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Home » Ingredients » Eggs

Chocolate Sponge Cake With Walnuts

Published: Dec 9, 2019 · Modified: Jul 1, 2023. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Recipe Jump to Video
chocolate sponge cake pin
chocolate sponge cake pin
chocolate sponge cake pin
Creamy and nutty chocolate sponge cake: dark chocolate taste with a soft foamy texture created by the whipped egg whites. The perfect base for a cake covered with chocolate icing and topped with fruity raspberries to complete.

This chocolate sponge cake recipe is creamy and nutty, made with dark chocolate and grated walnuts. A fluffy chocolate sponge cake with a soft and foamy consistency created by the whipped egg whites but also a crunchy texture from the walnuts. This moist chocolate cake is a popular choice for a birthday cake or for a special occasion. The perfect base for a layer cake covered with dark chocolate frosting and topped with fruity raspberries to complete.

Walnut Dark Chocolate Sponge Cake slice served on a plate
Jump to:
  • What is a sponge cake
  • How this chocolate cake is unique
  • Ingredients
  • Cake pan
  • Instructions
  • Important tips
  • Storage
  • FAQ
  • Recipes you might also like
  • 📋Chocolate Sponge Cake With Walnuts

What is a sponge cake

A sponge cake is a cake without any raising agent, like baking powder or yeast.

It is made fluffy by whisking the egg whites; usually, it has no butter.

Sponge cakes with butter are called Genoise sponge cakes.

A sponge cake is lighter and often covered with a creamy frosting.

Due to the large number of eggs, it is spongy rather than crumbly.

Therefore a perfect sponge cake is easy to shape.

It is the pastry used for Swiss Roll, where the cake is baked on a flat rectangular sheet, then covered with creamy frosting and rolled.

Simple and versatile, a well-made chocolate sponge cake can be transformed into anything from a classic birthday cake to an elegant dessert for special occasions.

mixed batter for sponge cake

How this chocolate cake is unique

This chocolate sponge cake is different from other sponge cakes for the following reasons:

  • It is made with dark chocolate, not unsweetened cocoa powder, making the final result even creamier.
  • The batter is also mixed with crunchy walnuts to add texture to the cake.
  • It is a creamy and nutty chocolate sponge cake with almost no flour.
  • There is no leavening agent; its airy texture is made by whipping egg whites, which are added to the mix.
  • But while, in general, sponge cakes do not have butter, this cake does, making it similar to a Genoise sponge cake.
  • The dark chocolate frosting completes the taste of this delicious cake, adding creaminess with the acidic contrast of fresh raspberries.

You can find more chocolate desserts: 2 ingredients chocolate mousse, Caprese cake, marble bundt cake.

Chocolate sponge cake with a slice being served

Ingredients

To make the cake batter, you need the following ingredients:

  • Flour: All-purpose flour works best for creating a tender crumb. You may sift in flour to remove any lumps and achieve an even texture.
  • Sugar: The sweetness in the cake comes from sugar, although you may adjust the quantity to suit your taste. Granulated sugar works well in sponge cake recipes.
  • Whole eggs: Large, room-temperature eggs are essential for providing structure and lift to the sponge cake. Remember to incorporate the eggs one at a time and fully mix each one in before adding the next.
  • Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the cake. Be cautious not to over-mix the batter after adding butter, as it may affect the cake's texture.
  • Dark Chocolate: This recipe uses dark chocolate, not cocoa powder. A good quality chocolate is essential for this recipe
  • Instant coffee: adds depth to the flavor. Dilute in freshwater
  • Chopped walnuts: for a crunchy texture. You can also use pecan or macadamia nuts
2-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Mousse ingredients

Cake pan

Grease and flour 2 baking pans 20 cm in diameter.

Here I used a heart-shaped tin for St Valentine’s, but you can use a regular round one.

Walnut Dark Chocolate Sponge Cake slice cut

Instructions

Making the batter

Prepare the ingredients:

  1. Melt the chocolate, sugar, coffee and water in a bain-marie or in the microwave for 1.5 minutes.
  2. Mix and let it cool down.
  3. Separate the egg yolks from the white.
  4. Mix the ground walnuts with 2 tablespoon of flour.
Prepare the ingredients for the sponge cake

Making the chocolate batter

  1. In a large bowl whip the butter with an electric mixer until it becomes creamy.
  2. Add the egg yolks to the butter and mix
  3. Combine the melted chocolate and sugar with the butter and eggs,
  4. Then add the ground walnuts mixed with the flour.
  5. Mix the batter well until all is combined
Make the chocolate batter

Adding the egg whites

  1. In an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the egg whites till stiff peaks.
  2. Gently add it to the mix,
  3. one spoon at a time.
  4. Mix with a large rubber spatula until it is all combined in a fluffy texture.
Mixing the batter with egg whites

Baking it

  1. Pour the mix into the 2 baking pans 20 cm in diameter coated with butter and flour
  2. Bake in a hot oven in the middle rack at oven temperature 355 F - 180C for 35 minutes.
  3. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Baking the chocolate sponge

Make the frosting

To completely cover this cake in frosting and add a layer in the middle, we are making a Chocolate Ganache.

