Apple Cake with Maple Syrup

Apple Cake with Maple Syrup Recipe

Apple cake with maple syrup is a warm, flavorful treat that’s perfect for cozy gatherings, an afternoon snack, or as a dessert for a fall feast. The combination of sweet apples and rich maple syrup adds depth and natural sweetness to this moist cake, making it a delightfully comforting bake. Follow this recipe to create a delicious apple cake that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of spices and fresh-baked goodness.

Ingredients

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples and Dry Ingredients:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to blend the dry ingredients.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture.

3. Fold in the Apples:

Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter. The apples will add moisture and natural sweetness to the cake as they bake.

4. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

5. Prepare the Maple Glaze (Optional):

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Cake

1. Choosing the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. These apples hold their shape during baking and offer a balanced sweetness.

2. Adding Texture with Nuts: For a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. The nuts add flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with the apples and maple syrup.

3. Adjusting Sweetness: Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness, so adjust sugar to taste. If you prefer a more intense maple flavor, add a touch more syrup to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve Warm with Ice Cream: This cake is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warm spices and sweet apples.

2. Add Fresh Fruit on Top: For a fresh presentation, garnish the cake with thin apple slices or a few berries. It adds color and enhances the cake’s fruitiness.

3. Enjoy as a Breakfast Treat: Pair a slice of apple cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or snack option.

Storage and Freezing Tips

1. Store in an Airtight Container: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps retain its moisture and flavor.

2. Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze in an airtight container. Thaw the slices at room temperature for a convenient, ready-to-eat treat.

Additional Tips and Flavor Variations for Apple Cake with Maple Syrup

This apple cake with maple syrup is versatile and can be easily adjusted to suit different flavor preferences and occasions. Here are some additional ideas to make this cake even more delicious and unique.

Enhancing the Flavor

1. Add Citrus Zest: For a hint of brightness, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter. The citrus complements the warm spices and adds a touch of fresh flavor to each bite.

2. Use Brown Butter: Instead of vegetable oil, try using browned butter for a rich, nutty flavor. Simply melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a slightly caramelized aroma, then let it cool before adding to the batter.

3. Spice It Up: Besides cinnamon and nutmeg, experiment with a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a deeper, more complex spiced flavor. These spices pair beautifully with apples and maple syrup, creating a cozy aroma and taste.

Creative Serving Ideas

1. Top with Caramelized Apple Slices: For an extra-special presentation, caramelize a few apple slices in a skillet with a bit of butter and brown sugar. Arrange these on top of the cooled cake before serving for an elegant, rustic touch.

2. Serve with Maple Whipped Cream: Elevate the experience by pairing each slice with a dollop of maple-infused whipped cream. To make it, simply whip heavy cream with a touch of maple syrup until soft peaks form.

Apple cake with maple syrup is a wonderful dessert that brings the taste of fall into every bite. Enjoy it as a dessert, breakfast treat, or a cozy snack, and savor the blend of apples and maple syrup!