Butter Pecan Cupcakes Recipe 465

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 18 regular-size muffin cups.
• Spread pecans in ungreased shallow pan. Bake uncovered 6 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown; cool. Place 1/4 cup of the pecans in food processor. Cover; process until finely chopped. In small bowl, mix finely chopped pecans and the brown sugar; set aside for topping.
• In another small bowl, mix flour and baking soda; set aside. In medium bowl, beat 1/4 cup butter and the shortening with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually add 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating on low speed after each addition until blended.
• In small bowl, beat egg whites with electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold one-third of egg whites into batter; fold in remaining egg whites and remaining 1/2 cup toasted pecans. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling two-thirds full.
• Bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely.
• Meanwhile, in 1-quart heavy saucepan, cook 1/4 cup butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, until browned. Pour into large bowl; refrigerate 20 minutes. Add cream cheese to browned butter; beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste.
• Frost each cupcake with generous 2 tablespoons frosting. Sprinkle with reserved pecan-brown sugar mixture.

Steps:

• Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tins and set aside. In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup of the butter. Add the chopped pecans and toss to coat. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until nuts are toasted and fragrant, about 10-15 minutes. Do not overcook the pecans. Remove from heat and allow to cool. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and remaining cup of butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Add the dry mixture in thirds, alternating with the milk. Mix well after each addition. Stir in 1 1/3 cups of the toasted pecans. The remainder will be used to top the cupcakes. Spoon ¼ cup of batter into each liner. Bake for 13-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 3 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely. Frosting: Cream together the butter, vanilla and 3 cups of the powdered sugar. Once well incorporated, add evaporated milk alternating with a cup of sugar at a time until all ingredients have been added. Beat on high for 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Spread on cupcakes and top with remaining 1 1/3 cups toasted pecans.