Maple Sugar Cake
A moist, flavorful cake infused with maple sugar and warm spices, perfect for cozy desserts or teatime treats, appealing to those who love rich, sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the maple sugar and shortening until fluffy; beat in the egg.
- Combine the dry ingredients: flour, soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the raisins.
- Spoon the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have maple sugar, brown sugar can work as a substitute, but it will alter the flavor slightly. To enhance the spice profile, try adding a pinch of nutmeg. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
Serving Suggestions
This Maple Sugar Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, serve it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. It also complements a cup of coffee or tea perfectly, making it a delightful addition to a brunch table alongside dishes like Glo'S Cabbage Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Maple Sugar Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple Sugar Cake contains roughly 729 calories, with 2g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1195mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular sugar instead of maple sugar?
Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar as a substitute for maple sugar. However, keep in mind that it will result in a different flavor profile, lacking the rich maple undertones. If you want a hint of maple flavor, you could add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the batter.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will mimic the acidity of buttermilk, ensuring that your cake rises properly.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can provide a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor of the cake. Just be sure to fold them in gently with the raisins to avoid overmixing the batter. Nuts also pair well with the warm spices in this recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).