If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for chocolatey goodness, you are going to fall head over heels for this Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe. It’s an irresistibly rich, tender cake that manages to be perfectly moist every single time, packed with the deep flavor of cocoa and that delightful crunch from toasted walnuts. Whether you’re baking for a casual family treat or a special occasion, this cake effortlessly hits all the right notes without demanding complicated ingredients or techniques. Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to recipe for celebration or a cozy coffee afternoon delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role from building that luscious moist texture to giving the cake its rich chocolatey color and balanced sweetness. These simple staples come together to create a cake that’s easy to make yet impressive in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for a tender crumb without heaviness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps keep it moist.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep chocolate flavor and beautiful color.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle lift for lightness.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure perfect rise and texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the chocolate notes.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth with a subtle warmth.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderizes the crumb for softness.
- Hot water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder for that intense chocolate kick.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Introduce a crunchy texture contrast and nutty flavor.
How to Make Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan so your cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. This simple prep step sets the foundation for a cake that will come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. This ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key for a uniform rise and tender crumb in your Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients to Dry
Next, add vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir just until everything is blended – avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and soft.
Step 4: Incorporate Buttermilk Gradually
Pour in the buttermilk slowly, mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy. The acidity from the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda for extra tenderness and a delightful slight tang.
Step 5: Stir in Hot Water
Add the hot water carefully, mixing until the batter thins out into a nice consistency. This step is crucial as it unlocks the cocoa’s richness, leaving you with a gorgeously chocolatey cake base.
Step 6: Fold in Walnuts
If you love a bit of crunch, gently fold in the chopped walnuts now, spreading them evenly throughout the batter to every slice gets a hit of nutty goodness.
Step 7: Pour Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top slightly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that your cake is baked to perfection.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the texture set beautifully, making it easier to slice.
How to Serve Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A lovely way to elevate your chocolate walnut cake is by dusting it lightly with powdered sugar or topping it with a dollop of whipped cream. You can also sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top for an inviting finish that’s both pretty and tasty.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to bring in extra layers of flavor. Fresh berries or a simple cup of coffee or tea also complement the cake’s richness superbly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, consider slicing the cake into petite squares and serving on a platter for a party. Alternatively, layer the cake with a cream cheese or chocolate frosting to create a stunning layered dessert that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh so you can enjoy it later without losing any of its charm.
Freezing
You can freeze this chocolate walnut cake by wrapping it securely in plastic and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to refresh the moistness and enhance the chocolate aroma before serving, especially if you enjoy it with ice cream or a warm drink.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without walnuts?
Absolutely! The walnuts add a lovely crunch, but the cake itself is just as delicious without them. Simply omit the walnuts and enjoy a smooth, tender chocolate cake.
Is buttermilk necessary in this recipe?
Buttermilk helps tenderize the cake and adds a subtle tang. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, vegetable oil is neutral and perfect here, but you can also use canola or light olive oil. Avoid strong-flavored oils to keep the chocolate taste prominent.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Use a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. Overbaking can dry it out, so start checking at the 30-minute mark.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure, and ensure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe is a true delight that anyone can bake with confidence and joy. From the straightforward ingredients to the inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, every step leads to a slice of comfort and happiness. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own moments of indulgence with this chocolatey treat!
Print
Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake is a rich and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring a tender crumb, deep cocoa flavor, and optional crunchy walnuts, this cake is easy to prepare and bakes to perfection in just over half an hour. The balance of sweet and slightly nutty notes makes it a crowd-pleaser that can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or frosted according to your preference.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot water
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the batter is well combined and uniform in texture.
- Incorporate Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk while mixing continuously to achieve a smooth consistency in the batter.
- Add Hot Water: Stir in the hot water gently until the batter becomes thin and smooth, which helps create a moist cake texture.
- Fold in Walnuts: If using, fold the chopped walnuts evenly into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the prepared batter into the greased and floured cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy the cake as is, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with your favorite frosting.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- You can substitute walnuts with other nuts or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
- For extra moisture, brush the cooled cake with a simple syrup before frosting.
- If you prefer, use coffee instead of hot water to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
