Craving a delectable treat that combines the richness of butter, the nuttiness of pecans, and the sweetness of maple syrup? Look no further than these irresistible maple butter pecan cupcakes. This delightful dessert brings together a symphony of flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
In this recipe, the warm notes of cinnamon and the creamy goodness of mascarpone and heavy whipping cream elevate these cupcakes to a whole new level of indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cupcakes are a perfect choice for any occasion, from cozy gatherings to special celebrations.
With a simple yet luxurious filling and frosting, these maple butter pecan cupcakes are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these heavenly treats that are bound to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
Creating delicious Maple Butter Pecan Cupcakes and their delightful Brown Butter Pecan Frosting requires a mix of specific ingredients to bring out the rich flavors and luxurious texture in these treats.
Maple Butter Pecan Cupcakes
- 1 Box Betty Crocker Butter Pecan Cake Mix
- 1 Cup Unsalted Butter (2 sticks)
- 1 Cup Crisco Shortening
- 1 tablespoon Maple Extract
- 8 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 3/4 tablespoon Milk
- 24 oz Crushed Pecans
- Maple Syrup (to drizzle)
- 1 Cup Unsalted Butter (2 sticks)
- 3 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
- 1 cup Chopped Pecans
- 1 tablespoon Bourbon (optional)
Equipment Required
For making these delicious maple butter pecan cupcakes, you will need the following equipment:
- Cupcake Pan: To bake the cupcakes in the oven.
- Cupcake Liners: To line the cupcake pan and prevent sticking.
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing the cupcake batter and frosting.
- Electric Mixer: To cream the butter, sugar, and other ingredients for the cupcakes and frosting.
- Piping Bag and Nozzle: For frosting the cupcakes beautifully.
- Oven: To bake the cupcakes to perfection.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cupcakes before frosting.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Spatula: For scraping the bowl and smoothing out batter and frosting.
- Knife or Chopper: To crush the pecans for garnishing.
Having these essential tools ready will make the cupcake making process smooth and enjoyable.
Prepare the Batter
To create the perfect batter for your maple butter pecan cupcakes, we need to blend the dry and wet ingredients together harmoniously. Follow these simple steps to ensure a delightful cupcake experience.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the dry elements to form the base of your cupcakes. Assemble the flours, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Sift the ingredients together and whisk thoroughly to achieve a uniform mixture.
Creaming the Wet Ingredients
Next, focus on the wet ingredients that will add moisture and flavor to your cupcakes. Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer until fluffy. Slowly incorporate the eggs one by one, ensuring a smooth blend before adding the vanilla and maple syrup to enhance the rich taste.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Bringing together the wet and dry components is essential for a well-balanced cupcake batter. Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with milk, and mix until fully combined. Fold in the pecans gently with a rubber spatula to evenly distribute the nutty goodness throughout the batter.
Baking the Cupcakes
Baking the cupcakes is a crucial step to achieve that perfect texture and flavor combination in your maple butter pecan cupcakes. Follow these subheadings to ensure your cupcakes turn out beautifully:
Preparing the Cupcake Pan
Make sure to line your muffin tray with cupcake cases to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cupcakes after baking. This simple step will also help the cupcakes retain their shape and look appealing.
Baking Time and Temperature
Set your oven to 180ºC (Gas Mark 4) for the ideal baking temperature. Bake the cupcakes for 20-25 minutes until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and they are golden brown. This precise baking time and temperature will result in perfectly baked cupcakes.
Cooling and Removing from Pan
After baking, let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is essential to prevent the cupcakes from becoming soggy. Once cooled, gently remove the cupcakes from the pan to prepare them for frosting and decoration.
Making the Frosting
Creating the perfect frosting is key to these Maple Butter Pecan Cupcakes. From browning the butter to achieving the right consistency, each step adds a layer of flavor and decadence that complements the maple and pecan notes in the cupcakes.
Browning the Butter
Browning the butter is a crucial step in enhancing the richness of the frosting. Start by removing 3 sticks of butter from the refrigerator, reserving one stick for browning. Cut the butter into pieces and melt it over medium heat until it turns a golden amber color and releases a nutty aroma. Once browned, set it aside to cool.
Mixing in Pecans and Maple
After browning the butter, whip the remaining butter pieces until light in color. Gradually add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon to create a thick base. Slowly incorporate the cooled brown butter into the frosting until smooth. Finish by adding a final cup of powdered sugar and a pinch of salt for balance.
Achieving the Right Consistency
To achieve the perfect consistency for the frosting, ensure that the powdered sugar is fully incorporated and the texture is smooth. The chunky pecans add a delightful crunch to the frosting, creating a contrast of textures that elevate the overall indulgence of these Maple Butter Pecan Cupcakes.
Assembling the Cupcakes
After preparing the cupcakes and the frosting, it’s time to put everything together for a delightful finish.
Frosting Techniques
Using a piping bag and nozzle, pipe the prepared maple buttercream frosting onto each cupcake. Ensure to cover the entire surface generously for a luscious topping. The combination of rich butter, maple syrup, and sweet pecans will add a burst of flavor to every bite.
Adding Garnishes
To elevate the visual appeal and taste of the cupcakes, top each frosted cupcake with a caramelized pecan. This finishing touch not only adds crunch but also a hint of caramel sweetness that complements the maple butter pecan flavors beautifully. Enjoy the decadent maple butter pecan cupcakes with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
When it comes to storing these delectable maple butter pecan cupcakes, there are a few tips to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Storing:
- Room Temperature: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store them for a longer period, place them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week. Note that refrigeration may slightly alter the texture of the cupcakes.
- Freezing: To store the cupcakes for an extended period, you can freeze them. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Bake in Advance: You can bake the cupcakes in advance and store them unfrosted. When ready to serve, prepare the frosting and add it to the cupcakes.
- Freeze Unfrosted Cupcakes: If you want to prepare them even further ahead, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and frost them before serving.
- Frosting Ahead of Time: The frosting can also be prepared in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before frosting the cupcakes.
By following these storage and make-ahead tips, you can enjoy these delightful maple butter pecan cupcakes anytime, whether it’s a special occasion or a treat-yourself moment.
Conclusion
Creating maple butter pecan cupcakes is a delightful experience that brings together the rich flavors of butter, pecans, and maple syrup in a single treat. With careful assembly, frosting techniques, and the addition of caramelized pecans, these cupcakes offer a decadent balance of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. By following the storage and make-ahead tips provided, you can ensure that these delectable treats are always on hand for any occasion. Whether you choose to store them at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or freeze them for later enjoyment, these cupcakes are a versatile and indulgent option for satisfying your sweet cravings. Treat yourself to the irresistible combination of maple, butter, and pecans with these delicious cupcakes that are perfect for any time of the day.
