Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup walnut halves, toasted and roughly chopped
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp milk or cream (for frosting)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly golden, approximately 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  7. Fold in the toasted walnuts gently.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. (Optional) Prepare frosting by beating together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  12. Spread frosting over the cooled cake, slice, serve, and enjoy!