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Cozy Maple Pecan Fall Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

maple pecan spice cake - featured image
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A moist, warmly spiced cake infused with pure maple syrup and studded with toasted pecans, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings and cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ teaspoon maple extract (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper, and dust sides with flour.
  2. Spread 1 cup chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
  4. In another large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
  6. With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry. Mix just until combined.
  7. Fold in toasted pecans with a rubber spatula.
  8. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Remove parchment and cool completely.
  10. For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then maple extract, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
  11. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about ¾ cup frosting on top. Add second layer, apply thin crumb coat, refrigerate 15 minutes, then frost completely. Top with extra pecans if desired.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for proper emulsification. Toast pecans for best flavor. Do not overmix batter. For a 9×13-inch pan, bake 35-40 minutes. Cake can be made a day ahead; wrap cooled layers tightly and frost the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple pecan cake, fall spice cake, cream cheese frosting, maple syrup cake, pecan cake, autumn dessert

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/cozy-maple-pecan-fall-spice-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/