Description
Delight in these decadent Maple Bacon Cupcakes, combining the sweetness of vanilla cake and maple-flavored frosting with the savory crunch of crispy bacon. Perfectly moist cupcakes are topped with creamy maple buttercream and a bacon garnish, creating a unique and irresistible treat ideal for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box Vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon pure maple extract
Maple Buttercream Frosting
- 1 ½ cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple extract
- 3-5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Bacon
- 12 crispy bacon slices, finely chopped (for frosting)
- 12 slices bacon, crumbled (for garnish)
Equipment
- 1 large piping bag with star tip
- 1 medium ice cream scooper
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, softened butter, whole milk, and 1 tablespoon pure maple extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a medium ice cream scooper, portion the batter evenly into cupcake liners placed in a muffin tin. Bake for 18-21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- Make the Maple Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat 1 ½ cups softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Add 2 tablespoons of maple extract and 3 tablespoons heavy cream, increasing to 5 tablespoons as needed for desired consistency. Beat until light and fluffy. Fold in the 12 finely chopped crispy bacon slices for texture and flavor.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Fill the piping bag fitted with a star tip with maple buttercream frosting. Pipe generous swirls onto each cooled cupcake.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crumbled bacon slices atop each frosted cupcake for an added crispy, savory crunch. Optionally, drizzle lightly with pure maple syrup for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your preferred frosting texture.
- Crispy bacon adds both texture and a contrasting flavor, but you can omit it for a vegetarian version.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the buttercream and bacon toppings.
- Maple extract can be substituted with real maple syrup, but reduce the liquid elsewhere slightly.