You will need the following in equal proportion:

  • Heavy cream
  • Dark chocolate (if you use milk chocolate, the frosting will be softer)

 See the recipe card for quantities.

  1. Gently warm the cream but make sure it does not boil. The best is to do it in a bain-marie over a pot of boiling water.
  2. Take off the heat and add the dark chocolate.
  3. Mix until the chocolate melts.
Make the frosting
  1. Place the mixing bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes.
  2. Whip the chocolate cream.
whip the frosting

Frosting and decorating the cake

  1. Once the cakes are ready, let them cool at room temperature before proceeding.
  2. Place one cake on the serving dish.
  3. Spread some cream on top of the first cake.
  4. Position the second cake on top.
  5. Cover the top of the cake completely with the remaining cream.
  6. Spread the frosting also on the side of the cake layers.
Put the frosting on the cake
  1. Decorate with walnuts and raspberries.
  2. Keep in the fridge until it is time to serve.
heart-shaped chocolate sponge cake with raspberries

Important tips

  • Use good quality dark chocolate. The cake consistency will be softer if you want to use milk chocolate.
  • Same principle applies to the frosting. If you want to use milk chocolate, use less cream.
  • You can also use the microwave at medium for 1.5 minutes to melt the chocolate.
  • Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature. Cold egg whites won't make a firm foam.
  • On the contrary, whipping the cream is best if the whisk and the bowl are very cold. Place them in the freezer for 10 minutes before preparing the frosting.
  • Ensure the baking pans are well-buttered and coated with flour on the bottom and sides of the pan. This will ensure that the cake will not break when removed from the pan.
  • During baking, keep a close eye on the oven, and avoid opening the door too often. This can cause the temperature to fluctuate, which may lead to uneven baking or an undesired texture.
  • Use a toothpick or a cake tester to check the cake’s doneness before removing it from the oven.
  • Wait at least 10 minutes before removing the cake from the pans.
  • Other cream fillings are chocolate buttercreamand custard cream. You can make the chocolate buttercreamby blending unsweetened cocoa powder or melted chocolate with a traditional buttercream base. You can find the recipe for a Custard cream in the Italian fruit tart recipe.
  • Instead of raspberries, you can also use strawberries or blackberries
Slice of Walnut Dark Chocolate Sponge Cake on a plate

Storage

To maintain freshness, it's essential to refrigerate your chocolate sponge cake.

Proper storage helps keep the cake moist and flavorful for extended periods.

It is also advised to store the cake in an airtight container to prevent potential flavor transfer from other foods.

chocolate sponge cake with a slice served on a plate

FAQ

What is the key to a moist chocolate sponge cake?

To achieve a moist chocolate sponge cake, ensure that you use quality ingredients, such as good dark chocolate and a proper balance of dry and wet ingredients. Keep an eye on the baking time - overbaking can cause the cake to be dry. It's also important to properly cool the cake before cutting or serving.

How to adapt a 6-inch chocolate sponge cake recipe?

To adapt a recipe, simply halve the quantity of each ingredient and use a 6-inch round cake pan. Keep in mind that a smaller cake may require less baking time, so check the cake for doneness with a toothpick a few minutes before the recommended bake time for the original recipe.

Recipes you might also like

For more winter desserts recipes, check out the category: Desserts

Also, check the recipes below for Christmas:

  • Torta Caprese with Almond and Chocolate - Gluten Free
  • Traditional Struffoli Recipe With Cognac
  • Roasted Chestnuts Recipe
  • Torrone Italian Nougat Recipe
  • Homemade Cinnamon Buns
  • Mini Meringues Recipe
  • Scandinavian Almond Cake With Custard Cream
  • Ile Flottante Recipe
  • Traditional Oreillettes Chiacchiere Recipe
  • Pavlova Recipe with Chestnut Mousse

If you are making these Chocolate Sponge Cake With Walnuts, leave your comment below I would like to hear from you. You can find more delicious ideas if you FOLLOW ME on Facebook, YouTube, or sign up to my newsletter.

slice of chocolate sponge cake

📋Chocolate Sponge Cake With Walnuts

This chocolate sponge cake recipe is creamy and nutty, made with dark chocolate and grated walnuts. A fluffy chocolate sponge cake with a soft and foamy consistency created by the whipped egg whites but also a crunchy texture from the walnuts. This moist chocolate cake is a popular choice for a birthday cake or for a special occasion. The perfect base for a layer cake covered with dark chocolate frosting and topped with fruity raspberries to complete.
Prep Time 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
Resting time 1 hour hour
⏲️Total Time 2 hours hours
Servings: 10 people
Print Rate SaveSaved!
Author: Laura Tobin

Ingredients
 
 

For the cake

  • 4 ½ oz dark chocolate
  • 1 teaspoon dry instant coffee
  • 2 tablespoon fresh water
  • 1 cup caster sugar
  • ½ cup butter at room temperature
  • 6 fresh eggs separated
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 tablespoon flour

Frosting:

