Maple Bacon Cupcakes Because We All Have To Live A Little

These Maple Bacon cupcakes are everything I want out of a dessert and more. You know that feeling when you are eating breakfast and the maple syrup from your pancakes crosses over to where your bacon is sitting on your plate? The sheer bliss? Well, add that utopia to a cupcake. You’re welcome.

I am such a fan of cupcakes! Cupcakes with cream fillings, black forest cupcakes, carrot cake cupcakes, popcorn cupcakes, penguin cupcakes made with Oreos, speculoos cupcakes, gluten free cookies and cream cupcakes, strawberry cheesecake cupcakes… and more. I can go on and on!

Maple Bacon Cupcakes Because We All Have To Live A Little

Because there is so much flavor in the icing of this recipe, the cupcake itself is actually pretty light and fluffy. Trust me, that’s a good thing because the frosting is sweet.

The two truly compliment each other in the best way possible. As a sweet connoisseur, I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed. 

This Maple Bacon cupcake recipe will be a showstopper at your next gathering. I promise. All the men who usually just grab and go will have a lot to say as they attack the dessert tray.

Not that we are doing anything to woo the crowd. But you know what I am saying. I like to keep my guests happy. 

Maple Bacon Cupcake Tips

Bacon Must Be In Liquid Form

There are a few things to note about these maple bacon cupcakes. You need your bacon grease in liquid form.

That means that you will have to have it cooked and cooled a little to handle. But do not get it so cooled that it’s actually solid. If it’s solid, then it won’t work for this recipe. 

If you are working with solid bacon grease, heat what you have in the microwave for about 10-20 seconds on 50% power (or as needed) to melt the grease back down to its liquid state. You will need to allow it to cool again. 

Your best bet is to make bacon in the morning. Set it aside and then make this recipe in the afternoon. That’s how I do it. Small tip – but it will go a long way.  

You Need A Large Tip For This Maple Bacon Cupcake Recipe

This section contains affiliate links. 

We will need to put the bacon pieces in the frosting. So, you will need to put them in a large tip, such as 1A (used) or 4B. Otherwise, the bits will get stuck in the tip. If you don’t have a 1A tip, just snip the end of a pastry bag about 3/8″ – 1/2″ with scissors.

Here are some links in case you want to order the products ahead. 

• IA (used in this recipe)
• 4B

Ok, let’s get started with this delicious and special treat. I am so excited about this one because it combines two things that I love so very much – DESSERTS and BACON OMG. 

Maple Bacon Cupcakes Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 whole egg
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons bacon grease
• 1/2 cup half and half

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, divided
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup bacon, cooked and diced
• 3-4 slices of cooked bacon, broken into 24, 1/2′ pieces

How To Make Maple Bacon Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 325 and fill a 12 cavity muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Beat butter with a mixer for 30 seconds. Add sugar and beat for 1 minute. Add egg, egg yolks, vanilla, and bacon grease. Beat well. Add flour and half and half, alternating between mixing. Mix just until combined.

Use a 3 tablespoon portion scoop to scoop batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until center is done when a toothpick is inserted in the center.

Let everything cool completely before frosting. This is hard to do – I know! But your patience will be rewarded. 

Frosting Directions:

Beat your butter with a mixer until smooth. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and beat well. Add maple syrup, milk, and remaining powdered sugar. Beat well until fluffy.

Now comes the fun part. The part I’ve been waiting for!! Ladies and gents – fold in the diced bacon. YAHOO. 

Place frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe onto cupcakes and top each cupcake with two small slices of bacon. Serve and enjoy. 

You can make 12 maple bacon cupcakes with this recipe.

Can I Make This Recipe With Cupcake Mix?

You can absolutely use a premade cake mix to make these maple bacon cupcakes! Just skip to the frosting part. There is no judgment here. Most of the flavor lies in the frosting and the chunks of bacon, right?

So, whip up a boxed version of cupcake mix and enjoy a few extra moments saved from your afternoon. If you really want to go crazy, you can even buy cupcakes pre-made. You didn’t hear that from me. Actually, you did – I don’t care. I’m not a professional food blogger. I’m just a mom who loves to cook for her kids.

What Is The Best Bacon To Use For This Recipe?

Fam, I can’t tell you that. I could pretend that I know the answer. Some people like super thick bacon while others love crispy and crunchy bacon. Look deep into your soul and figure out who you are as a person, first. The answer will appear to you. I promise. I buy what is on sale.

I Don’t Have TIME! Where Can I Buy Maple Bacon Cupcakes?

Believe it or not, most bakeries around me actually sell maple bacon cupcakes. I live in New York as a point of reference.

My local supermarkets do NOT carry this version of cake though. It hasn’t gone THAT mainstream. I would call around first and ask before you make the trip to your market or bakery. Do yourself a favor. 

Can I Refrigerate The Leftovers? 

Sure thing – you can absolutely refrigerate any leftovers you have from this recipe! Treat these heaven-sent creations just like any other recipe that you normally make.

The leftovers will last a few days. They will, of course, last a bit longer if you refrigerate them. 

What do you think about this scrumptious bacon cake recipe? Something you’d like to try? Who in your family will be most eager to be the first to taste test this delectable bite? Would love to hear your thoughts!