If fall had a flavor, it would taste just like this Maple Streusel Cake. With its tender, moist crumb, deep maple flavor, and crisp cinnamon streusel topping, this cake is the perfect cozy companion for your morning coffee or an elegant dessert at your next gathering.
Unlike overly sweet cakes, this one strikes the ideal balance of rich maple flavor and warm spice, complemented by a buttery crumble that adds texture in every bite. Best of all? It’s incredibly easy to make with pantry staples and no fancy equipment.
🍁 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temp)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream (or dairy-free alternative)
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Streusel
In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and cut it in using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in maple syrup. Refrigerate while you prepare the cake.
2. Make the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch square or round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, cream butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and yogurt.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the chilled streusel evenly over the batter.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before serving.
🍰 Serving Ideas
Serve warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pair it with:
- A drizzle of maple glaze
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Or simply a hot cup of coffee!
💡 Why You’ll Love This Maple Streusel Cake
- Ultra-moist and tender with a light maple taste
- Easy to make and naturally sweetened with maple syrup
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or gifting
- Customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or apples