How to Make French Nut Cake: A Delicious Journey to Your Kitchen

The aroma of toasted nuts, a hint of vanilla, and a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth—that’s the magic of a French nut cake. This classic dessert, with roots in the charming patisseries of France, is easier to bake than you might think.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary adventure, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delightful cake that will impress your family and friends. Let’s bring a taste of France to your kitchen!

Unveiling the Ingredients

For this recipe, we’ll use readily available ingredients that blend beautifully to create a symphony of flavors:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts, toasted

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A Few Notes:

• To Toast Walnuts: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool completely before chopping.
• You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
• If you don’t have vanilla extract, try using vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.

Gathering Your Baking Tools

Before we embark on our baking journey, let’s gather our essential tools:

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Spatulas (one rubber and one offset)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Wire rack
• Serrated knife

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

1. Prepare the Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradual Incorporation: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped, toasted walnuts using a rubber spatula.
7. Divide and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
8. Baking Time: Bake for 30-35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cooling: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Crafting the Glaze and Assembling the Cake

1. Make the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Glaze the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter and pour half of the glaze over it. Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining glaze evenly over the top.

Tips for a Showstopping French Nut Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing the butter and eggs to room temperature before starting ensures they incorporate evenly into the batter, resulting in a cake with a tender crumb.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can develop gluten, leading to a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Cooling is Key: Allow the cakes to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and making the cake soggy.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze French nut cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before glazing. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.

What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?

While all-purpose flour provides the best texture, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.

Can I add other flavors to the cake?

Absolutely! A teaspoon of almond extract complements the nutty flavors beautifully. You can also add a tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.

Conclusion

Baking a French nut cake is a rewarding experience, resulting in a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Share a slice with loved ones and enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures in every bite! Don’t forget to share your baking experience and photos in the comments below. Happy baking!