Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes Topped with Maple Buttered Pecans

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes Topped with Maple Buttered Pecans
Almost a week had gone by with a container of pumpkin puree staring me down each time I opened the refrigerator. Yesterday I finally decided to do something about it. I had been trying to come up with some way to use it before it went bad, but the only thing I could think of that would be quick and relatively mess-free was pumpkin bread. I wasn’t super excited about that especially since I’ve been baking a lot of muffins and breads lately. When my parents came over to babysit, that gave me a little more time to play around. So what did I do? I made cupcakes. I have to say, these just might be the best I’ve ever made! The cupcake itself is moist, tender, buttery and sweet, and the frosting is tangy and melts in your mouth. The maple buttered pecans give these added texture and flavor and really compliment the pumpkin flavor. I definitely ate my fair share of these, Stephen even joined in too- and he never eats pumpkin goodies! I’m thinking these would be a great treat to give to friends and family or even a new addition to a traditional Thanksgiving dessert spread!

 

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Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Buttered Pecans

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes Topped with Maple Buttered Pecans Recipe

The most perfect cupcakes EVER! These pumpkin pie cupcakes topped with maple buttered pecans are so moist, tender and flavorful, they just scream fall!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Cupcakes, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 387kcal
Author: Andrea
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Ingredients

cupcakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (½ stick) butter - room temperature
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup solid-pack pumpkin puree
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla

pumpkin cream cheese frosting

  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 oz original cream cheese - room temperature
  • 3 Tbsp butter - room temperature
  • 1/4 cup solid-pack pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla
  • pinch of salt

maple buttered pecans

  • 3/4 cup pecans (whole, halves or chopped)
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 Tbsp butter

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line one regular size muffin tin with liners, set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together butter, oil, and sugars for 2-3 minutes or until light and creamy. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla, then with mixing speed on low, add one egg at a time, mixing until incorporated.
  • In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. With mixing speed on low, gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Remove bowl from stand and fill each liner ¾ of the way full. Place in oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned and spring back when touched. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely (about 30 minutes).
  • Meanwhile, combine all ingredients for the frosting (except for the powdered sugar) in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted wit the whisk attachment. Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes on medium-high speed. With mixing speed on low, gradually add the powdered sugar. Once all of the sugar has been added, beat on high for 2 additional minutes. Set aside.
  • Combine all ingredients for the maple buttered pecans (except for the butter) in a small mixing bowl. toss to coat the nuts evenly. Spread onto a lined baking sheet (Silpat or parchment), place in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, stirring half way through the baking process. Remove from oven and toss in a clean bowl with the butter, let cool.
  • Frost cooled cupcakes with desired tip, top with cooled pecans.

NOTES

-Most grocery stores carry candied nuts, you can always use store-bought instead of making your own.

Nutrition

Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 287mg | Potassium: 177mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 4241IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 1mg

Recipe source: Life Made Simple // frosting inspired by a recipe in the Holiday 2013 issue of Something Extra

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About the Author

Andrea

Hi I'm Andrea!

Hotelier turned Food Blogger to help make your life simple, one recipe at a time.

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