Original blog post here: https://spatulagoddess.com/2011/07/01/o-canada-cupcakes-by-patty/

Time required: 2 hrs

Yields: 24

Tools required:

• muffin tin
• cupcake liners
• electric mixer

Cupcake ingredients:

• 2¼ C flour
• 1¼ C granulated white sugar
• ½ C butter (one stick)
• 1¼ C milk
• 1 TBSP cocoa powder
• 3 TSP baking powder
• 1 TSP salt
• 1 TSP pure maple syrup
• 1 TSP pure vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• approx. 2 TBSP red food colouring

Buttercream frosting ingredients:

• 3 C icing sugar
• 5½ TBSP butter, room temperature
• 1/4 TSP pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 TSP pure maple syrup
• 2 TBSP milk
• 1 TBSP of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions:

CUPCAKES:

1. Pre-heat oven 177°C / 350°F.
2. Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl, adding red dye last.
3. Beat on High for 4 minutes, scraping sides constantly.
4. Bake 20 min.
5. Immediately remove cupcakes from pan and place on cooling rack.
6. Cool at least 1 hr.

FROSTING:

1. In large bowl, cream butter and icing sugar together.
2. Add half of the milk, and mix well.
3. Add vanilla.
4. Add remainder of the milk AND lemon juice.
5. Mix until you can no longer feel sugar granules.