Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Moist Maple Walnut Cake with Maple Frosting

Sarah Smith
Nov 21, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Two-layer walnut cake with cream cheese frosting; slice on dark plate. Rustic wood background, cozy setting. Visible chopped nuts.

This Maple Walnut Cake is soft, moist, and filled with warm, comforting flavor in every bite. Pure maple syrup adds rich sweetness to the tender crumb, while toasted walnuts bring just the right amount of nutty crunch. Finished with a creamy maple frosting, this cake feels both rustic and indulgent — perfect for fall baking, holiday gatherings, or anytime you’re craving an old-fashioned homemade dessert. If you love cozy seasonal treats, this cake pairs beautifully with sweet favorites like Maple Pecan Fudge, festive Tanghulu (Crispy-Crunchy Candied Fruit Recipe), or a warm, comforting Caramel Apple Bread Pudding for a dessert spread that truly celebrates the season.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30–35 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Servings: 10–12

Ingredients

Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup chopped walnuts (toasted, optional but recommended)

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup milk (or buttermilk)

Maple Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2–3 cups powdered sugar

1–2 tablespoons milk or cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Extra chopped walnuts for topping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and walnuts. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until light and creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.
Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes (round pans may bake slightly faster) or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cake cool completely before frosting.

Make the Maple Frosting

Beat butter until smooth. Add maple syrup and vanilla, mixing well.
Add powdered sugar gradually, alternating with small splashes of milk, until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Top with extra walnuts if desired.

How to Serve

Serve at room temperature with coffee, tea, or a warm holiday drink. This cake is also wonderful slightly chilled.

Tips

• Toast the walnuts for a richer flavor—5 minutes in a 350°F oven.

• Use pure maple syrup for the best taste (not pancake syrup).

• For a deeper flavor, substitute buttermilk for regular milk.

• This cake stays moist for 3–4 days covered.

FAQ

Q: What makes this maple walnut cake so moist?

A: This cake stays extra moist thanks to pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and oil/butter in the batter. These ingredients lock in moisture and give the cake its warm, rich flavor.

Q: Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

A: Pure maple syrup is highly recommended for the best flavor. Maple-flavored pancake syrup can be used in a pinch, but the taste will be much sweeter and less natural.

Q: What type of walnuts work best in this cake?

A: Chopped, lightly toasted walnuts bring the best flavor and texture. Toasting enhances their nuttiness and keeps them crisp inside the cake.

Q: Can I make this cake without nuts?

A: Yes! Simply leave them out. You can replace walnuts with pecans for a similar flavor, or skip nuts entirely for a smooth, tender crumb.

Q: How do I prevent the walnuts from sinking to the bottom?

A: Toss the chopped walnuts in 1–2 teaspoons of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the cake.

Q: Can this maple walnut cake be made ahead of time?

A: Yes! The cake stays moist for several days. You can bake it 1–2 days ahead, wrap it tightly, and frost it before serving.

Q: How should I store the leftover cake?

A: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the softest texture.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Walnut Cake is the kind of timeless dessert that never goes out of style. Simple ingredients, warm flavors, and a comforting homemade feel make it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether served as a holiday centerpiece or enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon, it’s a cozy classic you’ll find yourself baking again and again.