Lucy M. This Mary Berry’s Frosted Walnut Layer Cake is a nutty delight with soft, moist layers and a fluffy meringue frosting that feels like a slice of heaven.
There’s something so timeless about Mary Berry’s Frosted Walnut Layer Cake. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, whether it’s for a family gathering or just a quiet afternoon treat. The nutty crunch from the walnuts and the fluffy meringue frosting make every bite feel indulgent yet comforting. Plus, it’s easier to make than it looks, which is always a bonus! Trust me, once you bake this, it’ll quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1¾ cups (225g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (115g) finely chopped walnuts
- 1 cup + 2 tbsps (225g) sugar
- 1 cup (225g) salted butter, softened
- 4 extra-large eggs
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the frosting:
- 2 extra-large egg whites
- 1¾ cups (350g) sugar
- 4 tbsps water
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
To decorate:
- Walnut halves
Instructions
1. Get the oven and pans ready:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. It’s a little step, but it makes all the difference when it’s time to take the cakes out.
2. Make the batter:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, salt, and chopped walnuts. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together until smooth. It’s an all-in-one method, so don’t overthink it—just mix until there are no lumps.
3. Bake the cakes:
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Whip up the frosting:
In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg whites, sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water (make sure the bottom doesn’t touch the water) and whisk continuously for about 7–10 minutes until the mixture thickens and forms stiff peaks. Remove from the heat and continue whisking for another minute to cool slightly.
5. Assemble the cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides, smoothing it out for a neat finish.
6. Decorate:
Arrange the walnut halves on top of the cake for a simple yet elegant decoration. Chill the cake in the fridge for about 20 minutes to set the frosting before serving.
Pro Tip
Stick to the exact amount of baking powder in the recipe—using more will make the cake rise too quickly and then collapse. The all-in-one method relies on the baking powder to create the perfect lift, as the quick mixing process doesn’t incorporate as much air as traditional methods.
Mary Berry’s Frosted Walnut Layer Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. It’s a little step, but it makes all the difference when it’s time to take the cakes out.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, salt, and chopped walnuts. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together until smooth. It’s an all-in-one method, so don’t overthink it—just mix until there are no lumps.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg whites, sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water (make sure the bottom doesn’t touch the water) and whisk continuously for about 7–10 minutes until the mixture thickens and forms stiff peaks. Remove from the heat and continue whisking for another minute to cool slightly.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides, smoothing it out for a neat finish.
- Arrange the walnut halves on top of the cake for a simple yet elegant decoration. Chill the cake in the fridge for about 20 minutes to set the frosting before serving.
Notes
Pro Tip
Stick to the exact amount of baking powder in the recipe—using more will make the cake rise too quickly and then collapse. The all-in-one method relies on the baking powder to create the perfect lift, as the quick mixing process doesn’t incorporate as much air as traditional methods.If you love a classic treat, explore our irresistible Swiss Roll Recipe. It’s just as decadent as the crowd-pleasing Mary Berry’s Frosted Walnut Layer Cake.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 34g
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Frosted Walnut Layer Cake is a total showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. The fluffy sponge, crunchy walnuts, and silky meringue frosting come together beautifully in every bite. It’s one of those cakes that feels as good to make as it does to eat. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your baking rotation!
