Easy Walnut Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake at 180 °C (360 °F) for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean and the surface is set but not overly browned.

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Add Meringue Topping & Second Bake:
Remove the cake from the oven and reduce temperature to 160 °C (320 °F). Spread the remaining meringue evenly over the warm cake, swirling for peaks if desired. Sprinkle additional walnut halves or flakes over the meringue. Return to the oven and bake 40 minutes, or until the meringue is set and lightly golden.

Cool Before Serving:
Let the assembled cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift the cake from the pan. Slice with a serrated knife into bars or squares.

Nutritional Information
(Per serving, based on 16 servings)

Calories: 180 kcal

Protein: 4 g

Carbohydrates: 22 g

Fat: 8 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 12 g

Sodium: 80 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Nut-studded sponge cakes trace back to Central European home baking traditions, where walnuts and hazelnuts were prized for their rich flavor and festive appeal. Incorporating whipped egg whites into cakes—creating light batters known as génoise or sponge—has roots in French patisserie of the 18th century. Meringue toppings gained popularity in 19th-century Europe as a way to add sweetness and dramatic texture. This Easy Walnut Cake merges those traditions into a straightforward format, making sophisticated techniques accessible to home bakers. Its balance of moist crumb, nutty crunch, and sweet meringue has made it a staple at teatimes, holiday tables, and casual gatherings across Europe and beyond.

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