Maple Syrup and Walnut Cupcakes

My second entry for Cupcake Camp London was a fall/autumn inspired cupcake - maple syrup and walnuts. I had initially intended to make bacon and maple syrup cupcakes but wasn't quite brave enough so I made these instead. The end result was a simple, clean tasting cupcake. I may try the bacon version one day so stay tuned.... :) 

cream butter and sugar 

adding maple syrup 

adding walnuts 

 delicious! 

cream cheese frosting 

Maple Walnut Cupcakes
170g butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
2 cups flour
2.5 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

• Preheat the oven to 180C.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy as shown. 
• Beat in the maple syrup.
• Add the vanilla and eggs.
• Beat until the mixture is smooth.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt.
• Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk.
• Beat well.
• Stir in the walnuts.
• Fill the cupcake liners until 3/4 full. 
• Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cupcakes comes out clean.
• Leave to cool in the pan. 

Maple Syrup Cream Cheese Frosting
225g cream cheese
85g butter
3 cups icing sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-5 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)

• Cream together the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth. 
• Slowly sift in the icing sugar and continue beating.
• Add in the vanilla and maple syrup. 
• Beat until smooth.