Chocolate Walnut Cake with Easy Chocolate Ganache 

Chocolate Walnut Cake with Chocolate Ganache Frosting is a simple and delicious cake that’s ready in less than an hour! This moist cake is simple to make and is perfect for any occasion! 

If you love the combination of chocolate and walnuts, you have to give this walnut chocolate cake a try. It’s a single layer cake that comes together quick and is perfect with a cup of hot coffee and whenever you are craving a simple recipe for a chocolatey treat. 

If you love the combo of chocolate and walnuts, be sure to try these Chocolate Walnut Cookies or my Italian Walnut Cake recipe. For another moist chocolate cake, don’t miss this Chocolate Ricotta Bundt Cake or this classic Torta Caprese. 

You’ll Love Chocolate Walnut Cake!

This delicious Chocolate Walnut Cake is one recipe you’ll make again and again! It’s made with simple ingredients and makes the most incredible rich chocolate cake. 

If you love classic flavors, you need to give this recipe a try. This easy chocolate walnut cake recipe is a timeless classic with flavors everyone loves. 

This is one of those cake recipes you’ll go to because of how simple and delicious it is. It’s great for entertaining, birthdays, or whenever you want a simple treat. 

You’re going to love how flavorful and moist this single layer snack cake is. The combination of sweet chocolate cake and crunchy walnuts, gives it the most amazing flavor and texture. 

So, if you love simple chocolate cakes, give this Chocolate Walnut Cake a try. You’re going to love it! 

Ingredients and Substitutions 

• Cocoa Powder: to get the deep rich chocolate flavor, you will need to dissolve cocoa powder in hot water. I recommend using unsweetened natural cocoa powder, like Hershey’s, for this recipe.
• Flour: use all purpose flour. Weigh the flour for most accurate measurement. 
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: you will need both leavening agents for this recipe. 
• Salt: I prefer to use kosher salt for baking. 
• Sugar: use granulated sugar for the cake. 
• Oil: use a neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil. You could also use olive oil if needed. 

• Egg: you will need one large egg. 
• Sour Cream: a bit of sour cream in the batter keeps the chocolate walnut cake extra moist and helps balance the flavors. Greek yogurt or plain yogurt could be substituted.
• Vanilla: use a bit of vanilla extract to flavor the cake. 
• Walnuts: chopped walnuts are needed both for the base of the cake as well as decorating the top of the cake. This cake can always be made with other nuts as well. 
• Chocolate Chips: use semi sweet chocolate chips for the ganache. You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate if needed. 
• Heavy Cream: heavy cream is an essential component of making ganache.

• Espresso Powder (optional): I love to add espresso powder or instant coffee granules as a secret ingredient whenever I’m baking with chocolate. Feel free to add a tablespoon or two to the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor. 

How to Make Chocolate Walnut Cake

Chocolate Walnut Cake is a single-layer cake that is best made in a 9-inch springform pan so that it has plenty of room to rise. You could also make this in a 9×9 inch square baking pan. Either way, spray the pans with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper to prevent sticking. 

Step 1: prep the cocoa powder

To get the rich chocolate flavor, you will need to dissolve the cocoa powder. In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder and boiling water and whisk until there are no lumps; set aside to cool. 

Step 2: mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set the dry mixture aside. 

Step 3: mix the wet ingredients

In either a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the granulated sugar, oil, and egg. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix the ingredients until light and fluffy. 

Add in the sour cream and vanilla and mix until well combined. Then, add in the flour mixture and cocoa powder mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts. 

Step 4: bake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking tin. Bake on the center rack in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. 

Let the cake cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the collar from the pan and let the chocolate walnut cake cool completely before adding the frosting. 

How to Make Chocolate Ganache 

The frosting for this cake is a simple chocolate ganache glaze that’s made with just two ingredients. The result is a luxurious and creamy topping that pairs perfectly with this moist chocolate walnut cake. 

Step 1: heat the ingredients

Start by placing the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Then, heat the heavy cream either on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until it comes to a simmer. 

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and cover the bowl with either a plate or plastic wrap and let it sit for five minutes. 

Step 2: mix the ganache

After the ganache mixture has warmed though, whisk it until the chocolate and cream and incorporated. You’ll end up with a delicious and thick chocolate glaze. 

Step 3: pour over cake

Pour the warm glaze over the top of the cooled cake let the ganache drizzle down the sides of the cake. Spread it so the entire top of the cake is covered. 

Step 4: garnish with walnuts

Lastly, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the cake for added crunch and decoration. Let the ganache set before slicing and serving. 

Tips for Making Chocolate Walnut Cake

• Let the cocoa powder mixture cool to room temperature before adding it to the rest of the batter.
• If you don’t have a springform pan, you can bake this in a 9×9-inch square baking pan. 
• Make sure the cake is cooled before adding the chocolate ganache. 
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze for up to a 2-3 months. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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