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I like to elevate my dessert game to new levels, and these maple bacon cupcakes do that and so much more! Sweet and savory come together perfectly, with rich maple syrup and crispy bacon. These cupcakes are moist, soft, and topped with a creamy maple frosting for the ultimate flavor combination.
Easy Maple Bacon Cupcakes Recipe
I love combining maple syrup with bacon, which is why these cupcakes are one of my favorite recipes to make. The sweetness of maple with the saltiness of bacon, creates flavors that are just right!
They really are a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a brunch, or just craving a sweet treat with a unique taste, you can easily whip up a batch of these fun cupcakes.
Ingredients You Will Need
- all purpose flour- The foundation of the cupcakes.
- baking powder- Helps the cupcakes rise and stay fluffy.
- cinnamon- Adds a warm spice that complements the maple.
- salt- Balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.
- granulated sugar- Provides the perfect amount of sweetness.
- unsalted butter- Adds richness and moisture.
- eggs- Helps bind the batter and gives structure.
- pure maple syrup- gives the cupcakes a light maple flavor.
- whole milk- Keeps the cupcakes soft and tender.
- crumbled bacon bits- Brings in the salty, savory flavor.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- cream cheese- Makes the frosting rich and creamy.
- butter- Enhances the smooth texture.
- pure maple syrup- Adds natural maple sweetness.
- powdered sugar- Creates the perfect consistency.
Optional: Crumbled bacon, maple sugar, syrup, and maple candy- Optional toppings for garnish.
Variations
- Use candied bacon pieces: Try making this millionaire bacon, for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Make them nutty: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a nutty crunch.
How to Make Maple Bacon Cupcakes
STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
STEP 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Then set aside.
STEP 3: Use a mixer to beat butter and sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth. Then add eggs and maple syrup, beating on high for another 2 minutes until combined.
STEP 4: Gradually add 1/2 of the dry ingredients (flour mixture), followed by 1/2 of the milk. Continue alternating until all ingredients are combined, until a thick batter forms. Then gently fold in crumbled bacon bits.
STEP 5: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling them each about 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
STEP 6: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
STEP 7: To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter with a mixer on high speed until creamy. Use the whisk attachment if you have it.
STEP 8: Add maple syrup and powdered sugar. Start mixing on low speed, then increase to high until smooth. Then transfer frosting to a piping bag to decorate or spread over each cooled cupcake with a knife.
Tips for Making the Best Maple Bacon Cupcakes
- Use real maple syrup: Imitation syrup won’t deliver the same depth of flavor.
- Let cupcakes cool before frosting: This will prevent the frosting from melting.
- Dry the bacon: Drain and the pat the bacon pieces dry with a paper towel to remove all of the bacon grease. This will help them crumble easier, and keep the grease away from the frosting.
FAQ’S
Yes! Bake and freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
More Easy Recipes
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Homemade Thin Mint Cookies
Appetizers
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Desserts
Peanut Butter Balls
Appetizers
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Maple Bacon Cupcakes
Equipment
- Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- Muffin Pan
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 stick
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoon crumbled bacon bits, or 2-3 slices of bacon crumbled
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Optional Garnish Ideas: maple sugar, or maple candy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth. Then add eggs and maple syrup, beating on high for another 2 minutes until combined.
- Gradually add 1/2 of the dry ingredients (flour mixture), followed by 1/2 of the milk. Continue alternating until all ingredients are combined, creating a thick batter. Then gently fold in crumbled bacon bits.
- Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
To Make Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter in a stand mixer with a whisk attachment on high speed until creamy.
- Add maple syrup and powdered sugar. Start mixing on low speed, then increase to high until smooth.
- Transfer frosting to a piping bag or spread over each cooled cupcake with a knife.
Notes
- Use real maple syrup: Imitation syrup won’t deliver the same depth of flavor.
- Let cupcakes cool before frosting: This will prevent the frosting from melting.
- Dry the bacon: Drain and the pat the bacon pieces dry with a paper towel to remove all of the bacon grease. This will help them crumble easier, and keep the grease away from the frosting.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These are delicious, nothing like a little taste of bacon in a cupcake 👍👍👍