Apple cake with maple frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of fall into one delectable treat. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a festive holiday celebration. The blend of tender apple cake layered with a rich, creamy maple frosting creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice.
In this recipe, we’ll explore how to make a moist and flavorful apple cake that is complemented perfectly by a luscious maple frosting. We’ll go through each step to ensure your cake turns out just right, with tips on selecting the best ingredients and techniques for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Get ready to bake a cake that will impress your friends and family!
Ingredients for Apple Cake with Maple Frosting
For the Apple Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake. Be sure to measure the flour correctly to avoid a dense cake.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to leaven the cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the cake.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the cake.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a hint of nutty spice.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Provides richness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deeper flavor and extra moisture.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- 1 cup finely grated apple: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. Choose a tart apple like Granny Smith for best results.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a nice crunch and additional flavor.
For the Maple Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Forms the base of the frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the desired frosting consistency.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Adds a rich maple flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting as needed.
How to Make Apple Cake with Maple Frosting
Prepare the Apple Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate the eggs fully and create a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Apples: Stir in the finely grated apple until evenly distributed.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Fold in Walnuts (Optional): If using, fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Maple Frosting:
- Beat Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. This helps prevent the sugar from flying out of the bowl.
- Incorporate Maple Syrup: Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the maple frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle additional chopped walnuts or a drizzle of maple syrup on top.
About the Main Ingredients
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used as the base of the cake. It provides the necessary structure and texture. Ensure the flour is properly measured for the best results.
- Butter: Room-temperature butter is essential for both the cake and frosting. It should be soft but not melted to ensure proper mixing and texture.
- Granulated and Brown Sugar: The combination of granulated and brown sugars gives the cake a balanced sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor from the brown sugar.
- Apples: Finely grated apples add moisture and a natural sweetness to the cake. Use a tart variety like Granny Smith for a nice contrast with the sweetness of the cake.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup provides a rich, authentic maple flavor to the frosting. It’s preferable to use pure maple syrup rather than imitation maple flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten and thicken the frosting. It’s also known as confectioners’ sugar and dissolves easily into the butter.
- Walnuts: Optional but recommended for added texture and flavor, walnuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty taste that complements the apple and maple flavors.
This apple cake with maple frosting is a true celebration of fall flavors. By following this detailed recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious and impressive dessert that’s sure to delight anyone who tries it. Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful treat!
