MOTHER'S WALNUT CAKE

Mother's Walnut Cake image

Even though Mother baked this tall, beautiful cake often when I was growing up, it was a real treat every time. I like the walnuts in the cake and the frosting. Mother frequently used black walnuts from our trees.-Helen Vail, Glenside, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups ground walnuts
FROSTING:
11 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup butter, softened
5 to 5-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter, shortening and granulated sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk and vanilla. Beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in ground walnuts. , Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely. , For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter. Add confectioners' sugar; mix well. Beat in vanilla until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with walnuts. Refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 685 calories, Fat 35g fat (16g saturated fat), Cholesterol 114mg cholesterol, Sodium 475mg sodium, Carbohydrate 86g carbohydrate (61g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 9g protein.