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Flavorful Maple Bacon Cupcakes with Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

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These maple bacon cupcakes combine smoky bacon, rich maple syrup, and tangy cream cheese frosting for a unique sweet and savory treat perfect for brunch or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside.
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop into small pieces. Reserve some for garnish.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and maple syrup, mixing until combined.
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet batter in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined.
  7. Gently fold in the chopped bacon pieces, reserving some for topping.
  8. Spoon batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
  12. Mix in maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  13. Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting and garnish with reserved bacon pieces.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. Ensure bacon is crispy to add crunch and smoky flavor. Do not overmix batter after adding flour to avoid dense cupcakes. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. Real pure maple syrup enhances flavor significantly. Frosting can be chilled if too soft. Variations include gluten-free flour, vegan substitutions, and adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bacon cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, sweet and savory cupcakes, brunch cupcakes, easy cupcake recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/flavorful-maple-bacon-cupcakes-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-frosting/