A cozy, simple Maple Walnut Cake you can make today
This maple walnut cake is soft, lightly sweet, and full of nutty flavor. It uses everyday ingredients and a creamy maple cream cheese frosting. It’s great for a treat with coffee or a small celebration. If you like quick, homey cakes, you might also enjoy this 1-Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake for another easy dessert idea.
What makes this maple cake worth baking
You get warm maple flavor, tender crumb, and crunchy walnuts in every bite. The cream cheese frosting keeps the cake moist and adds a tangy balance to the sweet maple. It’s an easy recipe to scale up for a party or keep small for the family. For a quick single-serve option, see a simple mug cake like this 2-Minute Apple Mug Cake.
Step-by-step: How to make Maple Walnut Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of flour (250g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup butter (115g, at room temperature)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (150g)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (120ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk (180ml)
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (90g)
Frosting:
- 200 g cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (150g)
- A pinch of salt
- Toasted walnut pieces for topping
- Maple syrup for drizzling
Directions:
- Cake: Preheat the oven to 170°C. Grease and flour a 20 cm round cake pan. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Add the eggs and vanilla, continuing to beat. Alternately add the dry mixture and milk, mixing well after each addition. Fold in the walnuts with a spatula, mix, and pour into the pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes; it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cream: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and maple syrup. Add a pinch of salt and mix until smooth.
- Assemble: Cut the cooled cake in half horizontally. Spread the cream between the layers and on top. Garnish with toasted walnuts and drizzle lightly with maple syrup.
If you like no-bake ideas for dessert evenings, check a light option like this 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake for a contrast in prep style.
Smart ways to serve your Maple Walnut Cake
Serve slices at room temperature so the frosting is soft. A small drizzle of extra maple syrup and a few toasted walnut pieces on top make it look special. Pair each slice with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert plate. For easy snacks to serve with cake during a casual get-together, see these 30 Meal-Prep Snacks for variety.
How to store leftover cake
- At room temperature: Keep covered for up to 1 day.
- In the fridge: Place in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let slices warm a little before serving.
- To freeze: Wrap slices or whole cake (well wrapped) and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Simple tips to make the cake turn out well
- Measure flour properly — spoon into the cup and level off.
- Bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing.
- Toast the walnuts lightly to improve their flavor.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour — stop when just combined.
- Check doneness with a toothpick in the center.
Easy variations you can try
- Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon for warm spice.
- Replace walnuts with pecans for a different crunch.
- Fold in 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dried figs for texture.
- For a lighter glaze, mix maple syrup with a little powdered sugar and brush on top.
Estimated nutrition (per slice, 12 slices)
- Calories: ~330 kcal
- Fat: ~18 g
- Carbohydrates: ~38 g
- Protein: ~4 g
- Sugar: ~22 g
(Values are estimates and will vary by exact ingredients and portion size.)
Family-friendly serving ideas
- Serve with a hot mug of milk or chocolate for kids.
- Plate small slices with fruit for an afternoon snack.
- Bring to family brunch with other simple pastries.
Drinks and foods that pair well
- Coffee (medium roast) or black tea balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream adds creaminess.
- A sharp cheddar or mild blue cheese for a grown-up pairing.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I use light maple syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
A: Yes. Light maple syrup works, but pure maple has a richer flavor. Adjust to taste.
Q: Can I make this cake in a loaf pan instead of a round pan?
A: Yes. Bake time will increase—check after 40–50 minutes with a toothpick.
Q: How do I toast walnuts quickly?
A: Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast at 175°C for 6–8 minutes, stirring once.
Q: Can I make the frosting less sweet?
A: Reduce the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup and add a touch more salt or cream cheese to balance sweetness.
Conclusion
For more maple walnut cake ideas and variations, try this detailed version with maple cream cheese frosting at Maple Walnut Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. If you want a step-by-step schoolbook-style guide, look at Maple Walnut Cake – My Cake School. For another take on maple frosting and presentation, see Maple Walnut Cake with Maple Frosting – Broma Bakery.
Maple Walnut Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups flour (250g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- a pinch salt
- 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature (115g)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (150g)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (120ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk (180ml)
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (90g)
Frosting Ingredients
- 200 g cream cheese, at room temperature
- 50 g butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (150g)
- a pinch salt
- toasted walnut pieces for topping
- maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
Cake Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 170°C. Grease and flour a 20 cm round cake pan.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, continuing to beat.
- Alternately add the dry mixture and milk, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the walnuts with a spatula, mix, and pour into the pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes; it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.
Frosting Preparation
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and maple syrup. Add a pinch of salt and mix until smooth.
Assembly
- Cut the cooled cake in half horizontally.
- Spread the cream between the layers and on top.
- Garnish with toasted walnuts and drizzle lightly with maple syrup.
