The Brown Sugar Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze is not just a dessert; it’s an embodiment of cherished memories and heartfelt traditions, beautifully wrapped in flavors that warm the soul. Imagine the delight of biting into a moist, rich cake, infused with the deep sweetness of brown sugar, only to have a decadent maple glaze follow through as a sweet afterthought. This cake resonates with comfort, evoking sentiments of family gatherings and the joys of baking shared across generations.
One of the beautiful aspects of this recipe is its simplicity, balanced with a depth of flavor that makes it timeless. It calls for staples like brown sugar and evaporated milk while offering the option to play with textures and tastes using ingredients like pecans and toffee bits. The beauty of this bundt cake lies in its adaptability—each version carrying its own charm and character. Thus, making it ideal for both new bakers eager to try their hand at a family-favorite recipe and experienced ones looking for a nostalgic bake that speaks to the heart.
Whether you enjoy this cake fresh out of the oven with a warm, luscious glaze or savor its more pronounced flavors the following day, the Brown Sugar Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze doesn’t just feed your sweet tooth; it provides a connection to the past while offering a comforting indulgence to the present. Its soft crumb and buttery richness make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, ensuring that it remains a centerpiece of family traditions now and for many years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Bundt Cake
- Rich Taste: The combination of brown sugar and maple glaze offers a profound caramel-flavored delight.
- Nostalgic Comfort: Perfect for creating warm memories and tradition with each bake.
- Flexible Ingredients: Use light or dark brown sugar, and even choose between maple, vanilla, or rum extract for diverse flavor profiles.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Flavors enhance the day after baking, making it ideal for gatherings.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into creating this delectable Brown Sugar Bundt Cake, it’s important to properly prepare your kitchen to ensure smooth and successful baking. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools so that everything is easily accessible. You’ll need a 12-cup bundt pan, ideally non-stick, to achieve the perfect shape and texture. Make sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly, reaching every crevice, or consider using a non-stick spray like Baker’s Joy to simplify the process.
Moreover, ensure your baking station is clean and spacious. Gather items like a sifter for the powdered sugar, measuring cups and spoons, a stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugars, and a spatula for scraping down the sides. Before beginning, preheat your oven to 325°F, allowing it to heat up fully. This consistent temperature is crucial for baking the cake evenly, ensuring a light, moist texture that is neither under nor overcooked.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening (or replace with more butter)
- Extra butter/shortening for greasing, or Baker’s Joy spray
- 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar (light preferred, dark works too)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla + maple mix)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans + 1 cup Heath toffee bits
- For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- Pinch of salt (about 1/4 tsp)
- 2–3 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla or maple extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Heat your oven to 325°F. To prevent any sticking, grease and flour your 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly. Use a non-stick spray for an easier option to ensure every intricate detail of the mold remains intact after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir them together with a whisk to ensure that the dry components are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for achieving a consistent texture throughout the cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer, blend the softened unsalted butter and shortening until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Gradually add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, continuing to mix well. Add in the vanilla extract, then the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is mixed thoroughly before adding the next.
Step 4: Add Flour and Milk
With your mixer on low, alternate adding portions of the flour mixture and evaporated milk to your batter. Start and finish with the flour and make sure to mix just until combined. This ensures your cake remains light and avoids unnecessary gluten development.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the smooth batter into your prepared bundt pan. Smooth out the surface with a spatula and bake in your preheated oven for 75–80 minutes. Look for a golden top, and test it by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean. If the cake browns too quickly on top, tent it loosely with foil.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
After baking, let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully invert it onto a platter or cake stand and allow it to cool for at least 15–20 more minutes before applying the glaze for optimal absorption.
Variations
- Protein: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and protein.
- Vegetables: While unconventional for this cake, adding a small amount of grated carrot or zucchini can enhance moisture.
- Spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a subtle, spiced warmth.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for best texture. Cold ingredients can cause lumps and uneven mixing.
- Properly measuring flour can make a difference; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it with a knife for accuracy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the caramel notes.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- To prevent the glaze from becoming too thick, monitor its consistency carefully while mixing in the powdered sugar.
- If the glaze hardens too quickly, warm it slightly before drizzling over the cake.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75–80 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 430 per slice
- Protein: 6g per serving
- Sodium: 150mg per serving
FAQs
Can I substitute the evaporated milk with another type of milk?
Yes, you can use regular whole milk or even a plant-based milk alternative, but it might alter the creaminess slightly.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
You could use a tube pan or even a large loaf pan, adjusting baking times as needed and keeping a close eye on the baking process.
How can I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Ensure your pan is thoroughly greased and floured, or use a non-stick baking spray. This prevents the cake from adhering to any part of the pan.
Is there a way to reduce the sugar content?
While you could replace some of the sugar with a sugar substitute, it might affect texture and taste. Experiment in small batches to find suitable results.
Conclusion
The Brown Sugar Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze is a delightful and heartwarming dessert that offers comfort with every bite. Its rich, caramelized flavors and moist texture make it a perfect choice for celebrations or just a cozy get-together with loved ones. Its simplicity allows for easy baking adjustments and personalization, ensuring that every baker can leave their own signature twist on this classic recipe. Please share your thoughts or any adaptations you’ve tried in the comments below; we’d love to hear! Encourage your fellow bakers to explore variations and make this recipe their own, fostering culinary creativity and connection.
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Brown Sugar Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
Description
The Brown Sugar Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze is a delightful and heartwarming dessert that offers comfort with every bite, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening (or replace with more butter)
- 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar (light preferred, dark works too)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla + maple mix)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans + 1 cup Heath toffee bits
- For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- Pinch of salt (about 1/4 tsp)
- 2–3 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla or maple extract
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Using a stand mixer, cream butter and shortening until smooth, then gradually add sugars.
- Mix in vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time. Alternate adding flour mixture and evaporated milk.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 75–80 minutes. Test with toothpick.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes, invert, and cool for 15–20 minutes before glazing.
Notes
Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for best texture.
- Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75–80 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 6 g