Maple Apple and Walnut Cake
This upside down apple and walnut cake with maple syrup is a delicious twist on the classic maple walnut cake. The addition of maple syrup combined with melted butter adds a yummy caramelization to the apples, and infuses the cake a subtle maple flavour.
I love an upside down cake as it requires no additional decoration! Flip the baked cake over onto a serving board, maybe add some whipping cream or a drizzle of icing and that’s it! It really is the perfect autumn dessert.
This apple and pear galette is another delicious rustic autumn dessert idea.
Another reason I love upside down cakes, is that they are easy to make with pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients You Will Need
- butter
- maple syrup
- walnut halves or pieces
- apples
- flour
- baking powder and salt
- eggs
- milk
- vanilla extract
How to Make this Apple and Walnut Cake
Be sure to check out the full printable recipe below!
Melt butter in frying pan over medium heat. Add maple syrup and heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Add apple slices and walnuts and stir until coated. Arrange in a 9 inch baking pan.
Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar in bowl of electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until well blended.
Add flour mixture and milk alternately to batter, mixing well after each addition. Spread cake batter evenly over fruit and nut mixture. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool before turning out onto a plate or board for serving.
How to Turn an Upside Down Cake Out of the Pan
The key is to wait a full 10 minutes before attempting to turn the cake “upside down”. Place your serving plate or board upside down over top of the cake pan, and simply turn the pan over so the plate is now on the bottom. The cake should slip right out of the pan and onto the serving plate!
FAQ’s
Can I make this apple and walnut cake without maple syrup?
I don’t recommend it, as the maple is needed to create the caramelization of the apples and give the cake its maple flavour. If you prefer an upside down apple cake without maple, try my recipe for Easy Apple Cake!
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?
Of course! Pecans would be lovely in this cake, however I do love the combination of maple and walnuts.
What’s the best apple variety for apple and walnut cake?
My favourites for baking are Gala, McIntosh, Granny Smith and Honey Crisp. I often use a combination of different types for an extra depth of flavour.
This upside down apple and walnut cake blends the sweetness of maple syrup, tender apples, and walnuts in every bite. It’s a simple, casual dessert that adds an extra layer of coziness to an autumn day!
Serve it just as it is warm from the oven, or top it with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert. My personal favourite; have a slice dusted with powdered sugar as a treat with afternoon tea.
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Maple Apple and Walnut Cake
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer or stand mixer
- 1 frying pan
Ingredients
Apple and Walnut Layer
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup walnut halves
- 3 to 4 apples, peeled and sliced
Cake Layer
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray 9 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
For Apple and Walnut Layer
- In a frying pan sprayed with non-stick spray ¼ cup butter, add maple syrup and heat over medium low heat until golden and bubbling, being careful not to burn. Add sliced apples and walnut halves and stir until well coated. Transfer mixture to prepared baking pan.
For Cake Layer
- Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.
- In bowl of electric mixer beat ¾ cup sugar and ⅓ cup butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beat until well combined.
- Add flour mixture and milk alternately, mixing well after each addition. Continue beating for one minute. Pour batter over apples and walnuts, carefully spread to completely cover. Bake at 350℉ for 30-35 minutes until cake is golden and springs back when pressed.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for a full 10 minutes. Place serving plate upside down over the baking pan and carefully turn upside down to release cake to the plate. Serve warm or allow to cool before serving.
