The Most Delicious Cupcakes

Okay, so after yesterday's post, I got several emails requesting the recipe... so here it is ya'll!

The Most Delicious Maple Cupcake Recipe

(for the maple lover and non-maple lover alike!)

{Cake ingredients}
2 1/2 C flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
1/2 C light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/4 C maple syrup, the real stuff
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 C buttermilk
1/2 C finely chopped pecans
(makes about 18 cupcakes)

{Directions}
1.  Pre-heat oven to 350
2. sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ginger together, set aside
3.  Beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed until they are fluffy.
4. Add in eggs, syrup, and vanilla, mix until blended
5. Mix in flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk (about 1/3 at a time)
6. By hand, add in the chopped nuts
7.  Fill cupcake lined tins about 2/3 full each
8.  Bake about 20 minutes (check if done with a knife)
9.  Cool totally, then frost with chilled maple butter frosting

Maple Butter Frosting Recipe

{Ingredients}
1 C softened unsalted butter
3 oz softened cream cheese
2/3 C golden brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 C maple syrup, again... use the good stuff
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 C powdered sugar

{Directions}
1.  beat softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and salt until fluffy... these must be softened!
2.  while beating, add maple syrup and vanilla
3.  slowly add powdered sugar and gradually increase mixing speed to high
4.  Chill frosting for about an hour before using
5.  ice the cupcakes, and for an added flair for the true maple lover... make a small well in the center of the cupcake in the icing, pour a small amount of syrup to fill the indentation... or for the non maple lover... add some cute cupcake toppers instead!

Enjoy!  We sure did!