There are cupcakes—and then there are cupcakes that make people stop mid-bite and say, “Wait… what is this delicious madness?” Maple Bacon Cupcakes fall squarely into the latter category.
These aren’t your average vanilla or chocolate treats. No, these cupcakes are a bold collision of breakfast and dessert, where fluffy maple-infused cake meets smoky, salty bacon, all crowned with a silky maple buttercream and a sprinkle of crisped bacon on top. They’re sweet, savory, rich, and just the right amount of over-the-top.
Perfect for brunch gatherings, Father’s Day celebrations, or anyone who dreams of pancakes and bacon in cupcake form, these cupcakes bring together two of life’s best flavors in one decadent bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 12 cupcakes)
For the Cupcakes:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup (the real deal – Grade A)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and finely chopped
For the Maple Buttercream:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (as needed for consistency)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1–2 extra slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled for garnish
How to Make Maple Bacon Cupcakes
Step 1: Cook the Bacon First
Before you start baking, cook your bacon until it’s crispy. Let it cool on paper towels, then finely chop 4 slices for the batter. Set aside a couple extra slices for garnish if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro tip: Bake your bacon in the oven on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes — easy cleanup and no stovetop splatter.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Cupcake Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs, Maple, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Then add the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
Step 6: Combine with Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix.
Fold in the chopped bacon gently with a spatula.
Step 7: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Maple Buttercream
Step 1: Beat the Butter
In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 3: Add Maple and Cream
Add the maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and cream as needed to reach your desired consistency. Beat for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Frost and Finish
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or simply spread with a spatula.
Top each cupcake with a crumble of crispy bacon, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a mini pancake topper if you’re really going all out.
Tips for the Best Maple Bacon Cupcakes
Use real maple syrup. The flavor is richer and more authentic than artificial syrups.
Don’t skip the salt. It enhances the maple flavor and balances the sweetness.
Let cupcakes cool fully. Otherwise, the buttercream will melt and slide.
Get crispy bacon. You want it well-done but not burnt. Soggy bacon won’t hold up in the batter or as garnish.
Make-ahead friendly. Bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store unfrosted. Frost before serving for best texture.
What to Serve With Maple Bacon Cupcakes
These cupcakes stand alone, but if you’re planning a full brunch or dessert table, they pair beautifully with:
A breakfast spread — Think pancakes, eggs, and fruit to keep the brunch theme.
A bold cup of coffee or espresso — Perfect with the sweet-savory combo.
Warm maple syrup on the side — For drizzling or dipping!
Maple Bacon Cupcakes may sound unconventional, but one bite is all it takes to turn skeptics into superfans. The rich sweetness of maple syrup meets the smoky, savory crunch of bacon in a cupcake that’s anything but ordinary.
They’re the kind of treat that invites curiosity, rewards boldness, and leaves people reaching for seconds. Perfect for brunch tables, bold dessert spreads, or anytime you want something a little unexpected — these cupcakes are where sweet meets savory in the most delightful way.
So go ahead — whisk up a batch, pour a cup of coffee, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cupcake.
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