Sheet Pan Spiced Whiskey Cake with Maple Glaze
A moist whiskey-infused cake baked on a sheet pan, topped with a rich maple glaze combining warm spices for a comforting dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whiskey
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 cup whiskey, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry flour mixture alternating with 1/2 cup whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into a lightly greased 9x13-inch sheet pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden.
- Step 6: While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by melting 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, and 1/4 tsp ground cloves, whisking until smooth and glossy.
- Step 7: Remove the cake from the oven and while still warm, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Spiced Whiskey Cake with Maple Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Spiced Whiskey Cake with Maple Glaze?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Spiced Whiskey Cake with Maple Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sheet Pan Spiced Whiskey Cake with Maple Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sheet Pan Spiced Whiskey Cake with Maple Glaze?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
