Autumn Pecan Maple Cake Recipe

Hey there! I just have to tell you about this Autumn Pecan Maple Cake. It’s like wrapping up fall in a sweet, cozy hug.

The smell alone makes me smile. It’s got warm maple, crunchy pecans, and oh boy—it melts in your mouth. I promise, it’s super easy too.

So, wanna bake something that tastes like crisp leaves and happy days? Let me show you how I make it. You’re gonna love every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Pecan Maple Cake

• Moist & Flavorful: The combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, and chopped pecans gives the cake its signature richness and fall-inspired taste.
• Perfect for Fall: All the warm spices and flavors of autumn come together in one delicious dessert.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any complicated ingredients – just pantry staples that are easy to find!
• Versatile: Serve it on its own or top it with frosting, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra maple syrup for that decadent touch.
• Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday meal or a cozy weekend, this cake is perfect for making any gathering feel extra special.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, here are a few tools you’ll need:

• 9-inch round cake pan: You can also use a square pan if you prefer.
• Mixing bowls: I recommend having two – one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: This will help beat the butter and sugar into a smooth mixture.
• Whisk: For mixing the dry ingredients and ensuring everything is well-combined.
• Rubber spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
• Cooling rack: After baking, the cake needs to cool before frosting or serving.

Ingredients

Now, let’s go over the ingredients needed for this delicious cake. These simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Butter adds richness and moisture to the cake, ensuring it comes out tender.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sugar balances the flavors and helps with browning during baking.
• Maple Syrup (1/2 cup): Pure maple syrup is the star of this cake, infusing it with deep sweetness and a touch of earthiness.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The base of the cake, providing structure.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Milk (120ml): Milk helps the batter come together smoothly and gives the cake a soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla brings depth and complements the other flavors.
• Chopped Pecans (1/2 cup): Toasted pecans add texture, crunch, and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the maple syrup.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, making this cake a perfect fall treat.
• Salt (a pinch): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.

Variations for Autumn Pecan Maple Cake

As with many recipes, there’s always room for creativity! You can try different variations to put your personal touch on this cake.

• Add Nutmeg: If you want to take the spiced flavor to the next level, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg. It’s a classic spice that works wonderfully in autumn desserts.
• Use Walnuts: If you prefer walnuts to pecans, feel free to swap them out. Both nuts work beautifully in this cake.
• Maple Frosting: For extra maple flavor, top the cake with a creamy maple frosting. You can make this by combining powdered sugar, butter, and maple syrup.
• Add a Caramel Drizzle: To elevate the richness, drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the finished cake.
• Vegan Version: Swap out the eggs and butter for plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly.

Next, grease your 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. This is an extra step that I highly recommend for an easy release after baking.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that nice, airy texture in the cake.

Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Once everything is combined, it’s time to move on to the dry ingredients.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before they are combined with the wet mixture.

The ground cinnamon will infuse the cake with a warm, comforting spice, while the baking powder ensures that the cake rises to perfection. You don’t want any pockets of flour or uneven seasoning, so whisking is a key step.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches. Use a rubber spatula or the mixer on low speed to combine everything. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. You just want to mix until the flour is incorporated, and the batter is smooth.

5. Fold in the Chopped Pecans

Once the batter is ready, it’s time to fold in the chopped pecans. These will add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to each bite of cake. If you want a richer flavor, feel free to toast the pecans lightly before adding them in – this enhances their nuttiness.

Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the nuts into the batter. Again, be careful not to overwork the batter.

6. Pour the Batter Into the Cake Pan

Once the batter is prepared, pour it into your prepared cake pan. Use the spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top.

Since this cake doesn’t rise excessively, you’ll want to make sure the batter is level to ensure an even bake.

7. Bake the Cake

Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back lightly when pressed.

The aroma of cinnamon and maple syrup will begin to fill your kitchen as the cake bakes – it’s truly a comforting scent!

8. Let the Cake Cool

After the cake is done, remove it from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. This will allow the cake to set and make it easier to handle.

Once it’s out of the pan, let it cool completely before frosting or serving. You can leave it as-is, or if you prefer a more indulgent finish, you can frost it with maple buttercream or whipped cream.

How to Serve Autumn Pecan Maple Cake

This cake is delightful on its own, but there are a few ways you can serve it for an even more memorable experience:

• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream will complement the flavors of the cake without overwhelming it. You can also add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• With Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs wonderfully with this cake. The creaminess contrasts beautifully with the spiced, nutty cake.
• With Maple Buttercream Frosting: If you want to take things up a notch, try frosting the cake with a rich maple buttercream. Simply beat together butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a little vanilla extract for a sweet and velvety topping.
• Serve it as a Layer Cake: If you want to make this cake even more special, you could bake it in two pans and stack the layers for an elegant layer cake. Add frosting or cream between the layers for a showstopping dessert.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this cake is sure to bring a smile to your face and warm your heart.

Storing Your Autumn Pecan Maple Cake

This cake is incredibly moist and can be stored for several days without drying out. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy it within a couple of days, you can store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• In the Refrigerator: If you want to extend the freshness, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezing: To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.

Tips for Perfect Autumn Pecan Maple Cake

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense and dry.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature before you begin baking. This ensures that they blend together smoothly.
• Toast the Pecans: Toasting the chopped pecans before adding them to the batter brings out their flavor and adds an extra layer of nuttiness to the cake.
• Add Maple Syrup to the Frosting: If you’re frosting the cake, consider adding a little maple syrup to the frosting to bring the fall flavors into the topping as well.

Nutrition Information

For those curious about the nutritional breakdown, here’s a general idea of what you can expect from each serving of this Autumn Pecan Maple Cake. Keep in mind, the exact values will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes, especially if you decide to add frosting or other toppings.

Estimated Nutrition per Slice (1/12th of cake):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 26g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Calcium: 40mg
• Iron: 1mg

Please note that these values are approximations and will vary depending on the size of the servings and any variations made to the recipe (like adding frosting or extra ingredients). For a more accurate count, it’s always a good idea to use a nutrition calculator based on your specific ingredients.

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about the flavors of fall, and this Autumn Pecan Maple Cake perfectly captures the essence of the season. With its tender crumb, warm spices, and delicious maple syrup sweetness, it’s a cake that will have your guests coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself on a crisp autumn day, this cake is bound to become a family favorite. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. With a short list of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delectable dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery, all while being simple enough to enjoy on a casual afternoon.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Don’t forget to share it with your loved ones, and be sure to let me know what you think in the comments. Happy baking!

Autumn Pecan Maple Cake FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! This cake stores beautifully. You can bake it a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If you don’t have pecans on hand or prefer another nut, walnuts are an excellent substitute. You can also skip the nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.

How do I make this cake even more indulgent?

For an even richer treat, add a maple glaze or frosting. You can make a simple maple buttercream by mixing powdered sugar, butter, and a little maple syrup. It will take the cake to the next level!