Karidopita: The Ultimate Walnut Cake - A Sweet Symphony of Greek Tradition and Flavors

 Karidopita, a traditional Greek walnut cake drenched in honey and syrup, is a nostalgic delight. The name, derived from 'karydia' (walnuts) and 'pita' (pie), evokes sweet memories of my name day celebrations crafted by my beloved mother.

For this exquisite karidopita recipe, gather eggs, sugar, walnuts, breadcrumbs, cinnamon, baking powder, ground cloves, butter, honey, and cinnamon sticks. Crafting this classic Greek dessert takes just 30 minutes of preparation and 45 minutes of baking, resulting in approximately 16 delectable pieces of karidopita.

Greek cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its rich flavors, Mediterranean influence, and a wide array of delectable desserts. Among these culinary treasures is a dessert that holds a special place in Greek hearts – Karidopita. This traditional Greek walnut cake, drenched in honey and syrup, is not just a dessert; it's a sweet journey through Greek tradition and culture.

Karidopita isn't just a dessert; it's a trip down memory lane for many Greeks. It often carries a deep sentimental value as it is associated with special occasions, family gatherings, and name day celebrations. For those who grew up with the aroma of Karidopita wafting through their homes, each bite is a nostalgic delight, reminiscent of childhood and family traditions.

karidopita (Greek walnut cake with honey syrup)


Karidopita - Ingredients

  • 6 eggs 
  • 250 g of sugar
  • 500 g of walnuts, grated
  • 375 g of breadcrumbs
  • 1½ teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon of ground clove, grated

For the baking pan

  • Butter
  • Breadcrumbs

For Karidopita Syrup

  • ½ cup honey 
  • 250 ml of water 
  • 2 cinnamon sticks 

Karidopita - How to Make

  1. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. 
  2. Beat the egg whites with a whisk until foamy. 
  3. In an electric mixer beat the egg yolks and gradually add the sugar. Beat until sugar is dissolved and you get a unified mixture. 
  4. Mix the breadcrumbs with the baking powder. 
  5. Preheat oven to 180°C. 
  6. Add into the egg yolk mixture the cinnamon, ground clove, and breadcrumbs mixture. Mix.
  7. Pause the mixture and add the walnuts, mix with a spatula and gradually add the meringue. Mix softly to get a unified mixture.  
  8. Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and flouring the bottom and sides with some breadcrumbs.
  9. Pour the mixture into the baking pan.
  10. Place in oven and bake for around 40 to 45 minutes until it gets a nice golden color. 
  11. Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool down a bit. 
  12. In a pan, put all the syrup ingredients and boil for around 5 minutes. 
  13. Cur karidopita into square pieces and with the help of a spoon slowly pour the syrup. 
  14. Allow the cake to absorb the syrup before serving.  
If you've never had the pleasure of tasting Karidopita, you're missing out on a truly divine dessert. The combination of crunchy walnuts, aromatic spices, and sweet honey-soaked cake is an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of Greek coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Karidopita is a dessert that will leave a lasting impression.

Karidopita is not just a walnut cake; it's a culinary masterpiece that embodies the soul of Greek culture. From its heartwarming name to its deep-rooted traditions, every aspect of Karidopita reflects the warmth and hospitality of Greece. So, the next time you're in Greece or looking to embark on a culinary adventure, be sure to savor a slice of Karidopita, and you'll understand why it holds a special place in the hearts of Greeks around the world. It's more than a dessert; it's a taste of Greece itself.

Because of its syrup, it falls under the dessert that we call "syropiasta", meaning bathed in syrup. If you like syropiasta desserts, you can also try this authentic baklava recipe. Enjoy!