Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cupcakes

Name: Butter Pecan Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 31 min
Yield: 10 Cupcakes
Ingredients: 1/4 c. unsalted butter, browned and slightly cooled off; 1/2 c. brown sugar, packed; 1 Tbsp. sugar; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. vanilla; 1/4 c. + 2 Tbsp. milk; 2 Tbsp. sour cream, room temperature; 3/4 c. gluten-free flour blend, spooned and leveled (I use Bob's RedMill 1:1); 1 Tbsp. cornstarch; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder; 1/4 c. pecans, finely chopped; 1/4 c. + 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, browned, and resolidified in the refrigerator (be sure to let it come back to room temperature after rehardening); 1/4 c. + 2 Tbsp. Crisco shortening; Pinch of salt; 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar; 3/4 tsp. vanilla; 1/4 c. + 2 Tbsp. marshmallow fluff

Desserts

Sep 19

Written By Kali Terry

There are few flavors more comforting and indulgent than the combination of butter and pecans, and when you bake them into a batch of cupcakes, it’s nothing short of magical. These Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cupcakes are a symphony of flavor that balances the richness of browned butter with the earthiness of toasted pecans, all wrapped up in a soft, moist crumb. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a birthday party, holiday gathering, or simply satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance and a whole lot of deliciousness.

butter pecan cupcakes with brown butter marshmallow buttercream

Jump to Recipe

The use of browned butter both in the cupcakes and the buttercream takes this dessert to the next level. By browning the butter, you unlock a deeper, nuttier flavor that’s nothing like plain butter. This simple step adds a toasty richness that elevates the entire cupcake, giving it a warm, almost caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the crunch of finely chopped pecans. If you want to get even more adventurous, you can toast the pecans before chopping them, which will bring out even more of their nutty depth. The result is a cupcake that is irresistibly rich, with a flavor profile that’s both decadent and comforting.

The Texture: Soft, Moist, and Perfectly Light

The texture of these butter pecan cupcakes is truly something to marvel at. Despite being gluten-free, they have a light, airy crumb that’s almost fluffy. The batter comes together beautifully, and once baked, the cupcakes rise to perfection, with a tender crumb that’s not too dense or too delicate. The browned butter adds an extra richness to the cake, contributing to its moistness, while the chopped pecans provide a delightful crunch in each bite.

This texture is a testament to the balance of ingredients. The gluten-free flour blend ensures the cupcakes have structure, while the eggs, sugar, and browned butter provide moisture and richness. The sour cream adds an extra dose of fat that ensures the cupcakes stay incredibly moist. The chopped pecans add not only a satisfying bite but also a bit of nuttiness that complements the buttery base. The cupcakes are sturdy enough to hold up to the generous swirl of browned butter buttercream on top, without becoming too heavy or greasy.

A Flavor Explosion: Nutty, Buttery, and Irresistibly Delicious

What truly sets these cupcakes apart is the depth of flavor. From the very first bite, you’ll notice the complex nutty notes that come from the browned butter and toasted pecans. The richness of the browned butter is the perfect foundation for the sweetness of the cupcake, creating a well-balanced flavor that’s never too sweet but always satisfying. The pecans add texture, of course, but they also deepen the flavor, enhancing the buttery richness and bringing a slightly earthy undertone to each bite.

Then, there’s the buttercream. Browned butter is swirled into the buttercream, creating an even more intense nutty flavor that ties the entire cupcake together. The buttercream is silky smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness to balance the nuttiness of the browned butter. As if the flavor of the cupcake weren’t enough, the frosting adds a luscious creaminess that pairs perfectly with the slightly crunchy texture of the cupcake, making every bite a little slice of heaven.

To finish it all off, each cupcake is topped with a whole pecan, giving it that bakery-worthy elegance and providing a satisfying, toasted crunch when you bite into it. The whole pecan is a simple touch, but it elevates the cupcake from a standard dessert to something worthy of a special occasion.

