Maple Pecan Cupcakes: 5 Heartwarming Treats to Savor

Name: Maple Pecan Cupcakes: 5 Heartwarming Treats to Savor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped pecans

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 23, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and nutty, then you absolutely have to try my Maple Pecan Cupcakes! These little gems are like a warm hug on a plate, with their tender crumb and creamy frosting that just melts in your mouth. The rich flavor of maple syrup combined with crunchy pecans creates a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.

Maple Pecan Cupcakes - detail 1

This recipe is special to me because it brings back memories of cozy autumn afternoons spent baking with my family. There’s something magical about the smell of maple wafting through the house, and it instantly makes everything feel a bit more festive. Whether it’s a casual weekend treat or a sweet addition to a holiday gathering, these cupcakes are sure to steal the show. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and make some memories together with these amazing Maple Pecan Cupcakes.

Ingredients List

To create these delicious Maple Pecan Cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base for our cupcakes, giving them a lovely structure.
1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with maple.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – For that extra touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – This gives the cupcakes a rich, buttery flavor and moist texture.
2 large eggs – These help bind everything together and add to the cupcakes’ fluffiness.
1/4 cup maple syrup – The star of the show! This will infuse your cupcakes with that warm, sweet maple flavor.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – A little splash of vanilla enhances all the sweet flavors.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This is our leavening agent to help the cupcakes rise.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works with the acidic maple syrup to give an extra boost in rising.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
1/2 cup chopped pecans – These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to each bite.

Gather these ingredients, and we’ll be ready to whip up some incredible cupcakes that will have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Prepare Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to bring these Maple Pecan Cupcakes to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of cupcakes that are sure to impress. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, as it ensures our cupcakes bake evenly and rise beautifully.

While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s cream together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to beat everything together until it’s light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, it makes a big difference in texture!

Next, add in your 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is smooth and combined. You’ll want to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure no butter or sugar is left behind!

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. This dry mixture is essential for the structure and flavor of our cupcakes.

Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts. Start by adding a third of the flour mixture, then mix gently until just combined. Repeat this process until all the dry ingredients are incorporated. Remember, don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine.

Once your batter is ready, it’s time to fill the cupcake liners. Grab your cupcake pan and place liners in each cup. Pour the batter in, filling each about 2/3 full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.

Now for the fun part! Pop your cupcake pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, that sweet smell of maple will start wafting through your kitchen, and you’ll be counting down the minutes!

Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before frosting, because nobody wants melted frosting!

And there you have it! Your delicious Maple Pecan Cupcakes are almost ready to shine with that creamy frosting. Just wait until you share them; they’re bound to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Maple Pecan Cupcakes are not just delicious; they’re a delightful experience baked into every bite! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich maple syrup and crunchy pecans creates a flavor profile that’s both sweet and nutty, making each bite a little piece of heaven.
Simple Preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, you don’t need to be a baking pro to whip these up. From creaming the butter to baking them to perfection, it’s a straightforward process that anyone can master.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a festive celebration, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these cupcakes fit right in. They’re versatile enough to impress guests or provide a comforting dessert at home.
Delightful Texture: With a tender crumb and a creamy frosting topping, the cupcakes are a joy to eat. The added pecans provide a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the moist cake.
Make-Ahead Option: You can easily bake these cupcakes in advance and store them for a later occasion. They hold up beautifully, so you can enjoy them fresh or have them ready for unexpected guests!

Once you try these cupcakes, I promise they’ll become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Your friends and family will be begging for the recipe!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Maple Pecan Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I always keep in mind:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures better mixing, which leads to fluffier cupcakes.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. A few lumps are totally okay!
Check Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cupcakes a few minutes before the recommended time. A toothpick should come out clean, but be careful not to overbake!
Let Them Cool Completely: Patience is key! Make sure your cupcakes are completely cool before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Use a Piping Bag for Frosting: For a professional touch, use a piping bag to frost your cupcakes. It gives them a beautiful finish and allows you to control the amount of frosting on each one.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of cupcakes that everyone will rave about!

Variations

One of the best things about these Maple Pecan Cupcakes is how easily they can be customized! Here are a few fun variations to try:

Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to swap them out for walnuts or even hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and crunch!
Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice kick. These spices complement the maple beautifully and add depth to the flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cupcakes. The combination of chocolate and maple is simply divine!
Fruit Addition: Consider folding in some diced apples or pears for a hint of freshness and added moisture. They work wonders in enhancing the overall flavor.

Experimenting with these variations can lead to new favorites, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Nutritional Information

When you’re indulging in these delightful Maple Pecan Cupcakes, it’s always good to be aware of what you’re enjoying! Here’s a general idea of the nutritional values per cupcake. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Calories: 250 kcal
Total Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35 g
Dietary Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 18 g
Protein: 3 g

These cupcakes are a delightful treat, and while they do have some sugar and fat, they also bring joy and sweetness to any occasion! Enjoy them in moderation, and they’ll fit nicely into a balanced diet. Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Got some questions about my Maple Pecan Cupcakes? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:

How long do I bake the Maple Pecan Cupcakes? You’ll want to bake these delightful cupcakes for about 18-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Just keep an eye on them, and check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when they’re perfectly baked!
How should I store leftover cupcakes? To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge or even freeze them!
What frosting works best with these cupcakes? I absolutely love using cream cheese frosting for these Maple Pecan Cupcakes. It adds a tangy sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the maple flavor. You could also go for a simple buttercream if you prefer!
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free? Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it has a good structure to support the cupcakes as they rise!
Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free? Absolutely! Replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter substitute, and use a non-dairy milk in place of regular milk if your frosting recipe calls for it. They’ll still taste amazing!

If you have any more questions or need further tips, feel free to reach out! Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Maple Pecan Cupcakes fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and tasty for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them for a longer duration, you can pop them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy a cupcake, there’s no need to worry! Simply take it out of the fridge or freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a bit. If you’ve frozen them, letting them thaw for about 30 minutes will do the trick. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, cozy treat. Just be careful not to overheat them, or you’ll end up with a soggy cupcake!