Looking to impress your special someone this Valentine’s Day? This chocolate sponge cake with nuts is an absolute showstopper.
Picture this: a light, airy sponge bursting with deep chocolatey goodness. It is studded with crunchy nuts that add just the right texture.
It’s the ultimate dessert for two — simple to whip up, yet so luxurious it feels like a true treat.
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s all about balance. The sponge is soft yet rich, the nuts add a delightful crunch, and the flavors are pure indulgence.
Plus, you can dress it up or down — dust it with cocoa powder, drizzle it with melted chocolate, or pair it with fresh berries or citrus for that extra romantic touch.
Whether planning a cozy dinner at home or a surprise sweet treat, this cake is the perfect way to say “I love you.” And the best part? It’s a one-bowl wonder that’s as easy to make as it is to eat.
So, pop on some music, pour a glass of wine, and bake your way to a dreamy Valentine’s evening. A dessert this good deserves to be shared!
Directions
0/0 steps made- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with melted butter and set aside.
- Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once melted, pour it into a mixing bowl.
- Add the sugar and sour cream to the melted chocolate and mix well until smooth.
- Beat the eggs until fluffy and gently fold them into the chocolate mixture.
- Sift the flour into the bowl, ensuring no lumps, and add the baking soda. Stir everything together until well combined. Add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of vanilla powder for extra flavor.
- Spread the walnuts evenly across the greased baking dish and pour the batter over them, making sure it’s distributed evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it into portions. Arrange the slices on plates, dust them with cocoa powder, and garnish them with tangerine segments for a fresh citrusy touch.
This cake is rich, moist, and has the perfect balance of chocolate and nutty flavors. A simple yet decadent treat for any occasion!
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
This includes gathering all ingredients, melting the chocolate, mixing the batter, and preparing the baking dish. Efficient organization during this stage ensures a smooth baking process.
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Once the batter is ready and poured over the walnuts in the baking dish, the cake bakes in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40 minutes. It’s advisable to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Total Time: 55 minutes
From start to finish, this delightful chocolate sponge cake takes just under an hour, making it a relatively quick yet indulgent dessert option.
Benefits of Chocolate Sponge Cake
Chocolate Walnut Cake is more than just a dessert. It’s a tasty treat with health benefits.
Walnuts are full of nutrients. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. These improve brain function, support the heart, and keep skin healthy. Walnuts also add a crunchy texture and rich flavor to the cake.
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids. It helps reduce inflammation and supports a healthy heart. The recipe uses just enough sugar to keep the sweetness balanced while letting the chocolate shine.
Sour cream makes the cake moist and creamy. It also provides calcium and probiotics, which are good for your gut. Eggs add protein and help make the cake light and fluffy.
Tangerine slices on top add a fresh, tangy flavor. They also give a boost of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and brightens the cake.
This cake combines rich chocolate, crunchy walnuts, and refreshing mandarin. It’s simple, delicious, and full of nutrients. Enjoy it for special occasions or as a sweet treat any day!
Risks of Chocolate Sponge Cake
While chocolate sponge cake is delicious, it’s important to consider a few potential risks.
Firstly, walnuts can trigger allergies in some people. If you or your guests have a nut allergy, avoid this recipe or substitute the walnuts with a safe ingredient.
The cake contains sugar and chocolate, which can be high in calories and may not suit those managing their blood sugar or weight. Eating this cake in moderation helps avoid overindulging.
Sour cream and butter add richness but also increase the saturated fat content. For individuals with heart concerns, consider using lighter alternatives like yogurt or plant-based options.
Lastly, cocoa powder or chocolate may cause sensitivity in people prone to migraines or acid reflux. If this applies to you, enjoy the cake in small portions.
This dessert is best enjoyed as an occasional treat, balancing it with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Tips for Making Chocolate Sponge Cake
Use high-quality chocolate. The chocolate you choose can make a big difference in the flavor. Go for a good dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich, deep taste.
Toast the walnuts. Lightly toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch. Simply bake them in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 180°C (350°F), but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Room temperature ingredients. For the best results, ensure your eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother, more even batter.
Use a toothpick test. To check if the cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Let the cake cool. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This helps it set and makes cutting easier.
Decorate creatively. While cocoa powder and mandarin slices are classic toppings, you can also experiment with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flair.
Store properly. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to a month.
These simple tips will help you make the perfect chocolate sponge cake every time!
Equipment
Mixing bowl. A medium-sized bowl for combining wet ingredients.
Whisk or electric mixer. For beating eggs and mixing the batter.
Sieve. To sift flour and cocoa powder, ensuring a smooth batter.
Spatula. For folding ingredients together gently.
9-inch round or square cake pan. Greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Small saucepan. For melting chocolate over a double boiler.
Toothpick or cake tester. To check the cake’s doneness.
Cooling rack. Allow the cake to cool evenly.
Serving plate. For presenting the cake once decorated.
Video by The Dr. Gundry Podcast
Where to Buy Walnuts
If you’re in the United States, you can find walnuts at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. These stores carry a variety of walnuts, both shelled and unshelled, in different packaging sizes.
In the UK, visit stores like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose for high-quality walnuts. They offer a selection of both organic and conventional walnuts, available in bulk or pre-packaged.
For those in Canada, you can check out grocery chains like Loblaws, Sobeys, and Metro for fresh walnuts. Many of these stores also carry walnuts in bulk, allowing you to buy exactly what you need.
In Australia, Coles, Woolworths, and IGA are popular spots for purchasing walnuts. They stock a variety of nut products, including walnuts, that can be found in the snacks or baking section.
If you’re in Europe, stores like Carrefour (France), Aldi (Germany), and Coop (Switzerland) are great options for buying walnuts, often with the choice of organic or traditional varieties.
For online purchases, retailers such as Amazon, eBay, and specialized food shops offer walnuts with various options for delivery, allowing you to choose from different brands and packaging.
No matter where you are, make sure to store walnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh for longer.
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