Easy to Make: A Simple Recipe with Big Flavor

One of the best things about these butter pecan cupcakes is how easy they are to make, despite their incredible flavor. You don’t need to be an expert baker to pull these off, but the results will impress even the most seasoned dessert lovers. The recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, but by incorporating the step of browning the butter, you’re able to transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

The cupcakes come together in just a few steps. First, you brown the butter. This is the key to unlocking that nutty, caramelized flavor, and it’s much simpler than it sounds. Once your butter has browned and cooled, you whisk it into your wet ingredients, add in the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. After baking for about 15-16 minutes, your cupcakes are ready to cool.

While the cupcakes are cooling, you can prepare the browned butter buttercream. This frosting is made by creaming browned butter with powdered sugar and a little bit of vanilla.. Once the frosting is smooth and creamy, you can pipe it onto the cupcakes, creating beautiful swirls of buttercream on top. For a finishing touch, place a pecan half on top of each cupcake. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, and it makes each cupcake look as good as it tastes.

Perfect for Birthdays, Holidays, and Any Special Occasion

These butter pecan cupcakes are perfect for just about any special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply enjoying a weekend treat, these cupcakes will make the event feel even more special. The nutty, buttery flavor and elegant presentation make them perfect for impressing guests, while the rich, moist texture ensures that everyone will be coming back for seconds (or thirds).

Because they’re so visually appealing, they also make an excellent addition to a dessert table. Imagine serving them at a holiday party, where their warm, golden-brown hues complement the festive colors around them. Or, think about presenting them as a birthday treat, each one individually topped with a perfect pecan half, as if you’ve spent hours decorating (when in reality, it’s incredibly easy to pull off).

These cupcakes are also great for gifting. Place a few in a cute box or cupcake carrier, and you have a charming and delicious gift that anyone would appreciate. They’re a thoughtful and elegant treat for friends, family, or even coworkers.

How to Serve These Decadent Cupcakes

While these butter pecan cupcakes are delicious on their own, there are a few ways you can serve them to make the experience even more enjoyable:

Pair with Coffee or Tea: The nutty richness of these cupcakes pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, the coffee or tea enhances the flavors of the butter and pecans, making for a cozy and indulgent moment.
Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the richness of the cupcake, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and luxurious.
Top with Extra Pecans: If you want even more of a pecan crunch, sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top of the frosting or around the base of the cupcake. This adds another layer of texture and nuttiness to every bite.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For a touch of sweetness, drizzle some homemade caramel sauce over the cupcakes before serving. The caramel pairs perfectly with the nutty, buttery flavor of the cupcakes and adds an extra decadent touch.

Key Ingredients & Why They Matter

To achieve the perfect flavor and texture for these cupcakes, each ingredient plays a vital role:

Browned Butter: The key to unlocking deep, nutty flavors. Browning the butter gives it a rich, caramelized taste that elevates both the cupcake and the buttercream.
Pecans: They add both texture and flavor. Chopped into the batter, they provide a pleasant crunch, while a whole pecan on top adds a touch of elegance and additional nuttiness.
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Ensures the cupcakes have structure and rise without being dense or dry. It provides the perfect base for the moist, tender crumb.
Eggs & Sugar: Provide moisture and sweetness, contributing to the soft, airy texture of the cupcakes.
Sour Cream: An essential dose of fat for the cupcakes to stay moist.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, familiar flavor that enhances the nutty richness of the butter and pecans.

Let the baking begin!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- Always preheat your oven.

- All refrigerated ingredients should be room temperature unless stated otherwise.

- Be sure to use Crisco brand shortening. All other shortening brands tend to make the frosting greasy.

- Always keep your eye on the butter while it’s browning; never walk away, as it can burn quickly!

- Use 1 Tbsp. of the dry mixture to toss the pecan chunks around in to ensure they don’t sink while baking.

These Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cupcakes are a celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. From the moment you take your first bite, the rich nuttiness of the browned butter and the crunch of the pecans will transport you to a place of pure indulgence. Whether you're making them for a special occasion, gifting them to a friend, or just treating yourself to something delicious, these cupcakes are sure to leave a lasting impression. The combination of decadent flavor, moist crumb, and elegant presentation makes them a true showstopper, and they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of cupcakes that will make everyone say, "Wow!"