Quick & Cozy 3-Ingredient Walnut Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Whipping up a delectable walnut cake with just three ingredients sounds like a culinary magic trick.

Simplicity becomes your secret weapon in this remarkably straightforward dessert.

Minimal effort meets maximum flavor in a recipe that challenges traditional baking complexity.

Kitchen novices and seasoned bakers alike will appreciate how quickly this treat comes together.

Pantry staples transform into a rich, nutty masterpiece that defies expectation.

Crumbly, moist, and intensely satisfying, this walnut cake promises to become your new go-to dessert.

You’ll want to slice into this unexpected delight right away.

Why This 3-Ingredient Walnut Cake Is A Winner

• Craft a Simple Showstopper: This walnut cake transforms basic ingredients into a spectacular dessert with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combining just three core ingredients means you can create a delicious cake without complicated techniques or extensive baking experience.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for spontaneous gatherings, family celebrations, or when you need a delectable dessert that looks impressive but takes little effort to prepare.
• Versatile Treat for All Occasions: Whether served as an afternoon snack, elegant dessert, or alongside coffee, this walnut cake adapts beautifully to different settings and moments.

What You’ll Need For 3-Ingredient Walnut Cake

• Walnuts: Ground walnuts provide a rich, nutty flavor and unique texture to the cake.
• Flour: The foundational ingredient that gives structure and body to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's light, fluffy texture.

• Vegetable Oil, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Create moisture, enhance flavor, and ensure a smooth batter consistency.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Help the cake rise and balance the overall flavor profile.

How To Make 3-Ingredient Walnut Cake Fast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9-inch round cake pan with a layer of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Ground walnuts
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk everything together until perfectly blended with zero lumps in sight.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks silky smooth and completely combined.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Softly fold the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently but consistently, creating a uniform batter without overworking the mix.

Step 5: Fill the Cake Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula for a perfect finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, giving the pan a quick rotation halfway through to ensure gorgeous, even browning.

Step 7: Check Cake Doneness

Test the cake’s readiness by inserting a toothpick into its center. It should come out clean with just a few crumbs clinging to it.

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Pull the cake from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the walnut cake and serve as a delightful dessert or a scrumptious afternoon treat that’ll make everyone smile.

Helpful Hints For 3-Ingredient Walnut Cake

• Select Fresh Walnuts: Use recently purchased, high-quality ground walnuts to ensure maximum flavor and prevent rancid taste.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Don't overmix the batter to maintain a tender, moist cake consistency and avoid developing tough gluten.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify accurate heating, preventing uneven baking or potential burning.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Lightly toast ground walnuts before mixing to enhance their nutty, rich flavor profile and aroma.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the cake's delicate texture.

Easy Swaps For 3-Ingredient Walnut Cake

• Chocolate Walnut Fusion: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and mix in chocolate chips for a rich, decadent version of the original cake.
• Citrus Walnut Splash: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the batter and drizzle with a complementary citrus glaze after cooling for a bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Spiced Walnut Comfort: Blend in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom to create a warm, aromatic cake with deeper complexity and seasonal warmth.
• Maple Pecan Transformation: Replace sugar with maple syrup, swap walnuts for ground pecans, and top with a maple-infused cream cheese frosting for a luxurious upgrade.

What To Serve With 3-Ingredient Walnut Cake

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: Complement the nutty cake's rich texture with a smooth, velvety vanilla latte that balances its warm, earthy flavors.
• Serve alongside Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the walnut cake's subtle sweetness by drizzling rich, golden caramel sauce over each slice for added depth and indulgence.
• Match with Spiced Chai Tea: Create a cozy experience by pairing the cake with a warm, aromatic chai tea that echoes the cake's warm spice undertones and nutty profile.
• Top with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Elevate the dessert by adding a dollop of light, airy cinnamon-infused whipped cream that provides a delicate, creamy contrast to the dense walnut cake.

Smart Storage For 3-Ingredient Walnut Cake

• Store the cooled walnut cake in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each slice securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to preserve its texture and flavor.
• Shield the cake with a clean kitchen towel or cake dome to protect it from dust and maintain its moisture. Consume within 2 days for optimal taste and quality.

Your Top 3-Ingredient Walnut Cake Questions

• Are ground walnuts crucial for this recipe?

Ground walnuts provide essential flavor and texture, creating a nutty richness that defines the cake’s unique character and helping achieve a moist, dense crumb.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I'm missing something?

Yes, you can replace milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond or soy milk, and vegetable oil can be swapped with melted butter or coconut oil for similar results.

• What makes this cake different from traditional cakes?

This recipe is remarkably simple with just three core ingredients, requiring minimal baking skills while delivering a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert that’s lighter than typical dense nut cakes.

• How do I prevent the cake from becoming dry?

Avoid overmixing the batter, precisely measure ingredients, and don’t overbake.

3-Ingredient Walnut Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade 3-ingredient walnut cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its simple yet elegant approach to baking. Nutty, rich flavors meld perfectly, creating a delectable treat you’ll savor with pure culinary satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups ground walnuts
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 0.75 cup vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup milk

Leavening and Flavor:

• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Combine flour, ground walnuts, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking until completely integrated and no lumps remain.
3. In a separate bowl, vigorously beat eggs until they become light and slightly frothy, then incorporate vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract, blending until smooth and uniform.
4. Gradually fold the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently but consistently to create a homogeneous batter without overmixing.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, ensuring an even distribution and smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating midway through to guarantee even browning.
7. Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, slice and serve the walnut cake as a delightful dessert or afternoon treat.

Notes

• Grind walnuts freshly for maximum flavor and ensure a fine, consistent texture that integrates smoothly into the cake batter.
• Toast walnuts lightly before grinding to enhance their nutty aroma and deepen the overall taste profile of the cake.
• Adjust liquid ingredients slightly for gluten-free alternatives by using almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to maintain moisture and texture.
• Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and smoother batter, which helps create a more tender and evenly baked cake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 61 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg