1/2cupunsalted butter, slightly softened, cut into chunks1 stick
2tablespoonsvegetable shorteningroom temperature
2cupspure maple syruppreferably Grade B, but I used Grade A Dark Amber
3largeegg yolks
1largeegg
1 1/4cupswhole milk
1cupwalnutstoasted and coarsely chopped (I omitted these)
For the frosting:
3/4cupunsalted butter, softened1-1/2 sticks
12oz.cream cheesesoftened
4cupsconfectioners’ sugarsifted
2tablespoonsmaple syrup
Instructions
To make the cupcakes:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a muffin tin with liners.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and whisk together.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and shortening until smooth and combined. With the mixer turned to low, stream in the maple syrup.
Turn the mixer to medium high and beat until uniform in color, about 3 minutes.
Beat in the egg yolks and egg one at a time until just combined.
Reduce the speed to low and add half of the flour mixture and beat until just combined.
Stream in the milk.
Add the remaining flour mixture and beat until just combined.
Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl. Fold in the walnuts, if using.
Fill the muffin tin 3/4 full and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting:
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until completely smooth. Beat in the cream choose until well combined.
With the mixer on low, beat in the powdered sugar and maple syrup until just combined. Do not overmix the frosting or it will break.
Pipe the frosting on the cupcakes or decorate how you'd like.