Karythopita (Walnut Spice Cake)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 11
Indulge in the flavors of Greece with Karythopita, a delightful walnut spice cake
in Dessert

Prep

30 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

1 hr 20 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

3 1/2 cups water
2 2/3 cups sugar
6 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 lemon , juice and rind of
10 eggs , separated
10 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 tablespoons self-rising flour
1 orange , juice and zest of , grated
2 tablespoons brandy ( or flavoring )
6 tablespoons toasted breadcrumbs or 6 tablespoons zwieback cookies , crushed
10 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon water
butter ( to grease baking pan )
coarsely chopped walnuts ( topping )
ground cinnamon ( topping )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12
Calories
350
Sugar
50g
Fat
12g
Karythopita, also known as Greek Walnut Spice Cake, is a popular dessert in Greece and around the Mediterranean. It is a moist and flavorful cake made with chopped walnuts and sweetened with a spiced syrup. The dessert is typically served during special occasions and holidays, as it is quite labor-intensive to make. The addition of brandy and cinnamon adds to the complexity of flavors and makes it a beloved dessert among all who try it. This recipe is a perfect way to bring the flavors of Greece into your home and impress your family and friends with your baking skills.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13-inch cake pan with butter and dust with flour.
2.In a medium saucepan, combine 3 1/2 cups of water, 2 2/3 cups of sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, and lemon juice and rind. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3.In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff. Gradually add in 10 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until glossy.
4.In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until creamy. Add in the cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and self-rising flour. Mix well and add in the orange juice and zest, brandy, and breadcrumbs or crushed zwieback cookies. Fold in the egg whites.
5.Gradually add in the cooled syrup, stirring constantly. Add in the chopped walnuts and salt and mix well.
6.Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle with coarsely chopped walnuts and ground cinnamon.
7.Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

PROS

Karythopita is a delightful sweet and spicy dessert that is perfect for special occasions and holidays.
It is moist and flavorful with the addition of chopped walnuts.
It can be served warm or at room temperature and is perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee.

CONS

This dessert is high in sugar and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It may not be suitable for individuals with nut allergies.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Walnuts are a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. They have been linked to reducing inflammation and improving heart health. Cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties. This dessert can be enjoyed as an occasional treat as part of a healthy diet.

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