Description
These Maple Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes combine the best of two indulgent treats—cinnamon rolls and cupcakes! Fluffy, cinnamon-swirled cupcake batter is baked to perfection, then topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cupcakes deliver a warm, cozy flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
- Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with 12 liners.
-
Make the Cupcake Batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.
-
Make the Cinnamon Swirl & Assemble:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Spoon cupcake batter into liners, filling halfway. Add a swirl of cinnamon mixture, then top with more batter.
- Use a toothpick to gently swirl the layers together.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
-
Make the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla, beating until creamy.
-
Frost & Garnish:
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
- Sprinkle with toasted pecans and drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of the frosting.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add a touch of maple extract for an even stronger maple flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American