After what felt like a week of endless rain and grey skies, the first crisp day of autumn finally arrived, bringing with it the warm, inviting scent of fallen leaves and a craving for something comforting and sweet. That’s when I decided to bake the Maple Pecan Bliss Cake. My family, always eager taste-testers, gathered in the kitchen as the aroma of maple and toasted pecans filled the air. The result? Pure bliss, as the name suggests! The cake was incredibly moist, the maple flavor was rich and decadent without being overpowering, and the crunchy pecans added the perfect textural contrast. Even my usually picky youngest declared it his “favorite cake ever,” a high praise indeed. This Maple Pecan Bliss Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a warm hug on a plate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. If you’re looking for a cake that embodies the cozy flavors of fall and winter, look no further – this recipe is a true winner.

Ingredients for Maple Pecan Bliss Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, providing the structure for the cake, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: 2 cups, adding sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed, contributing to the cake’s moistness, depth of flavor, and subtle caramel notes.
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons, a leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon, another leavening agent, working in tandem with baking powder for optimal rise and texture.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients and balancing the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, adding warmth and spice, complementing the maple and pecan flavors beautifully.
• Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon, a subtle spice that adds depth and complexity to the cake’s flavor profile.
• Eggs: 4 large, binding the ingredients together and adding richness and structure.
• Vegetable Oil: 1 cup, contributing to the cake’s moistness and tender texture.
• Maple Syrup: 1 cup, the star ingredient, infusing the cake with its distinctive and delicious maple flavor. Use pure maple syrup for the best taste.
• Milk: 1 cup, adding moisture and helping to create a smooth batter.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons, enhancing the overall flavor profile and adding a touch of warmth.
• Pecans: 1 ½ cups, chopped and toasted, providing a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the maple.

Ingredients for Maple Pecan Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened, forming the base of the frosting, providing tanginess and richness.
• Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened, adding richness, flavor, and structure to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: 4 cups, sweetening and thickening the frosting to a perfect, spreadable consistency.
• Maple Syrup: ¼ cup, enhancing the maple flavor and adding a touch of liquid to the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, complementing the maple and cream cheese flavors.
• Pecans: ½ cup, chopped and toasted, for garnishing the frosted cake, adding extra crunch and visual appeal.

Instructions for Baking Maple Pecan Bliss Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Dusting with flour after greasing ensures the cakes release easily once baked. Alternatively, you can use baking spray with flour already included for convenience. Set the prepared pans aside.
2. Toast the Pecans: Spread the chopped pecans for both the cake and frosting (2 cups total) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as pecans can burn quickly. Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. Reserve 1 ½ cups for the cake batter and ½ cup for the frosting garnish.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for consistent cake texture and rise. Make sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar for a smooth mixture.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the wet ingredients are well combined and emulsified. This will create a smooth base for the cake batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer or by hand with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet ingredients, and the batter is smooth.
6. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the 1 ½ cups of toasted and cooled chopped pecans into the cake batter. Folding ensures that the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the batter without deflating it. Use a spatula and gently turn the batter over and over until the pecans are incorporated.
7. Divide Batter and Bake: Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a kitchen scale for perfectly even layers, or eyeball it as best you can. Spread the batter evenly in each pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
8. Cool Cakes Completely: Once baked, remove the cake pans from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cakes to set slightly and makes them easier to remove from the pans. After 10-15 minutes, invert the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely. Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting, as frosting warm cakes will cause it to melt and slide off.

Instructions for Making Maple Pecan Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Ensure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy blending and a lump-free frosting. Beat until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated after each addition. Mixing on low speed prevents the powdered sugar from puffing up and creating a dusty mess. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
3. Add Maple Syrup and Vanilla: Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the frosting. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is well combined, smooth, and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or maple flavor if desired, by adding a bit more powdered sugar or maple syrup respectively.
4. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of maple pecan cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Gently place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of toasted chopped pecans over the top of the frosted cake for garnish. You can also press some pecans gently into the sides of the cake for a more decorative look. Slice and serve your delicious Maple Pecan Bliss Cake!

