- Black walnuts (for natural flavor and appearance)
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups or as per recipe)
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
- Granulated sugar (2 cups)
- Eggs (4 large eggs)
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for enhanced flavor)
- Sour cream (3/4 cup) or buttermilk (for a tangy twist)
Incorporate these ingredients and steps into your recipe to optimize search engine visibility. Don't forget to include relevant keywords like "black walnut pound cake" and "baked goods" in your content to boost SEO effectiveness.
Steps
### Black Walnut Pound Cake Recipe: A Classic with a Nutty Twist
#### Introduction to the Recipe:
Black walnut pound cake is a rich, dense, and incredibly flavorful dessert that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee. This recipe uses black walnuts, which add a unique nuttiness to the cake. Follow these detailed steps for making a delicious black walnut pound cake.
#### Ingredients List:
- 2 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (96g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (90g) black walnuts, coarsely chopped
#### Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9x5 inches)
- Cooling rack
#### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Set aside until needed.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:**
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream 1 cup of softened butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl for about 4-5 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:**
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
5. **Fold in Dry Ingredients:**
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) into the butter-sugar-egg mixture until just combined.
- Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay as they add texture.
6. **Incorporate Black Walnuts:**
- Fold in 1 cup of coarsely chopped black walnuts gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
7. **Bake the Cake:**
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool and Serve:**
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
#### Tips and Variations:
- For an extra rich flavor, you can add some dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder along with the walnuts.
- You can also serve this cake with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
#### SEO-Friendly Keywords:
- Black walnut pound cake recipe
- Classic pound cake
- Nutty dessert
- Baking tips
- Dessert recipes
By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to create a delicious and unique black walnut pound cake. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this classic treat!