This traditional Greek walnut cake is dense, moist, and rich with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. After baking, it is generously soaked in a fragrant syrup infused with honey, lemon juice, and citrus peels. The combination of the nutty cake body and the sweet, tangy syrup creates a harmonious balance perfect for holidays or family gatherings.
Karithopita Spiced Walnut Cake
Description
This traditional Greek walnut cake is dense, moist, and rich with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. After baking, it is generously soaked in a fragrant syrup infused with honey, lemon juice, and citrus peels. The combination of the nutty cake body and the sweet, tangy syrup creates a harmonious balance perfect for holidays or family gatherings.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, Bisquick, cinnamon, salt, ground cloves, baking powder, sugar, chopped walnuts, milk, and vegetable oil.
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Blend the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for 5 minutes until well combined.
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Increase the mixer speed to high and beat the batter for an additional 15 seconds to aerate.
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Pour the batter into a 10x14-inch baking pan that is 2 1/2 inches deep.
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Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 2 hours.
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While the cake cools, prepare the syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining sugar, water, orange peel, lemon peel, and cinnamon stick.
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Bring the syrup ingredients to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add the honey to the saucepan and bring the mixture back to a boil.
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Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
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Allow the syrup to cool slightly, then remove and discard the orange peel, lemon peel, and cinnamon stick.
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Pour the warm syrup evenly over the cake.
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Sprinkle the remaining walnuts and ground cinnamon over the top of the cake.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 346kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25.9g40%
- Saturated Fat 3.3g17%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 643mg27%
- Total Carbohydrate 27.8g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
- Sugars 23.8g
- Protein 4.9g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Allow the cake to rest for the full 2 hours before soaking with syrup; this helps the cake set and absorb the syrup better.
The syrup should be warm, not boiling hot, when poured over the cake to prevent it from becoming too soggy or falling apart.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors improve after overnight storage.
You can adjust the amount of syrup based on your preference for sweetness and moisture.
