Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 cups pure maple syrup
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • Goat Cheese Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows
  • 2 cups pitted cherries, stems removed
  • 1/4 cup agave nectar
  • 4 to 5 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
  • One 8-ounce package goat cheese, at room temperature
  • Pinch salt
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cupcake or muffin pan with 24 regular cupcake liners.
  • In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together.
  • Set the bowl aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream the butter until light and fluffy.
  • Add in the maple syrup and combine.
  • Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition.
  • Then add the vanilla and combine.
  • Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to the mixer.
  • Mix until just combined.
  • Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full.
  • Bake until cooked through, 16 to 18 minutes.
  • Cool the cupcakes completely.
  • To assemble: Fill cupcakes with the cooled Cherry Compote.
  • Top with the Goat Cheese Cream Cheese Frosting.
  • In a pan, heat the cherries, agave nectar, cornstarch, salt and 1/4 cup water.
  • Whisk until combined and there are no clumps of cornstarch.
  • Heat over medium-high heat until the compote begins to boil, and then bring to a simmer.
  • Cook until you reach the desired thickness, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Place in a bowl to cool.
  • In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, cream cheese, goat cheese and salt until smooth and fluffy.
  • Add in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, and beat until achieved desired consistency.
  • Add to a piping bag fitted with desired tip.