One of the best parts of fall is the delicious flavors. Classics like cinnamon, pumpkin, and spice get all the hype. But there is an underrated flavor you have to try this season: maple.
It might not be the first flavor to come to mind when you’re baking, but maple is a great flavor to add to season’s recipe books. Full of tasty fall flavors, this maple dessert recipe will be your new favorite. The recipe is so simple, anyone can bake it.
Glazed Apple-Maple Spice Cake
Pumpkin and cinnamon may hold the spotlight for fall flavors, but this maple dessert gives the classics a run for their money. If you’re looking for a new fall recipe, you have to try this apple-maple spice cake.
Fall fun idea: pick the apples yourself at a local orchard. It’s a great outdoor fall activity.
Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients:
- ¼ cup of unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup of maple syrup
- ¼ cup of packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup of chopped pecans (optional)
Cake Ingredients:
- 1⅓ cups of packed brown sugar
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ⅓ cup of maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 medium Gala or Granny Smith apples; about 2 cups when diced very small
- 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. With parchment paper, line a 13×9-inch baking pan. Allow the ends of the parchment paper to extend up on the sides.
In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar, syrup, vanilla, and melted butter with an electric mixer. Mix until thoroughly blended. Slowly add in eggs until incorporated.
Then mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices in a separate small mixing bowl. Add the mixture into the large bowl small portions at a time. Once fully mixed, fold in the apples by hand using a silicone spatula.
The batter should be thick, and the apples should float in the batter, not sink to the bottom. When the batter is at the right consistency, transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Flatten creased areas of the parchment paper to ensure even baking.
Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check the doneness. The toothpick should come out almost clean.
While the cake is baking, make the glaze in a small saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat before stirring in the syrup and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until thickened over medium heat.
This process can be quick, about 2 minutes of stirring, so be vigilant. Remove the glaze from the heat and add pecans if you choose. When the cake is finished baking, pour the glaze over a warm cake.
Allow the cake and glaze to cool in the pan before cutting pieces to enjoy!
Your New Go-To Maple Dessert Recipe
This apple-maple spice cake will be a quick favorite. Whether you’re baking it with the family or taking it to a party with friends, this maple dessert recipe is sure to be a hit. After one bite, you’ll want to make this dessert every year.
Savor every bite because a cake this good doesn’t last long. Looking to bring the fall spirit into your baking? Read more cooking and baking articles on our blog.
