DARK CHOCOLATE BACON CUPCAKES

Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes image

These adventurous cupcakes were a challenge by friends that turned into a great success. Use extra-smoky bacon to really get the salty, rich flavor. -Sandy Ploy, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 22 cupcakes.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon baking cocoa, divided
1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, divided
1 can (16 ounces) chocolate frosting

Steps:

In a large bowl, beat the sugar, buttermilk, eggs, oil and coffee until well blended. In a small bowl, combine the flour, 3/4 cup cocoa, baking powder, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended. Stir in two-thirds of the bacon., Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with remaining bacon; dust with remaining cocoa. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 354 calories, Fat 18g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 37mg cholesterol, Sodium 535mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 8g protein.