Croatian Walnut Cake from Dol | Torta Hrapoćuša

walnuts

🥗Healthier: almonds

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Almonds provide healthy fats while sunflower seeds are more affordable.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat option, while margarine is often less expensive.

dark chocolate

🥗Healthier: cacao nibs

💰Cheaper: milk chocolate

Cacao nibs are lower in sugar and calories, while milk chocolate is more accessible.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey offers natural sweetness, while agave syrup can be a budget-friendly alternative.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

In a large bowl, combine 4 whole eggs, 7 egg yolks, 260 grams of sugar, the zests of 1 lemon and 1 orange, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of Maraschino liqueur.

Beat the mixture until voluminous and frothy for about 5-7 minutes.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 190 grams of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 75 grams of ground walnuts.

Sift the flour mixture into the egg mixture gradually, folding gently to maintain volume.

Pour the cake batter into a 9-inch round springform pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until mostly set.

After about 20 minutes of baking, start preparing the walnut topping by whisking 7 egg whites with 450 grams of sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Stir in 625 grams of raw walnut halves and continuously stir for 10-15 minutes until thick and golden.

Add the juice of 1 lemon and stir for another 5-7 minutes until thickened again.

Remove the cake from the oven and spoon the walnut mixture over the top, starting from the edges.

Lower the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F) and bake the cake for another 30 minutes until golden and fully set.

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing it.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens