When autumn rolls around, there’s nothing cozier than the smell of baked apples and maple syrup wafting from the oven. This maple apple cake captures the heart of fall tender apple pieces, warm spices, and rich maple sweetness all in one moist, buttery slice.
Whether you prefer a rustic skillet cake, a maple apple upside-down cake, or a frosted layered showstopper, this recipe gives you every variation to make the most out of apple season.
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What Is Maple Apple Cake?
Maple apple cake is a moist, spiced dessert made with fresh apples and sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup. Unlike a traditional apple cake that relies heavily on sugar, this version gets its unique depth of flavor from real maple syrup giving every bite a warm, caramel-like finish.
It’s a popular dessert across Canada and the U.S., especially in fall and winter months, when local apples and maple syrup are at their best.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Apple Cake
- Perfect flavor balance – Tart apples offset the deep sweetness of maple syrup.
- Ultra-moist crumb – Apples release natural juices while baking.
- Versatile recipe – Make it a maple apple bundt cake, upside-down cake, or a layered maple apple cake with buttercream.
- All-season appeal – Ideal for brunch, Thanksgiving dessert, or holiday gifts.
Ingredients for Maple Apple Cake
Here’s what you’ll need for this moist maple apple cake recipe (makes one 9-inch cake).
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (180 ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A Amber or Dark)
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar or maple sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk or sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of allspice or cloves
- ½ tsp salt
Fruit & Add-Ins
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady), peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For Maple Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp milk or cream
Best Apples for Maple Apple Cake
The type of apple makes a big difference.
For baking, you’ll want apples that stay firm and don’t turn mushy.
Best varieties:
- Honeycrisp – sweet and crisp
- Granny Smith – tart and firm
- Gala or Fuji – mild sweetness
- Pink Lady – aromatic and holds texture
Mixing one tart apple (like Granny Smith) with a sweeter one (like Honeycrisp) gives the most balanced flavor.
How to Make Maple Apple Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and dice the apples.
- Toss with lemon juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- If apples are very juicy, drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy cake.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan or springform pan.
- Cream butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and buttermilk.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Fold in diced apples and nuts (if using).
Step 3: Bake
- Pour batter into pan and smooth top.
- Bake 40–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Maple Glaze or Frosting Options
Once cooled, your cake can be finished with a simple maple glaze or a rich maple buttercream.
Maple Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Maple Buttercream
Beat butter until light, add maple syrup and powdered sugar gradually until fluffy. Great for layered or bundt versions.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Mix cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, and powdered sugar perfect if you prefer a tangy finish.
For extra flair, garnish with caramelized apple slices, candied pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Delicious Variations of Maple Apple Cake
1. Maple Apple Upside-Down Cake
Line the bottom of your pan with caramelized apples cooked in butter and maple syrup. Pour batter on top and bake. Once done, invert for a glossy, beautiful presentation.
2. Maple Apple Skillet Cake
Bake the same recipe in a cast-iron skillet. The edges turn crisp while the center stays moist. Perfect for a rustic brunch.
3. Maple Apple Bundt Cake
Pour batter into a greased bundt pan and bake 50–60 minutes. Top with a maple glaze or salted maple caramel drizzle.
4. Gluten-Free or Vegan Version
Use gluten-free flour blends and replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg). Substitute buttermilk with oat or almond milk + vinegar.
Baking Tips and Troubleshooting
- Too soggy? Drain apples or reduce added liquid slightly.
- Dense texture? Don’t overmix; ensure baking soda/powder are fresh.
- Sunken center? Avoid opening the oven door early.
- Dry cake? Slightly underbake and let residual heat finish cooking.
Pro tip: Brush warm cake with extra maple syrup for a glossy, moist finish.
How to Store and Freeze Maple Apple Cake
- At room temperature: 2–3 days in airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days (especially if frosted).
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Calories
Each slice (1/12 of the cake) provides approximately:
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Fat: 15–18 g
- Carbs: 45–50 g
- Protein: 4–5 g
To reduce calories, use half the glaze or substitute half the butter with applesauce.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, crème fraîche, or whipped cream.
- Drizzle extra maple syrup on top for brunch service.
- Pair with coffee, chai latte, or hot apple cider.
- Package slices in eco-friendly paper boxes for gifting during the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the best apples for maple apple cake?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady hold texture during baking and balance sweetness.
2. Can I replace sugar with maple syrup in cake recipes?
Yes, but reduce other liquids by about 3–4 tablespoons per cup of maple syrup to balance moisture.
3. How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?
Use firm apples, drain their juice, and avoid overmixing the batter.
4. How long does maple apple cake last?
It lasts 2–3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days refrigerated.
5. Can I make it gluten-free or vegan?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour blends and plant-based substitutes for butter, eggs, and milk.
6. Should I peel apples before baking?
Peeling gives a softer texture, while keeping the skins adds color and nutrients both work well.
7. What’s the difference between apple cake and apple pie?
Apple cake is a soft, spiced cake with apples mixed in, while pie has a pastry crust and filling.
Conclusion
This maple apple cake is the definition of comfort baking warm, fragrant, and perfectly sweet. The natural flavor of pure maple syrup and juicy baked apples make it an irresistible dessert for any season.
Serve it at your next fall brunch, bring it to Thanksgiving dinner, or enjoy it as a cozy afternoon treat. However you make it, one thing’s certain: this cake will disappear fast.
