MAPLE BACON CUPCAKES

Maple Bacon Cupcakes image

Provided by Casi Williams

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 1/2 Tbsp butter, room temperature
1/2 Tbsp bacon drippings (left in the fridge to become solid)
1 egg
5 Tbsp light brown sugar
4 Tbsp maple syrup
1 1/4 c self rising flour
1/4 c whole milk
1/2 c minced bacon, cooked and drained
FOR THE ICING
4 Tbsp butter, room temperature
2 Tbsp maple syrup.
1 c powdered sugar.
turbinado sugar(sugar in the raw)
coarse grain sea salt
crumbled/pieces of bacon

Steps:

1. * 1) Cook some bacon in a fry pan (about 6 thick strips). Reserve the drippings and place in the fridge to solidify. Mince 1/4 a cup of the bacon. * 2) Beat the crud out of the butter and solidified bacon fat 'till light and creamy. Add the brown sugar and maple syrup and beat well until combined. * 3) Add the egg and beat until incorporated. * 4) Add some of the flour and mix, then some of the milk, then continue to alternate the dry and wet ingredients, ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in the bacon. Taste and add more maple syrup, flour, or milk if needed for desired taste. Keep in mind the maple frosting is very sweet, and to add in very small increments for alterations as maple syrup in large amounts can break a cake batter. * 5) Scoop into cupcake papers and bake at 350 F for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Be sure to rotate the pan after the first 15 minutes for even baking.
2. For the Icing -* Combine the syrup and butter until combined. Add the sugar, a bit at a time, and whip at high speeds until combined. Pipe or spread onto cupcakes. Top with sea salt and turbinado sugar for decoration. Add the crumbled BACON