Karidopita Walnut Spiced Cake

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, and flour. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. To the wet ingredients, add the orange juice, lemon zest, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until the liquid mixture is homogenous.

5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to form a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure it bakes uniformly.

7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Once baked, remove the Karidopita Walnut Spiced Cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the dish for about 15 minutes.

9. While the cake is still warm, you can prepare a simple syrup to drizzle over the top. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved.

10. Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the top and down the sides. This step adds moisture and sweetness to the Karidopita, enhancing its flavor and texture.

11. Once the cake has absorbed the syrup and cooled to room temperature, slice it into squares or diamonds for serving. This cake is delightful on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.