treat that is both indulgent and satisfying. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this cake is perfect for special occasions or simply as a comforting dessert. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a standalone treat, it’s sure to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth. Enjoy the decadent combination of textures and flavors in every bite!