Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven; prepare muffin tin Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and place paper liners in the cupcake baking pan.
- Step 2: Combine dry ingredients Whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 3: Cream butter and sugars Combine one stick of butter, the brown sugar and the sugar in another large mixing bowl. Cream the ingredients with a mixer on low speed for 6 to 8 minutes, until the ingredients are well combined.
- Step 4: Add vanilla and egg whites Add the vanilla and egg to the butter mixture and continue mixing. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently, and mix it until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Add 1/3 flour mixture, syrup, and half-and-half Add a third of the flour mixture to the creamy mixture. Then add 1/8 cup maple syrup and 1/4 cup half-and-half and mix until it’s combined. Then add another third of the flour mixture, another 1/8 cup of syrup, and another 1/4 cup half-and-half, and mix again. Finally, add the remaining flour and mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Step 6: Fold in bacon; pour into muffin tin Fold 5 of the 6 chopped strips of bacon into the mixture and pour the batter into the muffin tins. Fill each cup three-quarters of the way to the top and bake for 40 minutes. Then allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
- TIP: Use a toothpick or fork to test to see if the cupcakes are done. Insert one into the center of the cupcake. If it comes out clean, your cupcakes are ready.
- Step 7: Mix remaining ingredients for frosting Mix the cream cheese and remaining two tablespoons butter in a large bowl on medium speed until the mixture is creamy. Then add confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and a teaspoon cinnamon, and continue to beat until everything is combined.
- Step 8: Frost cupcakes Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly onto the cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle them with additional chopped bacon and serve immediately. Be sure to set one aside — you don’t want your friends to eat them all.
- FACT: March 1st is National Pig Day in the United States. The celebration started in 1972 when two sisters decided that a day was needed to honor and give thanks to pigs.
You Will Need
- 1 1/2 c. flour
- sifted
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. grated nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3/4 c. butter
- 1 c. sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- Maple syrup
- Half-and-half
- 6 strips cooked bacon
- chopped
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 2 c. sifted confectioners’ sugar
- Toothpick (optional)
