Brandy Walnut Cake

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: American

A rich, moist walnut cake infused with brandy and vanilla, perfect for celebrations or tea time, offering a delightful nutty flavor with a subtle boozy kick.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups butter
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs, separated
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 cups walnuts, coarsely chopped
  • confectioners sugar

Instructions

  1. Cream together the butter and sugar.
  2. Add the 6 lightly beaten egg yolks to the mixture.
  3. Mix together the milk, brandy, and vanilla.
  4. Add alternately the flour and salt to the mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
  5. Fold in 2 cups of coarsely chopped walnuts.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter. If you prefer a less rich cake, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before folding them in. Always check the cake for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. It also makes a great addition to festive gatherings, complementing other desserts like Aunt Lila's Creamed Potato Soup for a savory-sweet experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Brandy Walnut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To enjoy it warm, simply slice a piece and heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Brandy Walnut Cake contains roughly 2527 calories, with 12g protein, 266g carbohydrates, and 132g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 976mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

2527 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.6g 23% DV
Total Fat 132.4g 100% DV
Carbs 266g 97% DV
Fiber 5.2g 18% DV
Sugar 47.2g 94% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 975.9mg 42% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 480.6mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 169.4mcg 19% DV
Vitamin C 44.4mg 49% DV
Vitamin D 1.3mcg 6% DV
Calcium 462.2mg 36% DV
Iron 14.6mg 81% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are coarsely chopped to maintain the cake's texture. Each nut will impart its unique taste, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of this Brandy Walnut Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for better structure. Additionally, double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Certainly! You can reduce the sugar by up to one-third without significantly affecting the cake's texture. However, keep in mind that this might slightly alter the sweetness and overall flavor, so consider adding a bit of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the taste.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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