Maple-Pecan Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Frosting

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped candied pecans

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 325°. Insert cupcake liners into cupcake pans.

2. 2

   In a bowl, sift flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

3. 3

   In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed.

4. 4

   Add maple syrup to butter and continue beating until mixture is light and airy.

5. 5

   Decrease speed to low, add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

6. 6

   Gradually add dry ingredients and milk; mix until well incorporated into smooth batter.

7. 7

   Mix in chopped pecans by hand.

8. 8

   Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full.

9. 9

   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cupcakes are springy to the touch and a pick comes out clean.

10. 10

    Remove from oven and cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.

11. 11

    Prepare frosting: in a bowl, whip cream with 3 tablespoons maple syrup until firm frosting is achieved.

12. 12

    Fold chopped pecans into frosting.

13. 13

    Place dollop of maple frosting on each cupcake, adding a teaspoon of maple syrup on top of the frosting.