Karithopita (Greek Walnut Cake)

evelyn/athens's Note:

This is my mom's specialty and she makes it for all holidays. It is a rich, dark, spicy cake that has been soaked in a syrup and is best served with a dollop of whipped cream.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 25 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 eggs, separated
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon clove
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1 1/2 cups dry breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup cognac

Syrup

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup cognac
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• cinnamon stick

Garnish

• freshly whipped cream

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F; butter and flour a 13 x 9 baking pan.
2. In a bowl combine the walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, breadcrumbs, flour, and baking powder.
3. In a small glass, dilute the soda with the cognac.
4. Beat the egg whites in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
5. In a large bowl mixing bowl, cream the butter with the sugar and then add the eggs yolks; mix in the soda with the cognac, and add the milk and the walnut mixture, beating until well combined; fold in 1/4 of the beaten egg whites to lighten batter, then carefully fold in the rest; it is ok if a few white streaks show in the batter; spread into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the cake tests done; cool completely.
7. For the syrup: Mix all the ingredients together in a medium saucepan; bring it to a boil and boil for 5-7 minutes; remove cinnaon stick and pour hot syrup over cooled cake; let the cake cool completely before serving.
8. Note: It is very important that the cake has cooled completely before the hot syrup is poured on as it will turn mushy otherwise.

Reviews

[Samantha in Ut]

Completely amazing! I love the texture and that it wasn't very sweet. My favorite is the syrup. It is soooo good. I love that these are ingredients I regularly have in my kitchen. Another winner thanks! Made for Zwt 4

[Vasiliki]

This recipe was great!! I made karithopita for the first time using this recipe and it was a hit. Thanks!

[FuffyPug]

HI EVELYN! Just have to say that this is my favorite Greek dessert - I really thought that I had given it a rating before. Your recipes are so fabulous (ALL OF THEM, EVERYBODY - YOU CANT GO WRONG WITH EVELYNS RECIPES). Your recipe is the best I have ever had - and I've eaten alot of Greek walnut cake in my time! By any chance, would you have a recipe for Dipples? I know that they would be delicious coming from you. Wendy