Karithopita Spiced Walnut Cake Recipes

KARITHOPITA (GREEK WALNUT CAKE)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F; butter and flour a 13 x 9 baking pan.
• In a bowl combine the walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, breadcrumbs, flour, and baking powder.
• In a small glass, dilute the soda with the cognac.
• Beat the egg whites in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
• In a large bowl mixing bowl, cream the butter with the sugar and then add the eggs yolks; mix in the soda with the cognac, and add the milk and the walnut mixture, beating until well combined; fold in 1/4 of the beaten egg whites to lighten batter, then carefully fold in the rest; it is ok if a few white streaks show in the batter; spread into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the cake tests done. Cool cake completely (it is very important that the cake is cooled before pouring on hot syrup because otherwise it will turn mushy).
• For the syrup: Mix all the ingredients together in a medium saucepan; bring it to a boil and boil for 5-7 minutes; remove cinnamon stick and pour hot syrup over cooled cake; let the cake cool completely (from the addition of the hot syrup) before serving.

KARITHOPITA SPICED WALNUT CAKE

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl place the eggs, Bisquick, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, salt, cloves, baking powder, the 2 cups of sugar, the 2½ cups of chopped walnuts, milk, and oil. Blend them together with an electric mixer for 5 minutes. Turn the mixer on high and beat the batter for 15 seconds. Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃). Pour the batter into a baking pan that is 10x14 inches, and 2½ inches deep. Bake the cake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove the cake and let it sit for 2 hours.

KARYTHOPITA (WALNUT SPICE CAKE)

Steps:

• Make the syrup: In a saucepan, add all syrup ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring well. Reduce heat and allow to boil gently for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Beat egg whites, salt, and water to the firm peak stage.
• Preheat oven to 340°F
• In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon, and ground cloves very well until creamy and smooth.
• In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda, baking powder, and flour, and stir in to the mixture.
• Add grated orange peel and juice, brandy, breadcrumbs, and walnuts.
• Finally, and carefully, fold in the beaten egg whites.
• Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking pan (or equivalent) with butter, pour in the batter, and bake at 340F for 40 minutes.
• Cake is done when a knife inserted into the middle comes out dry.
• Spoon the cooled syrup evenly over the hot cake. Sprinkle with walnuts mixed with a little cinnamon. Allow to cool before serving.
• Make sure the syrup is completely cooled before adding to cake. If necessary, refrigerate for a few minutes.