In a mixer bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, semolina, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Set aside.

Place the walnuts in a blender or food processor and grind them.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula or the mixer on low speed.

Finally, add the ground walnuts.

Let the cake cool completely while you prepare the syrup.

For the syrup:

Boil all the syrup ingredients together in a saucepan for 4–5 minutes.