The Chaotian Walnut Cake, a traditional delicacy from Chaotian district in Guangyuan, Sichuan province, boasts a history dating back over a thousand years.

The Chaotian Walnut Cake [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

According to legend, during Shu Kingdom's six military expeditions to Qishan Mountain led by strategist Zhuge Liang (181-234), walnut cakes were crafted as a convenient and nutritious ration for soldiers. This tradition has since been preserved and refined, with the cake gaining widespread recognition as early as the 1940s.

One of the most renowned producers of this specialty is the Du Family Bakery, a small shop in Zhongzi town, Chaotian, which has been operating for more than 20 years. The bakery uses only Chaotian-grown walnuts, a nationally protected geographical indication product, known for their large size, thin shells, plump kernels, balanced color, rich aroma, and high mineral content.

The process of making Chaotian Walnut Cake involves finely chopping walnut kernels and mixing them with a small amount of lard, sesame, and salt for flavoring.

The dough, made from fermented wheat flour, is shaped into cakes and baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. The result is a golden, crispy exterior with a fragrant, crunchy texture, while the inside remains soft and flavorful, leaving a lingering taste that keeps customers coming back for more.