How to Make Mexican Panqué de Nuez

Panqué de Nuez, or Mexican Walnut Cake, is a delightful dessert that is cherished for its rich flavor and moist texture. This traditional cake makes for a perfect treat during festive occasions or as a sweet indulgence any day of the week. Here's a simple yet delicious recipe to make your own Panqué de Nuez at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they are well mixed.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. Incorporate Sour Cream

Gradually add the sour cream to the mixture while stirring until everything is well combined.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake.

7. Add Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts gently into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

8. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 to 55 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Your homemade Mexican Panqué de Nuez is now ready to be enjoyed! This cake is delicious on its own or served with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Best Results

  • Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Chop the walnuts coarsely for added texture in the cake.
  • For extra flavor, consider toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
  • Store the Panqué de Nuez in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Making Panqué de Nuez is a great way to bring a piece of Mexican culture into your kitchen. With its rich flavors and beautiful texture, this walnut cake is sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy baking!