Decadent Maple Walnut Fudge Layer Cake
Indulge in a slice of our Decadent Maple Walnut Fudge Layer Cake—a sumptuous dessert that beautifully balances robust flavors and delightful textures. This moist and rich cake is made from layers of walnut and maple syrup sponge, enriched with soft brown sugar, lending an irresistible depth to each bite. Sandwiched between these delightful layers is a heavenly maple fudge frosting that perfectly complements the cake's nuttiness. This isn't your average sponge; thanks to its pudding-like consistency and hearty texture, it stands up beautifully to the icing and additional walnut toppings. Ideal for special occasions or simply treating yourself, this cake promises to impress friends and family alike. It can be prepared in advance and stored for up to a week, and if you have leftovers (which is rare!), it freezes wonderfully. Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans to suit your palate, but the classic pairing of maple and walnut is simply divine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
6 ounces (softened)
soft brown sugar
6 ounces
self raising flour
8 ounces
large eggs
3 (beaten)
baking powder
1 teaspoon
walnuts
3 ounces (chopped)
milk
2 tablespoons
maple syrup
2 tablespoons
butter (for frosting)
3 ounces
soft brown sugar (for frosting)
4 ounces
cold strong coffee
2 tablespoons
maple syrup (for frosting)
1 tablespoon
milk (for frosting)
1 tablespoon
maple extract
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
icing sugar
8 ounces
chopped walnuts (for filling)
optional
walnut halves (for decoration)
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and grease two 8-inch (20 cm) cake tins, lining the bottoms with baking paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and soft brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a pale golden brown in color. This process should take about 5 to 10 minutes with an electric mixer or 10 to 15 minutes by hand.
3
In a separate bowl, mix the baking powder into the self-raising flour, and in another bowl, combine the milk and maple syrup with the beaten eggs.
4
Slowly fold in a large spoonful of the flour mixture, followed by a spoonful of the egg mixture, continuing this process until all of the flour and egg mixture are combined. Ensure to mix gently to maintain the airiness of the batter. If the batter becomes too stiff, you can add a splash more of milk.
5
Fold in the chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, striving for a mix that has a nice thick yet pourable consistency.
6
Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake tins, smoothing the top slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the cakes are well-risen, golden brown, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Generally, this will take about 30 minutes in most ovens.
7
Allow the cakes to cool in their tins for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
While the cakes cool, prepare the fudge frosting. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, soft brown sugar, cold coffee, maple syrup, and milk. Heat gently while stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, then whisk in the icing sugar until smooth and glossy.
9
Once the cakes are cooled, if desired, slice each cake in half horizontally to create a multi-layer cake. Place one layer on a serving plate and generously spread with fudge frosting. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired, then top with the second layer of cake.
10
Spread the remaining fudge frosting over the top and sides of the cake, letting it cascade beautifully down. Finally, adorn the top with walnut halves for a decorative finish.
11
Slice and serve this decadent cake to your guests, allowing them to enjoy the rich, layered flavors. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Maple Walnut Fudge Layer Cake?
It is a rich dessert consisting of walnut and maple syrup sponge layers with a heavenly maple fudge frosting.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius or 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
What size cake tins are required for this recipe?
You will need two 8-inch (20 cm) cake tins.
How should I prepare the cake tins?
Grease the tins and line the bottoms with baking paper to ensure the cakes do not stick.
How long does it take to cream the butter and sugar?
It takes 5 to 10 minutes with an electric mixer or 10 to 15 minutes by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What type of sugar is used in the sponge and frosting?
Soft brown sugar is used to provide a deep, rich flavor and moist texture.
What kind of flour is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of self-raising flour.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
You will need 3 large eggs that have been beaten before being added to the mix.
What is the best way to combine the flour and egg mixtures?
Slowly fold in a spoonful of flour followed by a spoonful of the egg mixture to maintain the air in the batter.
What should I do if the cake batter is too stiff?
If the batter becomes too stiff, you can add a splash more of milk to reach the desired consistency.
When should the chopped walnuts be added to the cake?
Fold in the chopped walnuts at the end after the flour and eggs are fully incorporated.
How long do the cakes need to bake?
The cakes typically bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
How do I know the cakes are finished baking?
They should be well-risen, golden brown, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the tin?
Allow the cakes to cool in their tins for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
What ingredients are in the maple fudge frosting?
The frosting includes butter, soft brown sugar, cold coffee, maple syrup, milk, maple extract, and icing sugar.
How is the fudge frosting made?
Gently heat the butter, sugar, coffee, syrup, and milk until dissolved, then whisk in icing sugar until glossy.
Does the cake frosting contain coffee?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of cold strong coffee to enhance the flavor profile.
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Yes, walnuts can be swapped for pecans if you prefer.
How can I create more layers for this cake?
Once cooled, you can slice each cake in half horizontally to create a multi-layer appearance.
How is the cake assembled?
Spread frosting and optional walnuts between layers, then cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
How is the top of the cake decorated?
Adorn the top with walnut halves for a decorative and classic finish.
How long can the cake be stored?
The cake can be prepared in advance and stored for up to one week.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, if you have leftovers, this cake freezes wonderfully.
What is the texture of the sponge?
The sponge has a pudding-like consistency and a hearty texture due to the walnuts.
How much maple extract should I use in the frosting?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple extract, adjusting to your personal taste.
Should I use an electric mixer for this recipe?
An electric mixer is recommended for the creaming process to ensure the mixture is sufficiently light and fluffy.
Can this cake be made in advance for an event?
Yes, its ability to store well for a week makes it an excellent choice for advance preparation.
How much milk is used in the cake batter?
The batter requires 2 tablespoons of milk.
What makes this cake suitable for special occasions?
Its indulgent layers, rich fudge frosting, and sophisticated maple-walnut flavor profile make it a standout dessert.
What is the final consistency of the frosting?
The frosting should be whisked until it is completely smooth and glossy.