Spiced Harvest Maple Cake with Maple Frosting

Prep Time:10 Mins | Total Time:2 Hrs | Makes:10-12

A memorable and scrumptious end to your Thanksgiving feast.

3/4 cup (175 mL) apple cider or apple juice, unsweetened

1/2 cup (125 mL) each golden raisins, dried cranberries, thinly sliced dried apricots

1 1/4 tsp (6 mL) cinnamon

1 pkg (510 g) Betty Crocker* Super Moist White, French Vanilla or Golden Cake Mix

Water or milk, vegetable oil and eggs as called for in cake mix package directions

1/4 cup (50 mL) pure maple syrup or pancake syrup

1 tsp (5 mL) ground ginger

1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground allspice

1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) ground cloves

2 tubs (450 g) Betty Crocker* Whipped Fluffy White or Creamy Deluxe Vanilla Frosting

2 tbsp (25 mL) pure maple syrup or pancake syrup, divided

Heat oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease or spray two 9–inch (23 cm) round pans.
To Make Chutney: Combine apple juice or cider, raisins, cranberries, apricots and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
To Make Cake: Beat cake mix, water or milk, oil, eggs, maple syrup, and spices in large bowl on low speed for 30 seconds; beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.
Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for approximately 23 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
To Make Frosting and Decorate: Stir 1 tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup into each frosting tub.
Reserve 1/2 cup (125 mL) of fruit mixture for garnish. Place one cake layer, top side down, on plate and spread approximately 1/2 cup (125 mL) frosting over top. Spread remaining fruit mixture on top of icing, leaving about a 1/4-inch (6 mm) border.
Place second cake layer top side up on fruit mixture, pressing down gently. Frost side of cake first with very thin coat to seal in crumbs.
Spread additional frosting on side using upward strokes. Spread remaining frosting over top of cake, making attractive swirls or leaving smooth for decorating.
Garnish outer edge of cake with reserved fruit mixture.

Tip: Try experimenting with a variety of delicious dried fruits such as apples, cherries, dates and prunes.