Maple Syrup Cupcakes

Preheat the over to 180C/gas 4

Beat the butter with a wooden spoon in a large bowl until soft and pale. Gradually add the caster sugar and brown sugar until fully combined.

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Slowly add the eggs to the butter and sugar. Add 2 of the 4 tbsps of maple syrup to the mixture (the rest will be drizzled into the cakes once they are baked). Mix well.

Stir in the flour in 2 or 3 batches adding a spoon of milk alternately until combined. Tap the edge of the bowl to get any excess flour into the mixture. You are looking for a smooth consistency.

Place 12 cupcake cases into a cupcake tin. Divide the mixture generously between the 12 cases being careful not to overfill. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes - have a quick check after 16 to ensure they are baking evenly. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack. Prick the cupcake tops a few times with a fork and drizzle the remaining 2 tbsps of maple syrup on top of them. Leave to cool ready to ice later.

While the cupcakes cool - soften the butter with a metal fork until smooth. Slowly add in the icing sugar (don't forget to sieve it first so you don't get lumpy icing!) Taste as you go to find the sweetness you like.

Add a couple of spoons of maple syrup (- this will make the mixture look horrible until it is completely combined!) Then add more icing sugar until you get a workable consistency. Spread across the tops of the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with pecan pieces. Yum!