Maple Cinnamon Layer Cake
A delightful fall dessert with layers of cinnamon-spiced cake and creamy maple buttercream frosting, perfect for celebrations.
Equipment
- 1 9-inch round cake pan greased and floured
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 Mixing Bowl large
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Maple Buttercream
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Divide batter between prepared pans.
- Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined. Mix in maple syrup and vanilla extract until frosting is fluffy. Adjust consistency with more sugar or milk if needed.
- Place one cake layer on a serving platter and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth the surface and sides with a spatula.
Serving
- Allow cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Slice and serve with your choice of seasonal beverages.
Storage
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow cake to reach room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation, especially eggs and butter. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake. For a more pronounced maple flavor, use dark maple syrup. Chill the cake layers before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option or use a dairy-free butter alternative.
How to Serve: Serve with a hot beverage like chai tea or apple cider for a perfect fall treat.
Storage & Freshness: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips: The cake layers can be baked and frozen in advance. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option or use a dairy-free butter alternative.
How to Serve: Serve with a hot beverage like chai tea or apple cider for a perfect fall treat.
Storage & Freshness: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips: The cake layers can be baked and frozen in advance. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.