Maple Brown Sugar Cupcakes

Maple walnut is one of my favorite flavor combinations. Maple brown sugar cupcakes with maple brown sugar frosting and a toasted walnut. Very sweet and super tasty. Enjoy! 

Ingredients:
Cake
1½ cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup shortening
⅔ cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbs maple syrup
2 eggs
Frosting
2¼ cup powdered sugar
½ brown sugar
1 stick butter
1 pinch salt
½ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla 
Garnish
48 toasted walnut halves

Directions:
For cake heat oven to 350˚F. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add shortening and mix until evenly distributed. Add half milk and beat for about 2 minutes. Add remaining milk, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup. Beat for 2 minutes. Fill cupcake papers about ⅔ full and bake for 8-10 minutes. For frosting beat both sugars, butter, and salt until completely combined. Continue on medium speed, slowly add maple syrup to the sugar and butter mixture. Add vanilla, beat on high until fluffy. If frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk. Next toast the walnuts. Put walnuts on a cookie sheet, heat oven to 350˚F, and bake for 5-10 minutes (careful to not burn the nuts, only bake until slightly golden brown). Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost each one with a knife (piping this frosting will not work) and top with a toasted walnut.