Maple-Pecan Cupcakes

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.