Sweet & Nutty Butter Pecan Cupcakes: A Delightful Indulgence

Photo byVal Reed

Butter Pecan Cupcakes: A Nutty, Sweet Indulgence You’ll Love

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of rich butter and crunchy pecans. Butter Pecan Cupcakes are the perfect way to showcase this classic flavor combo, delivering a balance of sweet and nutty in every bite. These cupcakes, with their soft, buttery base, complemented by the crunch of toasted pecans, are topped with a smooth, creamy frosting that brings the flavors together beautifully.

If you're a fan of butter pecan ice cream, you’ll fall head over heels for these cupcakes. The taste of toasted pecans folded into a rich, buttery batter creates a depth of flavor that’s both satisfying and comforting. Paired with a light, whipped butter pecan frosting, each cupcake offers a deliciously sweet escape, perfect for special gatherings or just a personal treat on a quiet afternoon.

Recipe: Butter Pecan Cupcakes

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for toasting pecans)

For the Butter Pecan Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Toast the Pecans:
   In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and stir frequently for 4-5 minutes until they are lightly toasted and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with 12 cupcake liners.
3. Prepare the Cupcake Batter:
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Fold in the toasted pecans.
4. Bake the Cupcakes:
   Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Butter Pecan Frosting:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream, and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add more cream if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Frost and Garnish:
   Frost the cooled cupcakes with the butter pecan frosting. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top of the frosted cupcakes for a delightful finishing touch.

The Perfect Treat for Pecan Lovers

Butter Pecan Cupcakes are a dessert that offers both texture and flavor in perfect harmony. The combination of the light, fluffy cake, the crunchy toasted pecans, and the sweet, creamy frosting is a match made in dessert heaven. Whether you're serving these at a family gathering or enjoying one with a cup of coffee, they're bound to bring joy to any occasion.

If you’ve never baked with pecans before, this is a great way to start. These cupcakes are easy to make but deliver big on flavor, thanks to the buttery richness and nutty pecan goodness. Give them a try and treat yourself to a little slice of cupcake bliss!

Recipe Highlights:

This dessert begins by toasting pecans in butter, which adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cupcakes. After mixing the batter with the perfect balance of ingredients like softened butter, sugar, and flour, you bake the cupcakes until they are golden and fluffy. The butter pecan frosting, made from powdered sugar, butter, and heavy cream, is then piped on top and garnished with more toasted pecans​(The Cake Blog)​(Inspired By Charm).

For further inspiration, you can also find variations that include cinnamon buttercream or sour cream in the batter, which adds depth to the flavors and keeps the cupcakes extra moist​(Inspired By Charm). Whether you follow the classic recipe or try these enhancements, Butter Pecan Cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

For detailed instructions and ingredient quantities, you can check out recipes from (The Cake Blog)ps​(Inspired By Charm)/09/bu​(A Cuppy Cake Life)l), Inspired by Charm, and A Cuppy Cake Life. These sources offer variations and tips to make your cupcakes a success.