Mile High Black Walnut Pound Cake

Introduction: A true testament to the artistry of classic baking, the Mile High Black Walnut Pound Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that stands tall—both in height and flavor. The buttery richness of this cake, combined with the nutty, earthy depth of black walnuts, makes it an unforgettable treat. With its moist, tender crumb and intoxicating aroma, this pound cake is more than just a cake—it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a special occasion, this cake will quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.

This cake is a masterpiece of old-fashioned baking, inspired by the traditions of Southern and Midwestern kitchens where walnuts were a cherished ingredient, often used in cakes and pies. The inclusion of black walnut extract in this recipe gives it a distinctive, slightly smoky flavor that adds complexity and uniqueness, making it a standout dessert.

Ingredients:

1 pound (4 sticks) butter, room temperature
7 cups powdered sugar or 4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 packages (12 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons black walnut extract
1 teaspoon salt
8 large eggs, room temperature
4 1/2 cups cake flour (or White Lily All-Purpose Flour)
1/3 cup milk, room temperature
2 cups (about 8 oz) walnuts, finely chopped

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Prepare an Old Country Kitchenware square tube pan by brushing with pan coat (or use parchment paper if using a two-piece pan).
Beat butter and sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer until pale, light, and fluffy. This should take about 6 minutes at medium speed. The creaming process is crucial for creating that light, airy texture in the cake.
Add the cream cheese, 1/2 cup of flour, vanilla extract, black walnut extract, and salt. Beat until well-combined. Scrape down the bottom and sides of the mixing bowl to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.
Add the eggs one at a time, with the mixer running on low. Be sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next one. This slow incorporation of eggs ensures the batter emulsifies correctly and doesn’t break.
Alternate adding the remaining flour mixture and milk. Start with a third of the flour, followed by half the milk, then another third of the flour, the rest of the milk, and finally the remaining flour. Scrape the bowl between additions to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Fold in the walnuts with a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Set aside a handful or two of walnuts for topping.
Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Gently shake the pan to settle the batter, ensuring no air bubbles.
Top with reserved walnuts, spreading them evenly over the surface of the batter.
Bake in the center of the oven for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. The long baking time ensures the cake cooks evenly through its dense, moist batter.
Cool completely in the pan before removing it. This cake benefits from resting as the flavors meld together, and it firms up nicely for slicing.

History and Formation:

The pound cake has roots that stretch back to Europe in the 18th century. Originally, the recipe was made with a pound each of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs—a simple yet rich combination. Its name comes from this basic ratio, making it easy to remember. In the American South and Midwest, the pound cake became a beloved dessert, frequently baked for family gatherings and celebrations.

Black walnuts, a regional specialty particularly prized in the Midwest and some parts of the South, have a distinctive flavor that sets them apart from regular English walnuts. They’re more intense, with a slightly bitter edge and an earthy undertone. Incorporating black walnuts into a pound cake was a natural progression, as nuts were frequently used to add texture and flavor to rich desserts like cakes and pies.

This particular recipe incorporates cream cheese, a modern twist that lends an extra creamy texture to the cake, making it almost melt-in-your-mouth. The black walnut extract enhances the flavor of the chopped nuts, providing a fragrant, almost smoky depth that balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

Methods & Techniques:

Creaming Butter and Sugar: This is one of the most important steps in making pound cake. Beating the butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy helps create air pockets that give the cake its structure and tenderness.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature is essential for proper mixing and batter emulsification. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to separate, resulting in a dense, uneven texture.
Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients: Adding the flour in parts and alternating with the milk ensures the flour is not overmixed, which could make the cake dense. The milk adds moisture without weighing down the batter.
Baking Low and Slow: Baking the cake at a low temperature for a long period helps ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out. This also allows the flavors to develop slowly, giving you that rich, aromatic taste.

Conclusion:

The Mile High Black Walnut Pound Cake is the epitome of old-school baking, made even better with the bold flavor of black walnuts. It’s a cake that speaks to both the rich traditions of American baking and modern techniques. The result is a towering, decadent cake with a buttery crumb and a sophisticated depth of flavor.

Perfect for special occasions or as a treat to share with friends and family, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Its dense, moist texture and nutty richness make it a comforting dessert that’s bound to leave a lasting impression.

Lovers of the Mile High Black Walnut Pound Cake:

Bakers who appreciate classic techniques and want to challenge their skills with a rich, flavorful dessert.
Nut lovers, especially those who appreciate the complex, earthy taste of black walnuts.
Cake enthusiasts looking for something that combines height, texture, and deep flavor.
Those who enjoy Southern-style desserts or regional specialties, as this cake brings together a perfect balance of tradition and innovation.

The Mile High Black Walnut Pound Cake will quickly earn its place as a beloved recipe in the kitchen—both for its taste and its connection to the culinary heritage it represents. It’s not just a cake; it’s a story in every slice.