Albanian Walnut Cake with Lemon Glaze

Dive into the delightful flavors of this traditional Albanian Walnut Cake with Lemon Glaze, a dessert that perfectly balances rustic charm with a zesty twist. This moist and tender cake is packed with the earthy richness of toasted walnuts, enhanced by warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla. Each slice is topped with a bright and tangy lemon glaze that adds a refreshing citrusy finish, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this walnut cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, creating a comforting yet sophisticated experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging in a special treat for yourself, this recipe captures the essence of Balkan baking in every decadent bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 45/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 200 grams walnuts
• 150 grams all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 125 grams unsalted butter
• 125 grams granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 120 milliliters milk
• 100 grams powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for ease of removal.

Step 2

Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Let them cool, then finely chop or pulse in a food processor until coarse but not powdered.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Step 4

Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 6

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 7

Fold in the chopped walnuts gently with a spatula to evenly distribute them through the batter.

Step 8

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10

While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and fully combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed.

Step 11

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Step 13

Slice and enjoy this delicious Albanian walnut cake with a cup of tea or coffee!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	871.8 grams (871.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3401

Total Fat 254.60g	326%
Saturated Fat 81.00g	405%
Polyunsaturated Fat 94.50g
Cholesterol 846mg	282%
Sodium 1184mg	51%
Total Carbohydrate 268.90g	98%
Dietary Fiber 15.20g	54%
Total Sugars 236.00g
Protein 54.50g	109%

Vitamin D 178IU	888%
Calcium 496mg	38%
Iron 9mg	49%
Potassium 1368mg	29%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.9%

Protein: 6.1%

Carbs: 30.0%