Karidopita (Καρυδόπιτα)

• Prep time: 20 mins

• Cook time: 40 mins

• Total time: 1 hr

• Servings: 12 slices

• Country of origin: Greece

• Description: A spiced walnut cake infused with cinnamon and cloves, drenched in sweet sugar-honey syrup.

• Presentation: Cut into diamonds or squares, topped with half-walnut kernels or chocolate drizzle.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups finely ground walnuts

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or semolina

  • 6 large eggs, separated

  • 3/4 cup sugar

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves

  • 1 tbsp baking powder

  • 2 tbsp cognac or brandy

  • 1 1/2 cups water, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 lemon slice (for syrup)

• Step-by-step directions:

  • Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form; set aside.

  • Beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.

  • Mix ground walnuts, breadcrumbs, cinnamon, cloves, and baking powder.

  • Fold dry ingredients and cognac into egg yolk mixture.

  • Gently fold whipped egg whites into batter in three batches.

  • Pour into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.

  • Boil water, sugar, honey, and lemon slice for 8 minutes to make syrup; let cool.

  • Pour cooled syrup over the warm cake.

• Optional variations: Top with a layer of dark chocolate ganache after syrup absorption.

• Cooking tips: Grind walnuts finely but avoid turning them into paste to keep cake texture airy.

• Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 370 kcal

  • Fat: 18g

  • Carbohydrates: 46g

  • Protein: 7g