Nutrition Facts for Maple Pecan Bliss Cake (per serving)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12th of the cake)
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
• Total Fat: 25-30g

Preparation Time for Maple Pecan Bliss Cake

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (including toasting pecans, measuring ingredients, and making batter)
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1-2 hours (for cakes to cool completely)
• Frosting Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours

How to Serve Maple Pecan Bliss Cake

Here are some delightful ways to serve and enhance your Maple Pecan Bliss Cake:

• Classic Slice:
  • Simply slice the cake and serve as is. The cake is delicious enough to stand alone and is perfect for afternoon tea or a simple dessert.
  • Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Warm Cake with Toppings:
  • Slightly warm a slice of cake in the microwave for a few seconds (be careful not to overheat).
  • Drizzle with extra maple syrup for a richer maple flavor.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal.
• Coffee or Tea Pairing:
  • Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, especially a flavored coffee like hazelnut or caramel, to complement the maple and pecan flavors.
  • Pair with a warm cup of black tea, chai tea, or herbal tea like rooibos or chamomile.
• Dessert Platter Centerpiece:
  • Make the Maple Pecan Bliss Cake the star of a dessert platter.
  • Surround it with other fall-themed treats like apple slices, caramel popcorn, spiced nuts, and pumpkin cookies for a festive spread.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation:
  • Dust a plate with powdered sugar and place a slice of cake in the center.
  • Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few candied pecans for an elegant touch.
  • Drizzle a thin ribbon of caramel sauce or maple syrup around the plate.
• Holiday Gathering Dessert:
  • Serve as a show-stopping dessert at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other fall and winter holiday gatherings.
  • It’s a crowd-pleasing cake that is sure to impress guests of all ages.
• Special Occasion Cake:
  • Decorate the cake further for birthdays or celebrations with additional pecans, caramel drizzles, or even edible gold leaf for a truly special presentation.

Additional Tips for Baking the Perfect Maple Pecan Bliss Cake

Here are seven helpful tips to ensure your Maple Pecan Bliss Cake turns out flawlessly every time:

1. Use Quality Maple Syrup: The flavor of maple syrup is central to this cake, so using pure, high-quality maple syrup makes a significant difference. Avoid pancake syrup or imitation maple syrups, which lack the depth and richness of real maple syrup. Grade A Dark or Very Dark maple syrups will provide a more intense maple flavor.
2. Toast Pecans Properly: Toasting the pecans is crucial for enhancing their nutty flavor and adding a delightful crunch. Don’t skip this step! Spread them in a single layer and keep a close eye on them in the oven as they can burn quickly. Toasting until fragrant and lightly golden is ideal.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing cake batter develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough and dense cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, and then gently fold in the pecans. A few streaks of flour are okay – they will disappear as you fold in the pecans.
4. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are important for consistent results. Use measuring cups and spoons correctly, especially when measuring flour and brown sugar. For flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. For brown sugar, pack it firmly into the measuring cup.
5. Ensure Ingredients are at Room Temperature: For the frosting, make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before beating them together. This will result in a smooth and lump-free frosting. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a more stable and creamy frosting.
6. Cool Cakes Completely Before Frosting: Resist the urge to frost the cakes while they are still warm. Frosting warm cakes will cause it to melt and slide off, resulting in a messy cake. Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before frosting. You can even chill them briefly in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.
7. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can slightly reduce the amount of granulated sugar or powdered sugar in the frosting. Taste the batter and frosting as you go and adjust to your preference. You can also balance the sweetness by adding a pinch more salt if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Maple Pecan Bliss Cake

Q1: Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
A: While pecans are integral to the flavor profile of this Maple Pecan Bliss Cake, you can substitute them with walnuts or hazelnuts for a slightly different but still delicious nutty flavor. Toasting any nut you choose will enhance its taste. Keep in mind that pecans have a naturally buttery and slightly sweet flavor that complements maple particularly well.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Once cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let the frosting come to room temperature and re-whip it slightly before frosting the cake. Frosted cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days.

Q3: Can I make this cake into cupcakes instead of a layer cake?
A: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be adapted to cupcakes. Line muffin tins with cupcake liners and fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the maple pecan cream cheese frosting as you would a layer cake.

Q4: Can I freeze Maple Pecan Bliss Cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze both unfrosted cake layers and frosted cake. For unfrosted layers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. For frosted cake slices, freeze individually wrapped slices for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Q5: Is it necessary to use brown sugar in this recipe?
A: While you could technically make the cake with only granulated sugar, brown sugar adds a significant depth of flavor, moisture, and a subtle caramel note that complements the maple and pecans beautifully. It contributes to the overall “bliss” factor of this cake. If you must substitute, you could try using all granulated sugar, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Q6: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting?
A: You can slightly reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting if you prefer a less sweet frosting. Start by reducing it by ½ cup to 1 cup and taste. Keep in mind that powdered sugar is essential for the frosting’s structure and thickness, so reducing it too much might result in a softer frosting. You could also balance the sweetness by adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to the frosting.

Print