This all-butter Maple Pecan Buttercream Frosting is great for any fall cake or cupcake. Maple makes for a very sweet frosting, but the pecans balance it out perfectly!
Chop up the pecans. You can chop them with a knife or in a food processor. See photos to see what level of choppiness we're talking.
Set a frying pan over medium heat. Add the pecans and stir occasionally until they start to smell delicious, or until they barely start to brown. Set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter to within an inch of its life. Just kidding, beat it for a couple minutes until it's high and fluffy.
Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and maple syrup. Beat well.
Add 1 cup powdered sugar, maple extract, and salt. Beat well.
Add the chopped pecans when they are completely cooled and beat it. Try not to eat it all with a spoon.
Notes
I've never tried this with fake maple syrup. I'm sure it would work fine! Let me know if you try it out.