Prep time
10 mins
Total time
35 mins
Serves
5 people
Level
Easy
QUICK French Chocolate Walnut Cake – Your New Fav!
Whip up this quick, moist French Chocolate Walnut Cake and you’ll be saying “oh là là!” A rich, irresistible treat for any occasion.
Always wanted to try diving into French baking? Here’s your chance, and it’s a total no fail! In fact, you probably already have all the ingredients at home. This super easy French Chocolate Walnuts Cake is a sure crowd pleaser as it’s so moist, so nutty, and irresistibly chocolate!
To begin with this French recipe in France…
My Frenchie husband was born and raised in a region of France where they are known for their walnuts. Taking the train down from Paris for the first time to meet his family (I was so nervous!) I passed through acres of walnut orchards.
Since then, these healthy walnuts have become a part of the meals at my kitchen table here in France. Whether it’s a handful of walnuts for snack, walnut oil and crushed walnuts sprinkled over a salad, or this irresistible French chocolate cake with walnuts recipe, walnuts (and let me add chocolate) make the heart happy.
Why you’ll love this French Chocolate Walnut Cake
(The French Oh la la Factor)
There’s no doubt, there’s really nothing NOT to love about this cake! Here are a few reasons below in case you’re on the fence about this recipe.
- So easy! Perfect for beginners to start their French chocolate cake adventures
- So moist! Let this one melt in your mouth.
- Quick! Only 10 minutes to throw these ingredients together.
- Crowd pleaser! You’ll be loved, greatly.
- Authentically French! No questions asked, non.
- For chocolate lovers! Who doesn’t love chocolate?
Ingredients for French Chocolate Cake with Walnuts
It’s very possible that you have these ingredients in your home today. Now you’re without excuse! Let’s whip up this moist chocolate walnuts cake now!
- 🌰 Walnuts: Add a rich, nutty flavor and a delicious bit of texture.
- 🧈 Butter: Gives the cake a tender, moist crumb and rich flavor.
- 🍫 Dark Chocolate: Brings deep, rich chocolate flavor and indulgence.
- 🍦 Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a warm, sweet aroma.
- 🥚 Eggs: Help bind everything together while adding structure and moisture.
- 🍬 Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a beautifully tender cake.
- 🌾 Flour: Provides the structure that holds the cake together.
Recipe Health Benefits
Ok, so normally when we think “cake” we don’t think healthy, but I had to keep this subtitle because this chocolate walnut cake is without frosting. Skip those extra calories, and prep time, and just have a double portion of cake!
- Less fat than the typical American chocolate cake with walnuts
- Walnuts: beneficial for heart and brain health thanks to their healthy omega-3 fats and antioxidants.
- Chocolate: rich in antioxidants that support heart health and help protect cells from oxidative stress.
What do French people call “walnuts”?
Here’s an easy one for ya’ll, easy to say but the sound is different than it looks. In French, the word for walnut is “noix” or we pronounce it “nwa.” Yup, that “x” is silent, and so will you be in amazement with you first bite of this French cake!
Recipe Tips and Tricks for the perfect Moist Chocolate Walnuts Cake
No one likes dry cake, so if you’re drolling for moist cake, here’s a tip! Simple- don’t over cook! This cake takes 25 minutes for it to be in it’s dreamy prime to taste, but like people, ovens are all different too. Keep a close eye on your cake around the 25 minute mark, because it might be done early.
Little French Kitchen Alternatives
If you’re missing an ingredient or need to do a substitution because of allergies, I’ve got your back.
- 🌰 Walnuts: Pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, or cashews. Pecans are probably the closest in flavor and texture.
- 🧈 Butter: Neutral oil, coconut oil, or margarine.
- 🌾 Gluten-free Flour Blend: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that already has xanthan gum or other type of food thickener.
Love this chocolate cake with walnuts recipe?
Here’s are Easy French Desserts for you chocolate lovers:
- French Chocolate Mousse: https://frenchcuisinemadesimple.com/french-chocolate-mousse/
- French Breakfast Brownie: https://frenchcuisinemadesimple.com/french-breakfast-brownie/
- French Cocoa Coffee Cake: https://frenchcuisinemadesimple.com/french-cocoa-coffee-cake/
- Gourmet French Hot Chocolate: https://frenchcuisinemadesimple.com/gourmet-french-hot-chocolate/
- Triple Chocolate Brownies: https://frenchcuisinemadesimple.com/triple-chocolate-brownies/
- Nutty Nutella Cookies: https://frenchcuisinemadesimple.com/nutty-nutella-cookies/
QUICK French Chocolate Walnut Cake
Whip up this quick, moist French Chocolate Walnut Cake and you’ll be saying “oh là là!” A rich, irresistible treat for any occasion.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (80 g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (130 g) dark chopped chocolate
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp (180 g) sugar
- 3/4 cups + 1 tbsp (110 g) wheat flour
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
(exact numbers do not correspond to exact step numbers below)
1. Preheat the oven for 350°F (180°C).
2. Melt the butter and chocoalte together in a “bain marie” or in the microwave.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
4. Add the vanilla, sugar, flour and nuts and mix together.
5. Add the melted chocolate/butter to the bowl and mix.
6. Butter a very small cake pan (7X7 inches).
7. Pour the batter in the pan and sprinkle the top with any remaining walnuts.
8. Cook for 25 minutes. The center will be slighty gooey will the border of the cake will be cooked. Be careful not to overcook this precious cake!
9. Serve warm or cold next to a nice cup of milk or coffee. Bon Appétit !
Notes
No one likes dry cake, so if you’re drolling for moist cake, here’s a tip! Simple- don’t over cook! This cake takes… minutes for it to be in it’s dreamy prime to taste, but like people, ovens are all different too. Keep a close eye on your cake around the 25 minute mark, because it might be done early.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
