Spiced Turnip and Walnut Cake
Discover the unique and delightful flavors of our Spiced Turnip and Walnut Cake, a delectable dessert that redefines traditional baking. This cake features a moist and tender crumb infused with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, complemented by the subtle sweetness of pureed turnips. The rich, buttery frosting made with egg yolks adds an indulgent touch, while the chopped walnuts provide a delightful crunch. Perfect for impressing guests or for a cozy family dessert, this cake is an unforgettable treat that blends unexpected ingredients into an exquisite dessert experience. Serve it for special occasions, celebrations, or simply as a luxurious everyday indulgence.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened, plus 1 tablespoon for greasing)
granulated sugar
3/4 cup
eggs
3 (room temperature)
cooked turnip
1 cup (pureed (about 2 medium turnips))
all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
chopped walnuts
1/3 cup
powdered sugar
4 cups
grated walnuts
3/4 cup (for garnish)
egg yolks
2
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch springform pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Beat in the 3 eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated after each addition. Then, mix in the 1 cup of pureed cooked turnip until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing the sides of the springform pan.
8
To prepare the frosting, cream together the remaining 3/4 cup of softened butter, 2 egg yolks, and 4 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
9
Once the cake has completely cooled, slice it horizontally into two equal layers.
10
Spread one-third of the frosting over the bottom layer, then gently place the second cake layer on top.
11
Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, finishing with a generous sprinkle of 3/4 cup of grated walnuts for added texture and flavor.
12
Refrigerate the cake until serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spiced Turnip and Walnut Cake?
It is a unique dessert featuring a moist crumb infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, using pureed turnips for sweetness and moisture.
What does turnip add to the cake?
Turnips provide a subtle sweetness and ensure the cake has a moist and tender texture.
How do I prepare the turnips for this recipe?
You should cook about two medium turnips until soft and then puree them to get one cup of turnip puree.
At what temperature should I bake the cake?
The cake should be baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The baking time is approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What size pan is required?
An 8-inch springform pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking?
Grease the pan with butter and dust it with a light coating of flour before adding the batter.
What ingredients are in the frosting?
The frosting is made from softened butter, egg yolks, and powdered sugar.
Which spices are included in the batter?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
Do the eggs need to be at room temperature?
Yes, using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate better into the batter.
How many eggs are used in total?
The recipe uses 3 whole eggs for the cake batter and 2 egg yolks for the frosting.
How should I layer the cake?
Once cooled, slice the cake horizontally into two equal layers and spread frosting in the middle.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While walnuts are traditional for this recipe, you could substitute them with pecans or omit them if necessary.
How do I store the leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator due to the egg-based frosting.
Should the cake be served cold?
The recipe suggests refrigerating the cake until serving, which helps the frosting set.
What is the garnish for this cake?
The cake is finished with a generous sprinkle of grated walnuts on the top and sides.
How many turnips equals one cup of puree?
Approximately two medium-sized turnips are needed to produce the required cup of puree.
Is the frosting cooked?
No, the frosting is a creamed mixture of butter, yolks, and powdered sugar.
Can I use granulated sugar for the frosting?
No, powdered sugar is required to ensure the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
What is the texture of the cake?
It has a moist, tender crumb with a contrasting crunch from the chopped walnuts.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the springform pan for 5 minutes before removing the sides.
When should I slice the cake for layering?
Only slice the cake horizontally after it has completely cooled to prevent it from crumbling.
What is the purpose of the baking soda?
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise during the baking process.
How much butter is used in the frosting?
The frosting uses 3/4 cup of softened butter.
Does the cake taste like vegetables?
No, the turnips provide moisture and body, but the flavor is dominated by warm spices and sugar.
Can I use an electric mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer is ideal for creaming the butter and sugar and for making the frosting fluffy.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Yes, its unique profile and gourmet presentation make it perfect for celebrations and holiday baking.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The batter contains 1/4 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness.
How much flour do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Can I use pre-ground cloves?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves.