The Ultimate Layer Cake aux Noix Caramel: A Nutty, Buttery Masterpiece
By Jason Griffith
There is something undeniably sophisticated about a layer cake that balances the earthy crunch of walnuts with the deep, buttery sweetness of homemade caramel. This Layer Cake aux Noix Caramel isn’t just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece. Whether you are celebrating a milestone or simply want to elevate your weekend baking, this recipe delivers a soft, moist sponge and a silky frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes this cake stand out is the texture. Unlike many heavy nut cakes, this sponge remains incredibly light thanks to the addition of buttermilk. The walnuts provide a rustic heartiness that cuts through the sweetness of the caramel drip. It reminds me of the effort put into these copycat Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookies, where the perfect balance of ingredients creates a “secret weapon” dessert. Plus, the visual of the golden caramel cascading down the white frosting is pure food photography goals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Walnut Sponge
- 250g (2 cups) All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for our layers.
- 2 tsp Baking powder & 1/2 tsp Baking soda: Our lifting agents for a fluffy crumb.
- Pinch of salt: To enhance the nutty notes.
- 200g (1 cup) Sugar: Granulated works best here.
- 120g (1/2 cup) Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature.
- 3 Large eggs: To provide structure.
- 200ml (3/4 cup) Buttermilk: For a tender, moist texture.
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract: A high-quality bean paste or extract is key.
- 100g (1 cup) Walnuts: Finely chopped.
For the Silky Frosting
- 250g (9 oz) Cream cheese: Softened (you can substitute with butter for a traditional buttercream).
- 120g (1 cup) Powdered sugar: Sifted to avoid lumps.
- 200ml (3/4 cup) Heavy cream: Kept cold until ready to use.
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract.
For the Signature Caramel Sauce
- 200g (1 cup) Sugar.
- 80g (6 tbsp) Butter.
- 120ml (1/2 cup) Heavy cream.
- Pinch of salt: Transform it into salted caramel for extra depth.
Swaps and Notes
- The Nut Swap: If you aren’t a fan of walnuts, pecans make an excellent substitute and pair beautifully with caramel.
- The Buttermilk Hack: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 200ml of regular milk with 1 tsp of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Shortcuts: If you are short on time, you can use these cake mix cookies as inspiration for a faster base, though a scratch-made sponge is highly recommended for this specific profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Walnut Layers
Préchauffer your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and airy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk your dry ingredients. Alternating between the dry mix and the buttermilk, fold the ingredients into the butter mixture. Finally, fold in those chopped walnuts. Divide the batter equally and bake for 25–30 minutes. Once cooled, slice each cake horizontally to create four thin, elegant layers.
2. Whip the Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. This creates a lighter, “mousse-like” frosting that isn’t overly cloying.
3. Master the Caramel Drip
This is the part that intimidates people, but it’s simple! Melt the sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir—just swirl the pan. Once it reaches a deep amber color, whisk in the butter. Slowly pour in the heavy cream (be careful, it will bubble violently!). Stir until smooth, add your salt, and let it cool until it reaches a thick, pourable consistency.
4. Assembly
Place your first layer on a cake stand and spread a generous layer of frosting. Repeat until all four layers are stacked. “Dirty ice” the cake with a thin layer of frosting to trap crumbs, chill for 20 minutes, then apply the final smooth coat. Pour the slightly warm caramel over the top, allowing it to drip naturally down the sides.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to prevent the batter from curdling.
- The Drip Test: Before pouring caramel over the whole cake, test one drip on the side. If it runs all the way to the bottom, the caramel is too warm. Let it cool a few more minutes.
- Toasting the Nuts: For a deeper flavor, toast your walnuts in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes before chopping them.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This cake is rich and decadent. I love serving it with a sharp, refreshing drink to cleanse the palate. Our Blueberry Lemonade offers a lovely tart contrast. For a cozy evening, a strong espresso or a glass of dessert wine is perfection.
If you are hosting a brunch, you might want a savory balance before the cake. I recommend starting with this 3-ingredient egg wrap to keep things light before the main event.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Estimated based on 12 servings.
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Protein: 6g
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Because of the cream cheese frosting, this cake should be stored in the refrigerator. It will stay moist for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
- The Caramel: If you have leftover caramel, it’s amazing drizzled over this chocolate chip banana bread.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the rich flavors of this cake, you have to try these other fan favorites:
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made – For that perfect salty-sweet nut combination.
- Classic Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – A great way to use extra walnuts.
Final Thoughts
Baking a layer cake like this is a labor of love, but the look on your guests’ faces when they see that golden caramel drip is worth every second. It’s a sophisticated dessert that brings a bit of French patisserie flair to your home kitchen.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how your caramel drip turned out! Tag us on social media or leave a comment below. Happy baking!
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