When I mentioned my plan to combine multiple recipes to make a layered maple cheesecake to my friend who, by the way, bakes the best cheesecakes, he said: “as if baking a regular cheesecake isn’t challenging enough.”
Yes, they can be challenging but they daunt me no more. Once you challenge yourself to make fusion cheesecake you will never want to make the old plain one.
Layered Maple Cheesecake
I made this decadent maple cheesecake with a spice cake layer for Thanksgiving. It was perfect. What’s next, I have no idea…yet. But I am taking suggestions, though.
You can sprinkle the cheesecake with chopped candied walnuts or pecans before serving or serve the nuts separate, which is a good option if people you're serving have allergies. I soaked my piece in maple syrup and gave it a generous dollop of whipped cream. It was heaven.
Do make it a day ahead. It takes time and it tastes better the next day!
Ingredients:
Spice cake layer
I figured the cake wouldn’t be any less rich by making this layer from scratch. So, I cut down on baking time by using a spice cake boxed mix. Don’t hate me. Note: use ingredients according to directions on the box.
Crust
- Graham cracker crumbs
- unsalted butter
- sugar
Cheesecake
- cream cheese
- vanilla extract
- eggs
- maple syrup
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
Maple Icing
- butter
- maple syrup
- vanilla extract
- cream cheese
- powdered sugar
Directions:
Spice Cake layer
- First, bake the spice cake according to the box directions in a 9-inch springform. Use only half the batter and bake the other half in another 9-inch cake pan, or discard.
- Remove the cake and place it on a rack to cool. With a serrated knife or an adjustable wire cake slicer (see photo) gently cut the dome off the top of the cake.
- Use the same springform to bake the cheesecake.
Crust
- Combine the crumbs and sugar in a bowl; add melted butter and mix well. Press onto the bottom of your springform pan. Refrigerate while you make the cheesecake mix.
Cheesecake
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on low speed until free of lumps and fluffy. One at a time, add eggs mixing at low speed after each just blended. Gradually add maple syrup and beat slowly until combined. Periodically scrape down the sides of the bowl and the beaters. Add vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The batter should be well-mixed but not overbeaten. Pour the filling over the crust.
- Set the cheesecake pan on a large piece of aluminum foil and fold up the sides around it. Place the cake pan in a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until the water is halfway up the sides of your pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until just set. It should still jiggle, but it will firm up after chilling. Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
Maple Icing
- Beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar, syrup, and vanilla; beat until smooth.
- Lose the cheesecake gently from the sides of the pan by running a knife around the inside rim. Unmold and transfer to a serving plate.
- Using a spatula spread a layer of maple icing over the surface. Top with spice cake. Spread the remainder of the icing over the top and sides of the cake.
- Refrigerate overnight or at least four hours to let the flavors mend. To serve, top the cake with chopped candied walnuts and drizzle with maple syrup.
You might like to try these fall cheesecakes:
- Carrot Cake Cheesecake
- Apple Oatmeal Cheesecake
- Brownie Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Goat Cheese Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Baklava Cheesecake
Liked this recipe? Leave a โญโญโญโญโญ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section. Your feedback is always appreciated! Stay in touch through Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for my email list below too!
Layered Maple Cheesecake
Ingredients
Spice cake layer
- I figured the cake wouldn’t be any less rich by making this layer from scratch. So, I cut down on baking time by using a spice cake boxed mix. Don’t hate me. Note: use ingredients according to directions on the box.
Crust
- 1 ½ cup Graham Cracker crumbs
- โ cup unsalted Butter, melted
- 3 tablespoon Sugar
Cheesecake
- 4 - 8 oz. packages Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 4 large Eggs
- โ cup pure Maple Syrup, grade A. Use grade B if you like more robust flavor
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
- โ teaspoon Nutmeg
Maple Icing
- ¼ cup unsalted Butter, ½ stick
- ¼ cup pure Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 – 8 oz. package Cream Cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
Spice Cake layer
- First, bake the spice cake according to the box directions in a 9-inch springform. Use only half the batter and bake the other half in another 9-inch cake pan, or discard. Remove the cake and place on a rack to cool. With a serrated knife or an adjustable wire cake slicer (see photo) gently cut the dome off the top of the cake.
- Use the same springform to bake the cheesecake.
Crust
- Combine the crumbs and sugar in a bowl; add melted butter and mix well. Press onto the bottom of your springform pan. Refrigerate while you make the cheesecake mix.
Cheesecake
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on low speed until free of lumps and fluffy. One at a time, add eggs mixing on low speed after each just blended. Gradually add maple syrup and beat slowly until combined. Periodically scrape down the sides of the bowl and the beaters. Add vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The batter should be well-mixed but not overbeaten. Pour the filling over crust.
- Set the cheesecake pan on a large piece of aluminum foil and fold up the sides around it. Place the cake pan in a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until the water is halfway up the sides of your pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until just set. It should still jiggle, but it will firm up after chilling. Let cool in pan for 30 minutes.
Maple Icing
- Beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar, syrup, and vanilla; beat until smooth.
- Loose the cheesecake gently from the sides of the pan by running a knife around the inside rim. Unmold and transfer to a serving plate. Using a spatula spread a layer of maple icing over the surface. Top with spice cake. Spread the remainder of the icing over the top and sides of the cake.
- Refrigerate overnight or at least for four hours to let the flavors mend. To serve, top the cake with chopped candied walnuts and drizzle with maple syrup.
Mary says
Jas just what I was looking for. We have to make a cheesecake because we are going to visit some special relatives. This one looks so decadent. I will show it to my resident baker and see if she can do it. You know since moving I have been in maple syrup heaven. Back in Greece we didn't buy it that often because it was imported and very expensive.
Jas says
Hi, Mary! I know you've been eyeing this cake for quite some time. I even wanted to ship you some maple syrup to Greece, lol. So happy you're in the States now ๐ Hope you're all adjusting well. Hugs!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats says
This sounds so yummy! All those layers!! Thanks for linking up at Friday Frenzy Link Party! Pinned!!
Jas says
Thank you, Kelly! XO