Torta di Noci: A Step-by-Step Guide
Torta di Noci
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Food processor (optional, for finely chopping walnuts)
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups walnuts finely chopped
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar optional
- Whole walnuts optional
Instructions
- Method
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Walnuts: If you prefer a finer texture, you can use a food processor to chop the walnuts. Aim for a mix of small pieces and fine crumbs for added texture in the cake.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Slowly incorporate the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the walnut mixture into the egg mixture. Be gentle to keep the batter light and airy.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with whole walnuts if desired. Slice and enjoy!
- Variations
- Chocolate Walnut Cake: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Spiced Walnut Cake: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Torta di Noci, or Walnut Cake, is a delightful Italian dessert that embodies the rich flavors of nuts and the warmth of homemade goodness. From my own personal experience, this cake is not only delicious but also simple enough for beginners to tackle. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something sweet. So, let me show you how I make this scrumptious treat.
Notes on What to Expect
This Torta di Noci is moist, flavorful, and has a delightful crunch from the walnuts. It can be enjoyed plain or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Time to Stand: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 300
- Cost of Ingredients: Around $10-$15
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Dessert
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Food processor (optional, for finely chopping walnuts)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Torta di Noci now.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups walnuts, finely chopped
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Whole walnuts (optional)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Torta di Noci now.
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Walnuts: If you prefer a finer texture, you can use a food processor to chop the walnuts. Aim for a mix of small pieces and fine crumbs for added texture in the cake.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Slowly incorporate the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the walnut mixture into the egg mixture. Be gentle to keep the batter light and airy.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with whole walnuts if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Variations
- Chocolate Walnut Cake: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Spiced Walnut Cake: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Torta di Noci now.
Tips and Substitutions
- Sweeteners: If you prefer a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Just adjust the liquid ingredients slightly.
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
Closing Thoughts
I hope this guide has made making Torta di Noci seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from real people like you, so please, leave your honest comment! Happy baking!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>