Craving a decadent treat that perfectly blends the rich flavors of maple and crunchy pecans? Indulge in my irresistible maple pecan cake with luscious maple buttercream recipe. This dessert is a delightful fusion of sweet and nutty notes that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Inspired by the comforting flavors of fall, this maple-infused cake is a celebration of seasonal ingredients at their finest. The warm aroma of maple syrup paired with the crunch of toasted pecans creates a symphony of flavors that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a slice of sweetness, this maple pecan cake is a delicious way to elevate any moment.
Ingredients
Creating a luscious maple pecan cake with maple buttercream is an indulgent treat for any occasion. Let’s gather the ingredients for the cake, frosting, and delightful extras to enhance this sweet masterpiece.
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of pure maple syrup
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup of pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of chopped pecans for garnish
- Additional whole pecans for decoration
- Drizzle of maple syrup for a finishing touch
Equipment Needed
To create this delicious maple pecan cake with maple buttercream, you will need the following equipment:
For the Cake:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Cake leveler or serrated knife for leveling the cakes
- Mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
- Mixing bowl
- Offset spatula for frosting the cake
These essential tools will help you in smoothly preparing and assembling your maple pecan cake with maple buttercream, ensuring a perfect outcome for your fall celebration or any special occasion.
Preparation Steps
Before we dive into assembling this delightful maple pecan cake with maple buttercream, let’s prepare the key components that will elevate its flavors and texture. I’ll guide you through preparing the maple glazed pecans and getting the rest of the ingredients ready to create this delicious dessert.
Preparing Maple Glazed Pecans
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of chopped pecans with 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, ensuring the pecans are evenly coated.
- Spread the maple-coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the pecans for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the pecans to cool completely before using them to decorate the cake.
- Measure out 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda into a bowl. Sift the dry ingredients together to ensure they are well combined and lump-free.
- In another bowl, cream 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ cup of sour cream, combining everything until smooth.
- Gradually fold in the sifted dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Finally, fold in the prepared maple glazed pecans into the cake batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed for that delicious nutty crunch in every bite.
Now that the maple glazed pecans and cake ingredients are prepped, it’s time to move on to assembling and baking this scrumptious maple pecan cake.
Directions
In this section, I will guide you through making the cake batter and baking the cake layers to create a scrumptious maple pecan cake with maple buttercream.
Making the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in 1 cup of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually fold in the prepared dry ingredients until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the maple glazed pecans prepared earlier, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake layers from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure it is fully preheated before placing the cake pans in.
- Place the cake pans in the center of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes; it should come out clean when they are ready.
- Once baked, remove the cake layers from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Carefully run a knife around the edges of the pans to loosen the cakes, then invert the pans to release the cakes onto a wire rack.
- Allow the cake layers to cool completely before assembling and frosting the maple pecan cake with delicious maple buttercream.
Frosting Preparation
To complement the rich flavors of the maple pecan cake, I prepare a luscious maple buttercream frosting.
Making Maple Buttercream
To create the maple buttercream, I follow these simple steps:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating on low speed until well combined.
- Pour in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, continuing to mix on medium speed.
- Adjust the consistency by adding heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired thickness is achieved.
- Increase the speed to high and beat the frosting until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Your maple buttercream frosting is now ready to spread over the cooled maple pecan cake layers.
Assembly and Decoration
After preparing the maple pecan cake layers and maple buttercream frosting, it’s time to assemble the cake and add the finishing touches for a stunning presentation.
Layering and Frosting the Cake
- Start by leveling the cake layers using a serrated knife or a cake leveler to ensure even and stable stacking.
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of maple buttercream over the top using an offset spatula.
- Gently place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process, spreading buttercream evenly across the surface.
- Add the final cake layer and apply a crumb coat by spreading a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to seal in any crumbs.
- Chill the cake for about 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat before proceeding to frost the cake with a final layer of maple buttercream, creating a smooth finish.
- Use the offset spatula to create decorative swirls or patterns on the cake’s surface for an elegant look.
- To enhance the cake’s appearance and flavor, sprinkle chopped maple glazed pecans on top of the frosted cake.
- Drizzle a bit of additional maple syrup over the pecans for added sweetness and shine.
- Consider decorating the cake with edible fall-themed decorations like sugared cranberries, sugared rosemary sprigs, or edible gold leaf for a festive touch.
- For a finishing touch, dust the edges of the cake with confectioners’ sugar or edible gold dust to add a touch of elegance before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll create a visually stunning and delicious maple pecan cake that’s sure to impress your guests at any fall celebration or special occasion.
Storing the Cake
After creating the maple pecan cake with maple buttercream, it is essential to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some tips on preserving the cake for lasting enjoyment.
- Refrigeration: Store the assembled maple pecan cake in an airtight cake container or cover it securely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the cake to prevent the buttercream from melting or becoming too soft.
- Duration: The maple pecan cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this time, the cake’s texture and flavor may start to deteriorate.
- Freezing: If you want to store the cake for a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap the cake slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy the frozen cake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the cake’s texture and prevents condensation from forming on the surface.
- Freshness: To enhance the cake’s freshness when serving, consider garnishing with additional chopped maple glazed pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh berries.
By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your maple pecan cake with maple buttercream stays delicious and moist for a longer period, allowing you to savor its flavors over several days.
Conclusion
Creating a maple pecan cake with maple buttercream is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. From the rich maple glazed pecans to the luscious buttercream frosting, every bite is a symphony of sweetness. By following the detailed steps outlined in this recipe, you can craft a stunning dessert that not only looks impressive but also tastes heavenly. Remember to store your masterpiece properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or indulging in a slice at home, this maple pecan cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Embrace the warmth of autumn with this decadent treat and savor the magic of maple in every slice.