Description
A rich layer cake combining the flavors of traditional baklava with a moist cake structure.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup finely ground walnuts or pistachios
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pistachios for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the ground nuts.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cakes bake, prepare the syrup: Combine the honey, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves. Remove from heat.
- When the cakes are done, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the top of each warm cake layer with a skewer.
- Slowly pour half of the warm syrup over each cake layer while they are still in the pans. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans.
- Once cool, carefully remove the layers from the pans.
- Place one layer on a serving plate. If desired, spread a thin layer of frosting (not included in ingredients) or a small amount of reserved syrup. Top with the second layer.
- Drizzle any remaining syrup over the top of the assembled cake. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, toast the ground nuts lightly before adding them to the batter.
- You can substitute almond flour for some of the all-purpose flour for a different texture.
- If you prefer a less sticky cake, use less of the syrup or reserve some for serving on the side.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 80
Keywords: Baklava, Layer Cake, Walnut Cake, Pistachio Cake, Honey Syrup, Dessert