Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Toast the pecans in the oven for 5-8 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure they brown evenly.
4. Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool completely before folding them into the cupcake batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the toasted pecans using a spatula, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
4. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Butter Pecan Frosting

The frosting for these Butter Pecan Cupcakes is a rich buttercream that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of the cupcakes. It’s sweet, creamy, and enhanced with just a touch of toasted pecans for added texture.

1. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The butter should appear pale in color and have a smooth, creamy consistency.
2. Slowly add 3 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. This ensures the powdered sugar is fully incorporated and that you avoid lumps in the frosting.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream (or whole milk) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue beating the mixture on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
4. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream (1 tablespoon at a time) to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
5. Once the frosting has reached your desired consistency, gently fold in 1/2 cup of toasted pecans. This adds a bit of crunch and highlights the butter pecan flavor in the frosting.

Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes

Once your Butter Pecan Cupcakes have cooled completely, it’s time to frost them. You can either spread the frosting on with a spatula for a more rustic look or use a piping bag for a more decorative finish.

1. Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or any tip of your choice) with the prepared butter pecan frosting.
2. Starting from the outside of the cupcake and working your way inward, pipe a swirl of frosting onto each cupcake. If you prefer, you can simply spread the frosting on each cupcake with a knife or offset spatula for a more casual look.
3. Garnish the frosted cupcakes with additional toasted pecans. You can either sprinkle them on top or press them gently into the frosting for a more polished presentation.

Step 6: Garnishing Options

While the toasted pecans are the perfect topping for these Butter Pecan Cupcakes, you can also get creative with other garnishes to elevate the presentation and flavor:

1. Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the frosted cupcakes. The sweetness of the caramel complements the nutty pecans beautifully.
2. Crushed Pecans: Sprinkle finely crushed pecans on top of the frosting for added texture and crunch in every bite.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: For a warm, cozy twist, lightly dust the tops of the cupcakes with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
4. Brown Butter Glaze: Drizzle a brown butter glaze over the frosting for a deeper, nuttier flavor that pairs perfectly with the butter pecan notes.