Maple-Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Maple-Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes 1 box spice cake mix 15 oz can pumpkin puree 3/4 cup whole buttermilk 1/4 vegetable oil 3 large eggs 1/2 cup chopped pecans For the Spice Maple Buttercream 1 8 oz package cream cheese 5 tablespoons butter softened 1/2 cup pure maple syrup 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1/8 tsp salt 5-6 cups confectioners sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line muffin pan with cupcake liners. In a large bowl whisk together pumpkin puree, buttermilk, oil, and eggs. Slowly add in spice cake mix. Whisk together until well combined. Use a cookie or ice cream scoop to evenly distribute batter into cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool for 5 minutes then transfer to wire cooling racks. Once cooled frost with Spice Maple Buttercream. *For the frosting: In a stand mixer or large bowl beat cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add maple syrup. Add pumpkin pie spice and salt. Slowly add confectioners sugar one cup at a time. Beat until smooth. Pipe cupcakes and top with chopped pecans.