Imagine sinking your fork into a decadent cake that whispers tales of early American kitchens, where maple syrup flowed like liquid gold and every bite tells a story of tradition and comfort. This Colonial Maple Nut Cake isn't just a dessert—it's a time machine that transports you to cozy colonial farmhouses, where family recipes were treasured more than gold. With its rich maple flavor and crunchy nut texture, this cake promises to be the showstopper at your next gathering, guaranteed to make mouths water and hearts nostalgic!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Ensure complete incorporation and a smooth consistency.
- Gradually pour in the maple syrup, mixing continuously to create a uniform batter. The mixture should have a rich, golden color and smooth texture.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain the batter's airiness. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with additional maple syrup for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure butter, eggs, and maple syrup are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Nut Selection: Use fresh, high-quality nuts like pecans or walnuts for the best flavor. Toast them lightly before adding to enhance their nutty profile.
- Maple Syrup Quality: Use pure, high-grade maple syrup for the most authentic and rich flavor. Avoid artificial maple syrups.
- Mixing Technique: Don't overmix the batter after adding flour—this can lead to a tough, dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise temperature, as slight variations can affect baking time and cake texture.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding any frosting or powdered sugar to prevent melting and maintain presentation.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 334kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: mg
