Maple Spiced Brownie Cupcakes

These maple spiced brownie cupcakes have all the taste and texture of a chocolate brownie in cupcake form, with the flavours of autumn baked inside. They're also packed with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg which gives them a wonderful depth of flavour, and the maple sugar adds a touch of Autumn to this tasty bake.

Maple Spiced Brownie Cupcakes

By Stuart Vettese (aka Cakeyboi) (www.cakeyboi.com) Serves: 12 cupcakes | Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 22 mins Ingredients Cupcake Ingredients:

• 225 grams unsalted butter, melted
• 50 grams cocoa powder
• 200 grams maple sugar
• 100 grams light brown sugar
• 3 large free-range eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100 grams plain flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

Frosting Ingredients:

• 113 grams full-fat cream cheese
• 56 grams unsalted butter, softened
• 375 grams icing sugar
• 25 grams cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Chopped nuts to garnish (I used walnuts)

Instructions

1. Line a 12 hole cupcake tray with cupcake liners. Preheat the oven to 180C.
2. In a jug, beat together the cooled melted butter, 50 grams cocoa powder, maple sugar and light brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In a bowl sift together the flour and spices. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir to combine. Don’t over mix.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners and bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until slightly cracked on top.
5. Allow to cool fully.
6. Make the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, softened butter, icing sugar, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla and cinnamon until smooth.
7. Pipe or spoon onto each cupcake and decorate with some chopped nuts.

About the author: Stuart is based on the east coast of Scotland and has always loved baking. When he was a child he would watch his Gran and Mum creating in the kitchen and the joy has stayed with him. His website showcases classic recipes, some recipes maybe not quite so well known this side of the 'pond', new ideas and occasionally some savoury bakes too! You can visit Stuart's website at www.cakeyboi.com, or say hello to him at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.