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3 Ingredient Walnut Cake Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

This 3 Ingredient Walnut Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert made with finely ground walnuts, eggs, and sugar. The cake features a light, airy texture with a thin crispy meringue layer on top. It’s perfect for walnut lovers and is easy to prepare using minimal ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a quick homemade treat.

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Walnut Base

  • 3 cups (340g) fine walnut crumbs (pulse raw walnut halves in a food processor until fine crumbs)

Egg Mixture

  • 4 large eggs (whites and yolks separated)

Sugar

  • 1 cup (198g) granulated white sugar, divided (½ cup for yolks, ½ cup for egg whites)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round springform pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Process Walnuts: Pulse the walnuts in a food processor until they are very small crumbs or coarse flour but be cautious not to over-process, as this can release oils and turn the walnuts into butter. If you don’t have a food scale, measure 3 cups of finely ground walnuts.
  3. Mix Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks and ½ cup (98g) sugar. Whisk until the sugar is fully incorporated. Fold in the walnut crumbs gently until fully combined; the mixture will be thick.
  4. Beat Egg Whites: Using a stand mixer with a wire whisk attachment, beat the egg whites at medium speed until foamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup sugar while continuing to beat, then increase the speed and beat until thick, glossy, and medium peaks form, roughly 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Fold Egg Whites into Walnut Mixture: Carefully fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the walnut mixture using a spatula. Repeat with the next two thirds, being gentle to maintain the airy texture. The batter should appear light and fluffy.
  6. Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be lightly firm and form a thin, crispy meringue layer.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Run a spatula around the edges to loosen, then remove and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh fruit, chopped walnuts, or caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

  • Use a food processor instead of a blender to prevent over-processing the walnuts.
  • Be careful not to deflate the whipped egg whites when folding them into the walnut mixture.
  • The cake features a thin crispy meringue crust and a moist interior.
  • You can top the cake with powdered sugar, fruit, caramel sauce, or chopped walnuts for added flavor and presentation.
  • If adding frosting, leveling the top of the cake first is recommended.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free