Name: Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; ¾ cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup hot water; 1 cup chopped walnuts (divided); powdered sugar or chocolate ganache (optional for topping)

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If you’re looking for a foolproof treat that’s guaranteed to impress both devoted chocolate lovers and casual snackers alike, look no further than this Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake. Imagine a cake so tender and luscious that every bite melts in your mouth, studded with crunchy walnuts for that irresistible texture. It’s a family favorite for birthdays, afternoon pick-me-ups, and spontaneous celebrations—basically, the kind of recipe you’ll reach for any time the craving for something homey yet rich strikes.

Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how each humble ingredient plays a starring role in building layers of taste, moisture, and chocolate depth. No mysterious or fussy components here—just everyday staples that, together, make this cake unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, giving it a soft but structured crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cake its moist texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers the rich, deep chocolate flavor we crave.
Baking powder: Lifts the batter, keeping the cake light instead of dense.
Baking soda: Works with buttermilk for extra rise and tenderness.
Salt: Brings out the chocolate notes and balances the sweetness.
Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and structure.
Vegetable oil: The secret to an incredibly moist cake—much softer than using butter alone.
Buttermilk: Tangy and creamy, it creates the most tender crumb and pairs brilliantly with chocolate.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s deep cocoa flavors with warm undertones.
Hot water: Makes the cocoa bloom, resulting in an even richer chocolate taste and a thinner, luscious batter.
Chopped walnuts: Offer a delightful crunch and earthy counterpoint to all that chocolate—plus they’re sprinkled on top for the perfect finish!
Powdered sugar or chocolate ganache (optional for topping): A simple dusting adds elegance, while ganache makes the cake pure decadence.

How to Make Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round or square cake pan. A light dusting of flour after greasing ensures the cake pops out beautifully once cooled—no sticking, no heartbreak!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking not only combines the ingredients but fluffs up the flour, leading to a lighter cake. You want everything well distributed, so there are no pockets of baking soda or cocoa left behind.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, custard-like mixture. This wet base is what ensures your Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake lives up to its name, locking in moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Bring Together the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently, just until everything is combined. Overmixing at this stage is a no-go—you want to keep the texture light and fluffy. A few gentle turns with a spatula should do the trick.

Step 5: Add Hot Water and Walnuts

Carefully add the hot water, stirring slowly as the batter loosens and becomes thinner and glossier. The hot water intensifies the cocoa’s flavor. Then, fold in three-quarters of your chopped walnuts, reserving the rest for later. These bits add a nutty crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the fudgy crumb.

Step 6: Pour, Sprinkle, and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan—it will look silky and thin, don’t worry! Sprinkle the remaining walnuts over the top for a toasty crunch. Slide the pan into your oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This locks in the moisture and makes unmolding a breeze. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or lavish with a glossy ganache if you’re feeling extra. The result is a Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake that’s impossibly soft with a rustic, home-baked look.

How to Serve Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake

Garnishes

This cake is a blank canvas for your finishing touches. A snowy dusting of powdered sugar is the easiest way to add elegance, while a drizzle of chocolate ganache turns each slice into a rich celebration. For something special, top with a handful of extra toasted walnuts right before serving to accent their buttery aroma.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream makes each forkful even more decadent. If you’re hosting a coffee break, serve this Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake alongside a mug of strong coffee or a milky latte—it’s the ultimate pick-me-up pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try cutting the cake into small squares and serving them as bite-sized treats on a beautiful tray, each with a walnut pressed into the top. Or, slice the cake horizontally and layer with whipped cream and fresh berries for a show-stopping dessert, with the walnuts providing a rustic charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices of Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake keep wonderfully covered at room temperature for up to three days—and the flavor deepens! Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out, and you’ll always have a delicious snack on hand.

Freezing

Yes, this cake freezes beautifully. After cooling completely, wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, and you’ll have a perfect treat waiting with all the cake’s moisture intact.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake warm and fudgy, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings it back to just-baked softness. It’s especially dreamy if you’re pairing it with ice cream or a warm beverage on a chilly afternoon.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut or seed?

Absolutely! Pecans or hazelnuts work beautifully, and chopped almonds add a completely different crunch. If you’re nut-free, try sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or just skip the nuts—you’ll still get a deliciously moist chocolate cake.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, use sour cream for a denser texture, or make a quick substitute: mix just under 3/4 cup of milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for five minutes, and you’re set!

How can I make the cake even more chocolatey?

Stir in a handful of chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking for gooey pockets of chocolate, or finish the cooled cake with an extra-thick layer of ganache. This enhances the cake’s chocolate-forward profile without overwhelming the walnuts.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted gluten-free baking blend. Check that your baking powder, baking soda, and other ingredients are safe for gluten-free diets, and your cake will still be fabulously moist and full of flavor.

Is it possible to double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Definitely! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Watch the baking time, as it may take 5 to 10 minutes longer. You’ll have a large Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake to feed a party or plenty of leftovers to enjoy all week.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just dipping your toes into the world of homemade treats, this Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake is bound to win you over. It’s easy, reliable, and never fails to impress with its rich chocolatey crumb and irresistible walnut crunch. Go on and give it a try—there’s a slice of homemade happiness calling your name!

Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, moist goodness of this Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake. Perfect for any occasion, this homemade chocolate dessert is easy to make and a delight to enjoy with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup hot water

Additional:

1 cup chopped walnuts (divided)
powdered sugar or chocolate ganache (optional for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9-inch cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Blend Wet Ingredients: Beat eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla; mix into dry ingredients.
Add Hot Water: Stir in hot water until smooth, fold in ¾ cup walnuts.
Bake: Pour batter into pan, top with remaining walnuts, bake for 30–35 mins.
Cool and Serve: Let cool before serving, dust with powdered sugar or ganache if desired.