Banana-Nut Cupcakes With Maple Frosting

Prep Time: 20 mins
Yield: 24 snowmen

Ingredients:

Cupcakes:
1 package Pillsbury® Banana Quick Bread
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup Crisco® Vegetable Oil
3 tablespoons Hungry Jack® Microwave Ready Regular Syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Frosting:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
3 tablespoons Hungry Jack® Microwave Ready Regular Syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon imitation maple flavor
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Preparation Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Line 16 muffin cups with foil or paper baking cups. 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 5 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool 30 minutes or until completely cooled.

3. Combine all frosting ingredients except powdered sugar and walnuts in a small bowl; 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.

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

High Altitude: (Above 3500 Ft.)

1. LINE 17 muffin cups with foil or paper baking cups. Add 2 tablespoons flour to dry bread mix. Bake as directed above.