Maple Bacon Cupcakes

Yes, you read right, today I am serving maple syrup bacon cupcakes! This is definitely an unusual flavor combination. The first time caramelized bacon got my attention was when I saw the Irish blogger using bacon for scones. And once I was paying more attention to bacon in sweet goods, I suddenly saw it on Pinterest, used in and for cupcakes. If you think using bacon in sweet cupcakes is crazy, maybe I can convince you if I say that the bacon is caramelized. I have to say, I do love this crazy sweet and salty flavor combination.

The reason why I wanted to go for an unusualy and new flavor combination was simple. Zorra from the German blog Kochtopf intvited to a British afternoon tea I was happy to oblige. This may sound crazy, but I feel it’s the Brits that will happily try the craziest flavor combinations and happily try whatever weird food is presented to them. I am sure they were the ones who invented bacon jam and also thought of using bacon in sweet cupcakes. At least I was intrigued when I found this idea on Pinterest and was curious how this would taste like. Opinions definitely differ sharply, you either seem to love this flavor combiantion or you will hate it, there doesn’t seem to be anything in between. Good for me that my husband is not fond of this flavor combo. More for me.

I especially liked my cupcake to be filled with plum jam. Somehow plums, caramelized bacon and maple syrup just go well together, at least this is what I thought. Maybe I can also interested you in this cupcake served with a nice fresh cup of strong tea? As stated, I am serving this a my second recipe to the blog event from Zorra. My first recipe was the below pictured shortbread cookies with edible flowers another show-stopper for your British afternoon tea!

Print Recipe

Maple Syrup Bacon Cupcakes

Serves: 12 regular size cupcakes

Prep Time: 30min – Cooking Time: 35-37min – Total Time: 1 hr 10min

These maple syrup bacon cupcakes contain a moist vanilla cupcake with caramelized bacon bites, plum jam and a frosting with maple syrup.

Ingredients

• Cupcakes
• 100 grams of bacon
• 50 grams of brown sugar
• 50 grams of maple syrup
• 115 grams of butter, at room temperature
• 80 grams of maple syrup
• 3 egg whites, size L, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, see here how to make your own
• 120 grams of sour-cream
• 120 grams of milk
• 180 grams of all-purpose flour
• 20 grams of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 
  
• Frosting
• 150 grams pf plum jam
• 300 grams of heavy cream
• 30 grams of maple syrup

Instructions

1

For the cupcakes first preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat the brown sugar and maple syrup until the sugar dissolves and brush on the bacon. Bake the bacon for about 15min or until crisp. Set aside. Cut into small pieces once cool.

2

Then line a muffin form with paper liners. Cream the butter for about a minute, add the maple syrup and cream for two minutes. Add the egg whites and vanilla extract and cream until combined. Add sour cream and milk and mix until combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and only mix until combined. Fold in about half of the prepared bacon, keep the rest for the frosting. Scoop into prepared muffin tin and bake for about 20-22min. Let cool completely. Cut a hole into the center of each cupcake and fill with plum jam.

3

For the frosting beat the heavy cream with maple syrup until stiff and pipe onto cupcakes. Sprinkle with remaining bacon.

Notes

These cupcakes can easily be frozen with and without frosting.