Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes are like a sweet hug in cake form, wrapping you in cozy flavors that dance between the realms of sweet and savory. Imagine biting into a soft, moist cupcake topped with a luscious salted maple frosting, where the crunch of pecans adds a delightful texture that will make you feel like you’re eating dessert straight from the heavens. mixed berry dump cake cranberry orange cupcakes These beauties are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just because it’s Tuesday and you need a little pick-me-up. Trust me, once you smell them baking, you’ll have everyone asking for the secret.
These cupcakes hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of rainy afternoons spent baking with my grandmother. We’d whip up something sweet to brighten the gloomy day, often ending with her signature chuckle as we licked frosting off our fingers. The anticipation of tasting those warm treats always felt magical. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s create some Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes that will make your taste buds sing! For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The balance of sweetness and saltiness makes these cupcakes utterly irresistible.
- They are simple to prepare, so even novice bakers can impress their friends.
- The visual appeal is stunning with pecans sprinkled on top—a treat for both the eyes and the palate.
- Perfect for any gathering or simply when you’re in need of some self-love!
Ingredients for Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cupcakes, it provides structure. Use unbleached flour for better flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! Look for fine sugar to help dissolve easily into your batter.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps our cupcakes rise beautifully. Make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors—yes, even sweet ones!
- Unsalted Butter: For richness and moisture; bring it to room temperature before creaming.
- Eggs: These bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.
- Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; you could swap it out with buttermilk for extra flavor.
- Maple Syrup: A key player in both the batter and frosting—use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add delightful crunch; toast them lightly to enhance their flavor.
For the Frosting:
- Powdered Sugar: This will give us that silky smooth frosting texture we crave.
- More Unsalted Butter: Yes, more butter! It makes everything better when making frosting.
- Additional Maple Syrup: Drizzle in some syrup to tie back to our cupcake flavor profile—it’s worth it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners—make sure they match your kitchen decor because Instagram loves aesthetics!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. You can pretend you’re making potion ingredients while doing this; just don’t let anyone catch you.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream unsalted butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Slowly add granulated sugar while mixing until well combined—this is where magic happens!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk
Add eggs one at a time into your butter-sugar mixture while mixing continuously. Then pour in milk and maple syrup—your kitchen should start smelling heavenly right about now!
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix or your cupcakes might turn out tough! Fold in those chopped pecans gently.
Step 6: Bake & Cool
Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins about two-thirds full. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Once cool, whip up that luscious salted maple frosting by beating more butter with powdered sugar and maple syrup until creamy. Pipe generously on top of each cupcake and sprinkle with toasted pecans—the crowning glory! Transfer to plates and watch everyone swoon as they take their first bite.
And just like that, you’ve made Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes that not only taste amazing but also bring back fond memories with every bite!
You Must Know
- Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes are not just a dessert; they are an experience.
- The combination of sweet maple syrup and crunchy pecans creates a delightful treat that can turn any ordinary day into a special occasion.
- These cupcakes are easy to make, visually appealing, and perfect for sharing—or hiding in your pantry for yourself.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cupcake liners while you mix your dry ingredients. Next, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy before adding the eggs one at a time. Fold in the wet ingredients and then gently combine with the dry mixture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or even chocolate chips if you want extra sweetness. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like vanilla or almond to give these cupcakes a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your salted maple and pecan cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back their freshness without drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly moist cupcakes, avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients; gentle folding is key.
- Always let your cupcakes cool completely before frosting them to prevent melting.
- Use high-quality maple syrup for deeper flavor that elevates this simple treat.
I remember the first time I made Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes for my family gathering; my cousin declared it was love at first bite! Now, they’re always on the dessert table, proving that some recipes just stick around for good. tropical hummingbird cake.
FAQs :
What are Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes?
Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes are delightful treats that combine the rich flavors of maple syrup, roasted pecans, and a hint of sea salt. These cupcakes offer a unique twist on traditional recipes, providing a sweet yet savory experience. festive sugar plum cupcakes The addition of salted frosting enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite irresistible. Ideal for special occasions or a cozy afternoon snack, these cupcakes are sure to impress family and friends.
How do I store Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes?
To keep your Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for about a week. For optimal taste, allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze un-frosted cupcakes for up to three months; just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Can I substitute ingredients in Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes?
Yes, you can customize your Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes by substituting certain ingredients. For instance, if you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well as alternatives. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile while maintaining the essence of the cupcakes.
Are Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes suitable for special diets?
Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes can be adapted to fit various dietary needs. You can make them gluten-free by using alternative flours like almond or coconut flour. For vegan options, replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use plant-based milk. Always check labels on ingredients like maple syrup to ensure they meet specific dietary guidelines you may follow. For more inspiration, check out this explore dessert options recipe.
Conclusion for Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes :
In conclusion, Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes offer a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors that everyone will love. With their unique taste profile created by maple syrup and pecans, these cupcakes stand out at any gathering. They are easy to store and can be customized based on dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy them at a celebration or as an everyday treat, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your cravings!
Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes
Salted Maple and Pecan Cupcakes are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet maple syrup and crunchy pecans, topped with a creamy salted frosting. Each bite is a warm hug for your taste buds, making these cupcakes ideal for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy afternoons at home. With their irresistible flavor and charming presentation, they are sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp additional maple syrup (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add sugar while mixing until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in milk and maple syrup.
- Gently combine wet and dry ingredients; fold in chopped pecans.
- Fill muffin tins two-thirds full with batter and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting with a mixture of butter, powdered sugar, and maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (75g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg






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