Karidopita: Greek Walnut Cake

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease and flour a 9x12 rectangular baking pan or a similarly sized round pan. (If you’d like, you can line the bottom of the pan with parchment to make it easier to remove the pieces.)

2. Step 2

   In a large bowl, using an electric mixer beat the eggs until they are a light yellow color, about 5 minutes. Add oil, milk, and sugar and mix well. Add brandy, lemon zest, cinnamon, and cloves and mix until just incorporated.

3. Step 3

   In a separate bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder and baking soda.

4. Step 4

   With the mixer on lowest speed, incorporate the flour mixture into the batter. Stir in the ground walnuts and turn off the mixer once the ingredients are combined.

5. Step 5

   Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out dry.

6. Step 6

   While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a medium saucepan, add the sugar, water, and cinnamon stick and bring to a low boil.

7. Step 7

   Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat, remove the cinnamon stick, and stir in the lemon juice.

8. Step 8

   Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Remove the cake from the oven and carefully pour the cooled syrup over the warm cake.

9. Step 9

   This cake is traditionally topped with more chopped walnuts, but that is optional.