Christmas Walnut Cake with Caramel and Marshmallow Frosting Recipe

If there’s one holiday showstopper you’ll want to add to your baking repertoire, it’s the delightful Christmas Walnut Cake with Caramel and Marshmallow Frosting. This beloved Brazilian dessert brings together layers of moist, nutty cake, a luscious golden caramel filling, and a crown of dreamy marshmallow frosting. The combination creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s festive, nostalgic, and downright irresistible—making it the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in creating a magical cake, and for this recipe, every component brings its own little sparkle. Simple pantry staples come together with walnuts and creamy fillings to create the color, texture, and celebrated flavor of a true holiday favorite.

• Walnuts: Finely ground for a wonderfully rich, nutty flavor and moist crumb throughout the cake.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its soft, cohesive structure.
• Baking powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully and stays light.
• Cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of spice that sings of the season.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances every other flavor in the cake.
• Eggs, separated: Yolks build richness while beaten whites make your cake airy and tender.
• Sugar: Sweetens every layer, from cake to caramel to frosting.
• Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and gently tenderizes the crumb.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds flavor and a luxurious texture to your batter.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the taste with its comforting aroma.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The key to the caramel filling’s silky, decadent sweetness.
• Butter (for caramel): Creates a smooth, glossy caramel with a buttery touch.
• Heavy cream: Makes the caramel filling even creamier and more luscious.
• Pinch of salt (for caramel): Enhances and deepens the caramel notes.
• Egg whites (for frosting): Whipped to glossy, cloud-like perfection for the marshmallow topping.
• Water (for frosting): Helps dissolve the sugar for the smoothest marshmallow swirl.
• Cream of tartar: Stabilizes your egg whites so the frosting holds its fluffy shape.

How to Make Christmas Walnut Cake with Caramel and Marshmallow Frosting

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans so nothing sticks. Having your pans ready ensures the cake layers release smoothly and bake evenly—a little step with a big impact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, finely ground walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these first allows every grain to be evenly spiced and helps distribute the nuts harmoniously throughout your cake.

Step 3: Create the Egg Yolk Mixture

In a separate large bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until the mixture turns pale and creamy. This aerates the eggs, giving your cake a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is silky smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture and gently stir until just combined. Overmixing at this point can make your cake tough, so use a light hand for a tender crumb filled with walnut flavor.

Step 5: Beat and Fold the Egg Whites

In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks. Carefully fold them into the cake batter in two additions, using a spatula to keep all that pillowy air intact. This is the secret to a cake that’s both rich and beautifully light.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then gently turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Caramel Filling

While your cakes cool, prepare the dreamy caramel. Place the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and pinch of salt into a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly while it cooks into a golden, thick caramel. Remove from the heat, stir in the heavy cream until completely smooth, and allow it to cool to a spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Prepare the Marshmallow Frosting

For the marshmallow magic, combine the egg whites, sugar, and water in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture feels warm. Transfer to a stand mixer and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add the cream of tartar and vanilla, then whip until the frosting is bright, white, and billowy.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a thick, generous layer of caramel filling over the top. Add the second cake layer. Now, swirl on the marshmallow frosting, covering the top and sides in soft, snow-capped clouds.

Step 10: Decorate and Chill

If you like, finish with a flourish of toasted walnuts for added crunch. Chill your Christmas Walnut Cake with Caramel and Marshmallow Frosting in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so the flavors can meld and the slices cut cleanly.

How to Serve Christmas Walnut Cake with Caramel and Marshmallow Frosting

Garnishes

Dress your creation with a playful sprinkle of toasted walnut halves, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a few edible gold stars for extra holiday sparkle. The creamy frosting welcomes a little texture, and the visual impact is pure Christmas magic.

Side Dishes

Pair slices of cake with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a shot of espresso. These classic accompaniments highlight the rich flavors of walnut and caramel, making each bite even more luxurious and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra dose of festive cheer, serve your Christmas Walnut Cake with Caramel and Marshmallow Frosting on a shimmering cake stand, surrounded by sprigs of holly or twinkly lights. Mini individual cake towers or playful cupcake versions also make delightful treats for parties or gift-giving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once everyone’s enjoyed their first (and maybe second) slice, wrap any remaining cake well in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, and the flavors only get better as they meld together.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze the walnut cake layers tightly wrapped for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before filling and frosting. The caramel and marshmallow components are best made fresh for the creamiest, fluffiest results.

Reheating

This cake is wonderful served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is required. If you do prefer a slightly softer caramel, let the cake sit out for 20 minutes before slicing to take the chill off and let the flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or hazelnuts make a delicious alternative, bringing their own cozy, toasty notes to the cake. Just be sure to grind them finely so the texture remains moist and light.

How do I keep the marshmallow frosting from weeping?

Make sure the frosting is whipped until the peaks are stiff and glossy, and don’t add the cream of tartar until the sugar has fully dissolved. Store the finished cake in the refrigerator to keep the frosting stable and beautiful.

What if I don’t have two cake pans?

No problem at all. Simply bake the cake batter in one tall pan and slice it in half horizontally once cooled, or bake in batches if necessary. The result will be just as delectable.

Can I make the caramel filling ahead of time?

Yes, the caramel can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then gently warm to soften before spreading between your cake layers. This saves time and actually enhances the caramel’s flavor.

Is this cake gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone at your holiday table can enjoy Christmas Walnut Cake with Caramel and Marshmallow Frosting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s rich with tradition, flavor, and festive flair, look no further than Christmas Walnut Cake with Caramel and Marshmallow Frosting. Each slice brings a burst of holiday spirit to the table, and it’s a joy to make as well as to share. Give this recipe a try and make your holiday celebrations extra special!

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