A Maple Bundt Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the deep, comforting sweetness of maple syrup. With its soft texture, warm spices, and rich glaze, this cake captures the essence of fall and the warmth of homemade baking. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just because, this guide will walk you through how to bake the perfect maple Bundt cake from scratch.
-
Maple Cupcakes: The Ultimate Guide to Sweet and Moist Treats
-
Best Maple Syrup for Baking: Top Picks & Expert Tips
-
Maple Pecan Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert
What Is a Maple Bundt Cake?
A Maple Bundt Cake is a moist, dense cake made with pure maple syrup as its main sweetener. Unlike traditional cakes, a Bundt cake is baked in a distinctive ring-shaped pan that allows for even baking and an elegant presentation. The flavor of maple syrup gives this cake a naturally rich sweetness and a beautiful golden-brown color.
This dessert is especially popular during the fall season, often paired with maple glaze, maple cream cheese frosting, or crunchy nuts such as pecans and walnuts.
Ingredients for the Best Maple Bundt Cake
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup yogurt or sour cream
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pro tip: Use 100% pure maple syrup for the richest flavor. Avoid pancake syrup, which contains artificial sweeteners.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bundt Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-cup Bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, then lightly dust it with flour.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This step creates a soft, airy texture.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and pure maple syrup. Mix until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk/yogurt mixture into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Add Nuts and Spices
Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg if desired.
7. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the Bundt pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Remove
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Easy Maple Cake Recipe: A Sweet and Simple Canadian Favorite
Maple Glaze Recipe
A maple glaze adds the finishing touch to this cake’s irresistible flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon maple extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or sugar as needed. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Popular Variations of Maple Bundt Cake
- Maple Pecan Bundt Cake: Add toasted pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Maple Walnut Bundt Cake: Replace pecans with walnuts for a slightly bitter, nutty balance.
- Maple Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Filling: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese in the center for a rich surprise.
- Vegan Maple Bundt Cake: Use flax eggs, almond milk, and plant-based butter.
- Gluten-Free Maple Bundt Cake: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
How to Serve Maple Bundt Cake
Serve your maple Bundt cake with a drizzle of maple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair it with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the perfect cozy dessert experience. This cake also pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a special occasion.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 7 days when covered tightly.
- Freezer: Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use artificial maple syrup?
You can, but pure maple syrup gives the cake a richer, more authentic flavor.
How do I keep the cake from sticking to the Bundt pan?
Always grease and flour the pan thoroughly. Non-stick Bundt pans or baking spray with flour work best.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the cake one day in advance and glaze it just before serving.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner consistency.
Can I add fruits or spices?
Absolutely. Diced apples, raisins, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add extra warmth and texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Maple Bundt Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting off.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
- Calories: ~380
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 30g
Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
ConclusionÂ
A Maple Bundt Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a comforting, nostalgic experience filled with the aroma of maple syrup and the joy of homemade baking. Whether you prefer a simple glaze or a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to impress at every occasion.