Maple Cream Cake

This is a maple-on-maple cake that uses real maple syrup in both the cake batter and the cream frosting. The result is intensely maple-flavored without using artificial flavoring, with a tender cake-flour crumb that absorbs the syrup’s depth and a glossy, egg-white-lightened frosting that crowns the top. Pure sugar shack flavor in a loaf pan.

Using cake flour rather than all-purpose is critical. The lower protein content produces a tender, fine crumb that suits a delicate maple-flavored cake. All-purpose flour can be substituted in a pinch (use 2 cups + 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 5 tablespoons all-purpose), but proper cake flour delivers the right texture.

The alternating wet-and-dry-addition technique is doing emulsion work. Adding the maple-milk mixture and dry ingredients alternately to the creamed butter and sugar prevents the batter from separating, which is especially important here because syrup adds extra liquid that can break a fragile cake batter.

The frosting is an unusual cooked-meringue style. Maple syrup, butter and powdered sugar get warmed together, then folded into stiffly beaten egg white. The result is lighter and fluffier than a typical buttercream, with the syrup’s true maple flavor coming through clearly. Folding rather than beating preserves the egg white’s air.

Pro Tips

• Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Imitation maple has corn syrup that produces a one-note sweetness.
• Bring eggs and milk to room temperature for smoothest batter.
• Test for doneness with a toothpick at 35 minutes. The cake is done when it comes out clean.
• Spread the frosting while still slightly warm for the smoothest finish, but not so hot it deflates the egg white.

Variations

• Substitute brown butter for the regular butter in the frosting for a nuttier flavor.
• Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter for crunch.
• Use Grade B maple syrup (now called Grade A Dark) for stronger maple flavor.
• Top the frosted cake with a sprinkle of maple sugar candies or maple-glazed pecans for presentation.