  • 7 oz cream
  • 7 oz chocolate dark or milk: milk chocolate will make a softer frosting
  • ½ cup raspberry
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Equipment

  • Mini Measuring Set
  • Measuring mugs
  • KitchenAid Mixer
  • Braun blender
  • Cake Pan with RB 9 in - 24 cm
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking Utensil Set
  • Egg separator
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Instructions

Prepare the ingredients

  • Melt the chocolate, sugar, coffee and water in a bain-marie or in the microwave for 1.5 minutes.
    4 ½ oz dark chocolate, 1 teaspoon dry instant coffee, 2 tablespoon fresh water, 1 cup caster sugar
  • Mix and let it cool down
  • Separate the egg yolks from the whites.
    6 fresh eggs
  • Mix the ground walnuts with 2 tablespoon of flour.
    1 cup chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoon flour

Making the chocolate batter

  • Whip the butter with an electric mixer until it becomes creamy.
    ½ cup butter
  • Add the egg yolks to the butter and mix
  • Combine the melted chocolate and sugar to the butter and eggs,
  • Then add the ground walnuts mixed with the flour. Mix the batter well until all is combined

Adding the egg whites

  • Whip the egg whites till stiff and forming peaks.
  • Gently add it to the mix, one spoon at a time until it is all combined.

Baking the sponges

  • Grease and flour 2 baking tins of 8 in - 20 cm in diameter. Here I use a heart-shaped one for St Valentine’s.
  • Pour the mix into the buttered tins
  • Cook in a hot oven at 355 F - 180C for 35 minutes.

Making the frosting

  • Gently warm the cream but make sure it does not boil. The best is to do it in a bain-marie over a pot of boiling water.
    7 oz cream
  • Take off of the heat and add the dark chocolate.
    7 oz chocolate
  • Mix until the chocolate melts.
  • Let it cool completely.
  • Place the mixing bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes. You will obtain better results if it is ice cold when you whip the cream.
  • Whip the chocolate cream.

Frosting and decorating the cake

  • Once the cakes are ready let them cool at room temperature before proceeding. Place one cake over the serving dish
  • Spread some cream on top of the first cake.
  • Position the second cake on top.
  • Cover completely with the remaining cream
  • Spread the frosting also on the side.
  • Decorate with walnuts and raspberries.
    ½ cup raspberry
  • Keep in the fridge until it is time to serve.

Video

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Notes

  • Use good quality dark chocolate. The cake consistency will be softer if you want to use milk chocolate.
  • Same principle applies to the frosting. If you want to use milk chocolate, use less cream.
  • You can also use the microwave at medium for 1.5 minutes to melt the chocolate.
  • Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature. Cold egg whites won't make a firm foam.
  • On the contrary, whipping the cream is best if the whisk and the bowl are very cold. Place them in the freezer for 10 minutes before preparing the frosting.
  • Ensure the baking pans are well-buttered and coated with flour on the bottom and sides of the pan. This will ensure that the cake will not break when removed from the pan.
  • During baking, keep a close eye on the oven, and avoid opening the door too often. This can cause the temperature to fluctuate, which may lead to uneven baking or an undesired texture.
  • Use a toothpick or a cake tester to check the cake’s doneness before removing it from the oven.
  • Wait at least 10 minutes before removing the cake from the pans.
  • Other cream fillings are chocolate buttercream and custard cream. You can make the chocolate buttercream by blending unsweetened cocoa powder or melted chocolate with a traditional buttercream base. You can find the recipe for a Custard cream in the Italian fruit tart recipe.
  • Instead of raspberries, you can also use strawberries or blackberries
  •  

Nutrition

Calories: 527kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 720IU | Vitamin C: 1.8mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 3mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mahy

    December 10, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    5 stars
    Isn't this sponge cake amazing?! It looks like the cake that can easily make any day special. And all the detailed steps make following the cooking process just a breeze!

    Reply
    • Laura

      December 10, 2019 at 5:09 pm

      Yes, it is not that difficult

      Reply
  2. Julia

    December 10, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    5 stars
    This cake looks so rich! It would be perfect for Valentine's Day!

    Reply
    • Laura

      December 10, 2019 at 5:09 pm

      It is very good for Valentine day

      Reply
  3. Emmeline

    December 10, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    5 stars
    This looks delicious!! Love the combo of chocolate with raspberries!

    Reply
    • Laura

      December 10, 2019 at 5:08 pm

      yes, it is very good

      Reply
  4. Laura Lynch

    December 10, 2019 at 4:22 pm

    5 stars
    This cake looks really decadent, but I like that it doesn't use a lot of flour. Your fantastic process photos are such a helpful walk through for us non-bakers.

    Reply
    • Laura

      December 10, 2019 at 5:08 pm

      thank you, yes very little flour. Still so nice and crunchy with the walnuts

      Reply
  5. Heidy L. McCallum

    December 10, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    5 stars
    This cake was wonderful! The entire family enjoyed the sponge cake and we will be making it again soon.

    Reply
    • Laura

      December 10, 2019 at 5:04 pm

      I am so glad your family liked it. Thank you for letting me know

      Reply

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