Full disclosure: I am a big walnut lover. I always keep a giant jar full of them in my freezer (which helps them stay fresh longer in the pantry.) go for a snack on a weekday afternoon. So when California Walnut contacted me about collaborating on some recipes this summer, I was excited to get in the kitchen and get creative with my favorite nut. We’ll start today with an easy olive oil cake recipe, which includes tons of ground walnuts, honey, and citrus. It’s a simple snack, especially for an afternoon snack or sweets morning rituals combined with a cup of coffee. Read on to find out how to combine this Olive Oil and Honey Walnut Cake, and grab the recipe card at the end of this post.
So, what is a snack cake?
I’ve been really enamored with the concept of “snack cake” ever since I received Yossi Arefi’s cookbook titled (unsurprisingly) Snack cakes: Simple dishes for cravings at any time. According to Arefi, a snack is a single layer cake that is made with little effort and ingredients that can be found in your cupboard. Usually, they’re simply garnished, with a layer of glaze, or a layer of whipped cream, or, in the case of this easy olive oil cake recipe, a few candied oranges. They are the best food – enjoyed in a quiet moment to yourself or to take out of the oven when friends visit.
Can you use ground seeds instead of flour?
As a general rule of thumb when baking, you can replace up to half of the flour the recipe calls for with finely ground nuts with no problem. (Friend maybe Even smaller ones, but to make sure they stick together, you’ll need to make some other changes to the recipe.)
Years ago, I took several classes at the Culinary Institute of America, and one of the instructors taught us how to make the best cake using 100% ground walnuts instead of flour. noodles. I’ve been making that recipe for years and especially enjoy applying it to those of you who are gluten-intolerant because it’s naturally gluten-free.
In this easy olive oil cake recipe, I wanted to achieve the light, fluffy texture that the flour provides while using ground walnuts to enhance the flavor and make the cake more nutritious, so I I used half flour and half walnuts, and the results were perfect.
What makes walnuts an omega-3 ALA nut?
About our famous ingredient: the walnuts that give each bite of this cake its luxuriously delicious taste. Fun fact: 99% of walnuts grown in the country are from California! And they’re the only tree nut with a great plant-based source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA (2.5g per 1oz), which is great for your heart and overall health. You can read more about nutritional benefits walnuts as well as scientific studies have been conducted around heart health benefits of walnuts.
How do you toast walnuts?
I like California walnuts in their natural raw state, but especially for baked goods, toasting them provides a delicious crunch and crunch. Here’s how I toast the nuts:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Spread the walnuts on a baking tray.
- Bake for about 7 minutes, until the walnuts begin to turn golden. If you can smell burning coming from the oven, pull them out just before they burn.
- Immediately transfer to a plate to stop baking.
What is the best way to store walnuts?
Walnuts should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for optimal freshness. I love to bake them and store them in a jar in my freezer — when I need a snack, a small handful is enough to re-energize and satisfy me. And it’s no surprise that they’re filling: did you know that an ounce of walnuts includes 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and 45 mg of magnesium? We have talked many times on the website about the importance of protein, fiber and good fats is for stabilizing blood sugar and keeping you full for longer, so it’s no surprise that walnuts are my go-to super snack.
Check out this easy olive oil cake recipe with walnuts and citrus, and don’t forget to tag us in Instagram if you try.
