This Sour Cream Walnut Cake is a delightful vintage recipe that creates a moist, tender cake with a subtle tang from the sour cream and a rich walnut flavor. This cake balances simplicity with bold flavors, perfect for tea time or as a dessert centerpiece. Thanks to the sour cream, the creamy texture pairs beautifully with the chopped walnuts’ crunch, making each bite memorable. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this straightforward recipe will surely become a favorite.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:
Sour Cream Cake
Sour Cream Cake FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream.
Can I omit the walnuts?
Certainly, if you’re avoiding nuts, you can skip them, or substitute them with raisins or chocolate chips.
What type of flour works best for this cake?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, ensuring a balanced structure and soft crumb.
How should I store this cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it.
Food History
Sour cream has been used in baking for centuries, lending a unique tanginess and moistness to cakes. By the early 20th century, sour cream became a staple in many American kitchens, particularly for quick cakes and coffee cakes. Walnuts, native to regions in the Middle East and Asia, were introduced to North America in the 17th century and became a beloved addition to baked goods due to their rich, earthy flavor and crunchy texture. This cake combines the best of these two ingredients, showcasing the creativity of mid-20th-century bakers.
Timeline
- 17th century: Walnuts introduced to North America.
- 19th century: Baking powder and baking soda revolutionized baking.
- Early 20th century: Sour cream became a common ingredient in cakes.
- Mid-20th century: Recipes like this Sour Cream Walnut Cake grew in popularity.
Recipe Discussion
This cake uses a classic method of creaming butter and sugar to create a light and airy texture. The addition of sour cream makes the cake moist and tender, while the baking soda, dissolved in hot water, ensures a perfect rise. The walnuts add a pleasant crunch and a nutty depth of flavor. The result is a harmonious balance of richness and texture, with just a hint of tanginess. You can enjoy it plain or dust it with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
Preparation Tips
- Use room-temperature butter for easier creaming and smoother batter.
- Dissolve the baking soda in hot water to activate it fully and ensure even distribution in the batter.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before chopping for an enhanced flavor.
- Grease and flour your cake pan well to prevent sticking.
- For even mixing, add the dry ingredients and sour cream alternately, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Be careful not to overmix once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
Recommended Kitchen Products
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes.
- Electric Hand Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar evenly.
- Non-stick Cake Pan: Ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily.
- Nut Chopper: Ideal for quickly and uniformly chopping walnuts.
- Silicone Spatula Set: Great for folding ingredients without overmixing.
- Cooling Rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly without becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a light, elegant finish.
- Top with cream cheese frosting for added richness.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a classic combination.
- Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweet, sticky topping.
A Timeless Treat for Any Occasion
This Sour Cream Walnut Cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Its moist texture and nutty flavor make it ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special event, or just indulging in a slice of homemade goodness. This vintage recipe is a true treasure from the past, sure to delight modern bakers and eaters alike.
Start Your Recipe Box
- Start your recipe box or your family or friends. View New and Vintage Recipe Boxes
- View Recipe Cards and Templates
- View Recipe Card Protectors and Sleeves
Vintage Goodies
- Vintage Kitchenware on Etsy
- Vintage Recipes on Amazon
- Vintage Cookbooks on eBay
- Vintage Cookbooks on Etsy
Sour Cream Cake Recipe
Sour Cream Cake
A moist and flavorful Sour Cream Walnut Cake made with brown sugar, sour cream, and chopped walnuts. A perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, well beaten
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (dissolved in hot water)
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 cup walnuts, broken into small pieces
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add the beaten eggs and mix well.
- Stir in the sour cream.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together and mix into the batter.
- Add the dissolved baking soda and mix thoroughly.
- Fold in the walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until done (about 25-30 minutes).