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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
