The Ultimate Maple Pecan Bundt Cake: Your Go-To Fall Dessert Recipe
Embrace the cozy comforts of autumn with this exquisite Maple Pecan Bundt Cake. More than just a simple cake, it’s a celebration of rich, warm flavors perfect for chilly mornings or festive gatherings. This bundt cake isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a sensory experience, featuring a moist, tender crumb, a luscious sweet and nutty pecan filling, and an aromatic maple and apple pie spice glaze that truly captures the essence of the season. It’s the ideal companion for your morning coffee or a delightful dessert to share with loved ones.
Well, hello November! It’s truly wonderful to see you, even if your arrival feels a little earlier than anticipated. The crisp air, the vibrant colors, and the undeniable scent of fall baking fill the atmosphere. With Thanksgiving just around the corner – a mere fifteen days away – it feels like only yesterday we were basking in the warmth of August. Now, the weather is blustery and cold, prompting thoughts of cozy mittens and comforting oven-baked delights. This transition ushers in the perfect opportunity to indulge in the heart-warming flavors of maple, pecan, and apple pie spice.
Today, I’m thrilled to share a very special treat with you all, born from a wonderful baking community initiative. My dear friends An from Bakerstreet and Lora from Cake Duchess extended a gracious invitation to participate in #BundtAMonth. For those unfamiliar, #BundtAMonth is an exciting monthly event dedicated entirely to celebrating the beautiful and versatile bundt cake. Each month, An and Lora announce a specific ingredient, inspiring bakers from around the globe to create their unique bundt cake masterpieces. Whether you prefer a grand, elaborate bundt or charming mini versions, the goal is simply to incorporate the chosen ingredient and share your creation. It’s a fantastic way to explore new flavors, techniques, and connect with fellow bundt cake enthusiasts. A whole month dedicated to cake? Sign me up!
This particular month’s theme, “Spicy November,” immediately sparked inspiration. I chose the classic, comforting notes of apple pie spice as my star ingredient. This led to the creation of this truly remarkable Maple Pecan Bundt Cake, complete with a luscious maple and apple pie spice glaze. It’s a harmonious blend of sweetness, nuttiness, and aromatic warmth that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of fall and the upcoming holiday season. The robust flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans are beautifully complemented by the subtle heat and fragrance of the apple pie spice, making every bite an unforgettable experience.
This bundt cake truly has it all. Is it incredibly moist? Check. Does it boast a rich, satisfying filling that adds texture and depth? Check. And does it come adorned with a tantalizing maple and apple pie spice glaze that elevates it to pure perfection? Check and check! I recently had the pleasure of baking this very cake for my mom’s birthday celebration, and it was an absolute showstopper. Her party guests devoured every last crumb, a testament to its irresistible appeal. The combination of its tender cake, the hidden layer of pecan goodness, and the sweet, spiced glaze makes it an ideal choice for any special occasion or simply to brighten a regular day.
What truly sets this Maple Pecan Bundt Cake apart and makes it so incredibly special is its delightful sweet, nutty filling. This secret layer, nestled within the moist cake, transforms each slice into an extraordinary experience. A decadent mixture of finely chopped pecans, fragrant maple syrup, and rich butter creates a dense, chewy filling that bursts with flavor and adds an incredible dimension to the cake. The pecans are toasted beforehand to enhance their natural oils and nutty aroma, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. This filling not only livens up the cake with its robust taste but also adds to its overall moistness and texture, making every mouthful a delightful surprise. It’s this thoughtful detail that elevates a simple bundt cake into a truly memorable dessert, perfect for any fall gathering or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a warm beverage.
Baking a bundt cake can feel intimidating to some, but with the right recipe and a few key tips, you’ll be creating show-stopping desserts in no time. The beauty of a bundt cake lies in its elegant presentation, often requiring minimal decoration thanks to the intricate designs of the pan. This Maple Pecan Bundt Cake, with its simple yet sophisticated glaze, perfectly embodies that principle. It’s a dessert that looks impressive without demanding hours of intricate frosting work.
For best results when making any bundt cake, ensure your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, cohesive batter that bakes evenly and results in a tender crumb. When creaming butter and sugar, aim for a light, fluffy texture, which incorporates air and contributes to the cake’s lift and delicate structure. And remember, once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can lead to a tough cake.
The star ingredients in this recipe—pure maple syrup, toasted pecans, and a hint of apple pie spice—are carefully chosen to deliver a symphony of autumnal flavors. Maple syrup offers a natural, complex sweetness that’s far superior to artificial flavors, while toasting the pecans brings out their full, buttery essence. The apple pie spice, a blend typically including cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger, adds a comforting warmth that truly defines “Spicy November.” Paired with the tang of sour cream in the batter, which guarantees an incredibly moist and tender cake, these components create a dessert that is both familiar and excitingly delicious.
Whether you’re looking for a stunning centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, a delightful contribution to a potluck, or just a comforting treat to enjoy with your family, this Maple Pecan Bundt Cake is an excellent choice. Its rich flavors and appealing texture make it a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fall baking!
Maple Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe
Yield: 8-10 servings
Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
Pecan Filling
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 and 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
Glaze
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
Directions:
- Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Carefully grease your bundt pan thoroughly with butter or a baking spray that contains flour, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. Then, lightly flour the pan, tapping out any excess. This meticulous preparation is key for a clean release of your beautiful bundt cake.
- Craft the Pecan Filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and the room temperature unsalted butter. Using a pastry cutter, a fork, or even your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. This method helps distribute the butter evenly. Next, stir in the apple pie spice, the toasted and finely chopped pecans, and the pure maple syrup until all ingredients are well combined. The resulting mixture will be delightfully thick and sticky. Set this flavorful filling aside.
- Prepare Dry Cake Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and apple pie spice. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds to ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and aerated. This step helps create a light and fluffy cake texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer, cream the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and noticeably pale in color, typically 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
- Incorporate Eggs: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture before adding the next. This prevents the batter from separating.
- Add Dry Ingredients (Partially): With the mixer on low speed, gradually add about half of the prepared dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
- Mix in Sour Cream: Next, add the full cup of sour cream to the batter. Beat on low speed until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. The batter will be quite thick, which is perfectly normal.
- Layer the Batter and Filling: Spoon a little more than half of the cake batter into your meticulously prepared bundt pan. Using the back of your spatula or a spoon, gently spread the batter up the sides of the pan to create a shallow well in the center. This strategic “well” will serve as a secure bed for your pecan filling, preventing it from leaking and sticking to the sides of the pan during baking.
- Add Pecan Filling and Remaining Batter: Carefully spoon the thick maple pecan filling into the well you just created in the batter. Try to distribute it evenly. Then, gently cover the filling with the remaining cake batter, spreading it smoothly over the top to completely enclose the filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the cake *where it hits the cake, not the filling*. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. The filling, being sticky, will always cling to the tester, so avoid testing in that area.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-30 minutes. This crucial cooling period allows the cake to firm up and pull away from the sides of the pan slightly, making it much easier to remove without breaking. After this time, carefully invert the bundt cake onto the wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the cake is cooling, prepare your vibrant glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, freshly squeezed orange juice (which adds a bright tang), powdered sugar, and apple pie spice until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the cake has cooled sufficiently (it can still be slightly warm), generously drizzle the aromatic maple glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the elegant ridges of the bundt cake. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this delightful Maple Pecan Bundt Cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or as a decadent dessert!
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.