Maple Walnut Pound Cake combines the deep, rich flavors of maple syrup with the crunchy texture of walnuts, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for the autumn season or any time you crave the comforting taste of maple. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, resulting in a moist, dense cake with a harmonious balance of flavors. Here’s how to make this irresistible Maple Walnut Pound Cake.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped (plus extra for topping)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or two loaf pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 4-5 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the maple syrup while continuing to beat the mixture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Baking:
- Bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the cake is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Preparing the Maple Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top. Sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts for garnish.
4. Serving:
- Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving the cake.
Tips for Success:
- Maple Syrup Quality: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. The depth and richness of pure maple syrup cannot be matched by imitation flavors.
- Walnut Size: Chop the walnuts into pieces that are small enough to be evenly distributed throughout the cake but large enough to provide a satisfying texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and evenly mixed batter.
This Maple Walnut Pound Cake is a perfect dessert for gatherings, holidays, or as a special treat to accompany your coffee or tea. The warmth of the maple syrup combined with the texture of the walnuts makes every bite a delightful experience. Enjoy baking and sharing this cozy and delicious cake!