Vanilla Walnut Cake with Creamy Filling

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Vanilla Walnut Cake:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground walnuts, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
– In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or stand mixer.
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
– Once everything is combined, divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
– Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 2. **Make the Creamy Filling:**
– While the cakes are cooling, prepare the creamy filling. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
– In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
– Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it forms a light and fluffy filling. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

#### 3. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter.
– Spread a generous amount of the creamy filling over the top, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
– Place the second layer of cake on top, pressing gently to secure it in place.
– Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining creamy filling, creating a smooth and elegant finish.

#### 4. **Decorate the Cake:**
– Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top of the cake for a beautiful, crunchy garnish that complements the flavors.
– You can also add a few extra walnut halves or other decorations to make it even more eye-catching.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes to allow the filling to set before serving.
– Slice and enjoy the soft, moist texture of the cake, complemented by the rich, creamy filling and the delightful crunch of walnuts.

### Tips for Success:
– **Walnut Variations**: You can use different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for a unique twist on this cake.
– **Make-Ahead**: Both the cake and the creamy filling can be made a day ahead. Just store them separately and assemble the cake when you’re ready to serve.
– **Frosting Option**: If you prefer a thicker frosting, you can make a traditional buttercream or whipped buttercream and use that instead of the creamy filling.
– **Flavor Boost**: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spicy note that pairs wonderfully with the walnuts.

### Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Walnut Cake:
This **Vanilla Walnut Cake with Creamy Filling** offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The cake itself is moist and fragrant, with just the right amount of sweetness. The walnuts add a delightful crunch, while the creamy filling is silky and indulgent. Every bite is a harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a delicious homemade dessert, this cake is sure to be a favorite in your repertoire. The combination of vanilla and walnut is a classic, but the creamy filling elevates it to something truly extraordinary.

Enjoy the comfort of homemade goodness with every slice of this delightful cake!