Sierra Mini Maple Cakes

 We always topped this Maple Cake with ice cream but everyone always commented on the texture. No one could ever figure out what we did to give the cake its original texture. Well, for the very first time, I will divulge that secret. We simply added toasted sesame seeds to the batter.

Ingredients needed to make Sierra Maple Cakes (makes 6 individual cakes):

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 eggs, separated
• 2 Tbs. vanilla
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

Steps:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 and spray 6 mini-bundt cake pans with non-stick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda and nutmeg.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form (see picture). Set the bowl aside.
4. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and pale. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla until well combined.
5. Stir in the flour mixture and the toasted sesame seeds.
6. Add half of the egg whites and stir them into the batter.
7. Add the other half of the egg whites and fold them into the batter.
8. Spoon the batter into the prepared pans. Place the pans on a baking sheet and then place them into the oven and bake about 45 minutes or until done.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans 10 minutes.
10. Remove the cakes from the pans and let cool on a rack until ready to serve.
11. Top with icecream or heavy whipped cream sweetened with powdered sugar
12. Your family will love them and love you....lap up the love