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1
FOR CAKE: Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
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2
Grease two 8 to 9 inch round cake pans.
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3
Using electric mixer, cream butter and brown sugar.
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4
Beat in eggs in thin stream.
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5
Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda in another bowl.
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6
Alternate adding dry ingredients, syrup and hot water to butter mixture, blending until smooth.
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Bake until tester inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
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8
Cool completely.
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9
Wrap, chill thoroughly.
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FOR PRALINE: Lightly grease baking sheet.
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11
Boil syrup in heavy small saucepan until candy thermometer registers 300F (150C) (hard-crack stage).
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Remove from heat.
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Stir in walnuts.
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Pour onto prepared sheet.
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15
Cool until set.
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Transfer to processor and mix to fine powder.
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FOR WHIPPED CREAM: Beat cream with sugar and extract to stiff peaks.
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18
TO ASSEMBLE: Cut off top crusts from cake layers.
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Set 1 layer on platter.
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Spread lightly with whipped cream.
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Sprinkle lightly with praline.
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22
Top with second cake layer.
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23
Spread top and sides lightly with whipped cream.
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24
Spoon remaining whipped cream into pastry bag fitted with star tip.
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25
Pipe lattice design atop cake; pipe border around bottom edge of cake.
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26
Press praline onto sides; sprinkle any remainder on top.
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27
Serve Maple Walnut Cake chilled or at room temperature.