Name: Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar; ¾ cup pure maple syrup; 3 large eggs, room temperature; ½ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1–2 teaspoons milk, as needed

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If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a cozy autumn afternoon wrapped up in a single bite, look no further than this Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake. With its moist crumb, aromatic cinnamon, and deep maple flavor, every forkful is a celebration of classic comfort and irresistible sweetness. Toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch, while a silky maple glaze ties everything together, making this cake a showstopper for gatherings or a special treat just for you. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to bake again and again!

Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this cake truly irresistible is how each ingredient brings something special to the table. From rich maple syrup to tangy sour cream, every component plays its part in making this treat as memorable as it is simple to make.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a tender, moist crumb.
Baking powder: Adds essential lift for a fluffy cake texture.
Baking soda: Helps balance the acidity and ensures a lovely rise.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the cake from tasting flat.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake with warmth and a hint of spice.
Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, buttery base and keeps the crumb delicate.
Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and adds a subtle caramel note.
Pure maple syrup: The star of the show, lending unmistakable maple flavor and moisture.
Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and help the cake rise beautifully.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and ensures a luxuriously soft texture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
Chopped walnuts (toasted): Bring crunch and a nutty richness that perfectly complements the maple.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Forms the silky-smooth base for the irresistible glaze.
Maple syrup (for glaze): Doubles down on that delicious maple flavor in every drizzle.
Milk (as needed for glaze): Adjusts the glaze to the ideal pourable consistency.

How to Make Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake releases effortlessly and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Blending these dry ingredients first guarantees that the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, setting the stage for a perfectly tender cake.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. This crucial step incorporates air, giving your cake a lovely, light texture.

Step 4: Add Maple Syrup and Eggs

Pour in the pure maple syrup and mix until fully combined, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This process ensures all the wet ingredients are smoothly blended, infusing the batter with rich maple flavor.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Vanilla

Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract, which add moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully in your Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense instead of soft and fluffy.

Step 7: Fold in Toasted Walnuts

Gently fold in the toasted, chopped walnuts. Their nutty crunch is the perfect contrast to the cake’s tender crumb, adding both flavor and texture in every bite.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and maple syrup for the glaze, adding milk as needed until it’s silky and pourable. Drizzle the maple glaze generously over the cooled cake before serving.

How to Serve Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake

Garnishes

A beautiful finish makes all the difference! For an elegant touch, sprinkle a handful of whole or chopped toasted walnuts over the glaze. If you want to take it up a notch, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of softly whipped cream makes your Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming mug of coffee or a soothing cup of tea. For a festive brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the warm, nutty sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try cutting the cake into small squares and arranging them on a tiered platter for an impressive dessert display. You can also layer slices with whipped cream and berries in parfait glasses for a stunning, deconstructed take on Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. An airtight container will help keep it moist and flavorful, while the glaze stays delightfully silky on top.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without glaze) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the fresh glaze just before serving.

Reheating

If you’d like to serve your cake warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The warmth brings out the maple aroma and makes the walnut pieces extra fragrant—just be sure to add a little extra glaze after reheating if needed.

FAQs

Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

While you can substitute maple-flavored syrup in a pinch, pure maple syrup truly shines in this recipe and delivers a richer, more authentic flavor in your Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake.

What’s the best way to toast walnuts?

Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This brings out their nutty aroma and makes them extra crunchy for the cake.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it, unglazed, at room temperature. Add the maple glaze just before serving for the freshest flavor and presentation.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe, giving you the same moist, tender crumb in your Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake.

Can I use a different type Dessert

If walnuts aren’t your favorite, feel free to use pecans or even hazelnuts for a delicious twist. Just be sure to toast them first for the best flavor and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion to treat yourself—this Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake is a joy to bake and even more fun to share. I hope it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, filling your home with warmth, sweetness, and the irresistible aroma of maple and toasted nuts. Happy baking!

Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Decadent Maple Syrup and Walnut Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup with the crunchy texture of toasted walnuts. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and complemented by a smooth maple glaze, this cake is ideal for cozy gatherings or a special fall treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
¾ cup pure maple syrup
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Glaze Ingredients

½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1–2 teaspoons milk, as needed

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Instructions

Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, to incorporate air for a tender cake texture.
Add maple syrup: Beat in the pure maple syrup until the mixture is well combined and smooth, enhancing the batter with natural sweetness.
Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a homogenous mixture and proper emulsification.
Mix in sour cream and vanilla: Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract; these add moisture and depth of flavor to the cake.
Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Fold in walnuts: Gently fold the toasted chopped walnuts into the batter for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and maple syrup. Add milk a few drops at a time until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency suitable for drizzling.
Glaze the cake: Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, sprinkle whole walnut halves on top to enhance texture and presentation.

Notes

For extra texture and visual appeal, sprinkle a few whole walnut halves on top after glazing.
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American