- Why is it crumbly?
- Lack of gluten means no elastic 'glue'. Eggs and chilling help hold it together. Chill before slicing!
- Can I sub almond flour?
- Yes, you can use any finely ground nut, but moisture absorption may vary slightly.
Flourless Walnut Cake
The challenge in gluten-free baking is replacing the structure. Since walnuts and almonds lack gluten, the egg whites and natural oils in the nuts take center stage here. This cake is naturally denser and moister than a sponge, but the intense nut flavor makes it worth it.
Ingredients
2
cups
Ground Walnuts
1
cup
Almond Flour
1/2
cup
Erythritol (or Sugar)
4
large
Eggs
1/2
cup
Coconut Oil (melted)
2
tsp
Baking Powder (GF)
1
tsp
Vanilla Extract
1
pinch
Salt
1
cup
Heavy Cream (sugar-free, for topping)
1/4
cup
Walnut Halves (for garnish)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Cake Pan (9 inch)
- Electric Mixer
- Silicone Spatula
- Parchment Paper
Allergen Information
Tree Nuts
Egg
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
Tip: Gluten-free batters stick more; paper is a lifesaver.
2
✓
Mix dry ingredients: ground walnuts, almond flour, baking powder, salt.
Tip: Break up any clumps in the almond flour.
3
✓
Whip eggs with erythritol until very frothy (5 mins). Stream in melted oil and vanilla.
Tip: Without gluten, the egg foam supports the cake. Don't skimp on whipping!
4
✓
Gently fold the dry mix into the eggs.
Tip: Walnuts are heavy and want to sink, so fold carefully but thoroughly.
5
✓
Bake for 25-30 minutes. Perform a toothpick test.
Tip: Let cool completely in the pan. It falls apart if moved while warm!
6
✓
Whip the heavy cream (sweeten to taste) and frost the cooled cake.
Tip: Serve with extra nuts on top.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ground Walnuts
- 1 cup Almond Flour
- 1/2 cup Erythritol (or Sugar)
- 4 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Coconut Oil (melted)
- 2 tsp Baking Powder (GF)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (sugar-free, for topping)
- 1/4 cup Walnut Halves (for garnish)