Maple Pecan Cake

Name: Maple Pecan Cake
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 5 eggs, separated; 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup maple syrup; 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon maple flavoring; 3/4 cup chopped pecans; 1-1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated; FROSTING:; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped; 4 cups confectioners' sugar; 1/4 cup 2% milk; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1-1/2 cups chopped pecans

When preparing to enter a baking contest many years ago, I kept fine-tuning this recipe until it was just right. My determination paid off...I was first runner-up! Chocolate frosting enhances the maple-nut flavor of the cake.—Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Ingredients

5 eggs, separated
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1-1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated
FROSTING:
1/4 cup butter, cubed
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1-1/2 cups chopped pecans

Directions

Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, maple syrup, water and maple flavoring. Add to dry ingredients; beat until well blended. In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Fold in pecans and chocolate.
Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely, about 1 hour.
Run a knife around side and center tube of pan. Remove cake to a serving plate. For frosting, in a microwave, melt butter and chocolate; stir until smooth. Pour into a large bowl; beat in the confectioners' sugar, milk and maple syrup. Frost cake; press pecans onto the top and sides of cake.

To Make Ahead: The unfrosted cake can be made the day before serving. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frost before serving.