Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream Frosting

A co-worker from school runs a flea market in town the 3rd Saturday of the month.  They have asked Paige to supply cupcakes to sell for the event.  So last night, we (maybe I should say "I"), stayed up and made these cupcakes for the flea market, a party we are attending and to take to my sister for her recent birthday.

For the flea market, we packaged single cupcakes in 9 oz. clear cups wrapped with cellophane and tied off with curling ribbon.  I also small brown boxes to package 4 cupcakes.  We will be donating the proceeds to the High School Speech Team.

Here's the recipe for the frosting.  WARNING - - this frosting is very rich!

Maple Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup butter, softened

2 1/4 cups powdered sugar

2 T. brown sugar

2 T. maple syrup

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Place softened butter in large bowl.  Beat with mixer for 30-40 seconds until whipped.  Scrape sides of bowl.  Sift powdered sugar into bowl (I didn't sift).  Beat with mixer for 30-40 seconds.  Scrape down sides of bowl and add brown sugar and maple syrup.  Beat for 2-3 minutes or until mixture is fluffy; scraping sides of bowl as needed.  Stir in walnuts until just mixed and spread on cooled cake.

Recipe found on www.cdkitchen.com