Banana-Nut with Maple Frosting Cupcakes

Maple pairs beautifully with walnuts, as in these moist banana cupcakes.

Makes 16 cupcakes

Prep Time: 15 min.
Start to Finish: 1 hr 10 min

Ingredients:

• Cupcakes

  •    1  package (14-oz.) Banana Quick Bread & Muffin Mix

  •    1  cup buttermilk*

  • 1/4  cup vegetable oil

  •    3  Tablespoons Microwave Ready Regular Syrup

  • 1/2  teaspoon vanilla

  •    2  eggs

  • 1/2  cup finely chopped walnuts

• Frosting

  •    4  oz. cream cheese, softened

  •    2  Tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

  •    3  Tablespoons Microwave Ready Regular Syrup

  • 1/2  teaspoon vanilla

  • 1/2  teaspoon imitation maple flavor

  •    2  cups powdered sugar

  • 1/4  cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400° F. Line 16 muffin cups with foil or paper baking cups.

1. In large bowl, combine all cupcake ingredients except walnuts; stir 50 to 75 strokes with spoon until mix is moistened.  Stir in 1/2 cup walnuts.  Spoon batter evenly into lined muffin cups.

2. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.   Cool for 5 minutes. Remove from pan.  Cool for 30 minutes or until completely cooled.

3. In small bowl, combine all frosting ingredients except powdered sugar and walnuts; beat at low speed until smooth.  Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until mixture is of spreading consistency.  Frost cooled cupcakes. Immediately sprinkle with 1/4 cup walnuts. Store in refrigerator.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft) Line 17 muffin cups with foil or paper baking cups. Add 2 tablespoons flour to dry mix. Bake as directed above.

* To substitute for buttermilk, use 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice plus milk to make 1 cup.