Print

Decadent Bourbon Bacon Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

bourbon bacon cupcakes - featured image
Print Recipe

These indulgent cupcakes combine sweet, smoky, and boozy flavors with a fluffy texture and silky maple cream cheese frosting, perfect for special occasions or a unique treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190g)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g), melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk (120ml), room temperature (substitute with almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (30ml)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (225g), softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (55g), softened
  • ¼ cup maple syrup (60ml), pure grade A preferred
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (240g), sifted
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. Cook the bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, bourbon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold in half of the chopped bacon, reserving the rest for garnish.
  7. Spoon batter into liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Transfer cupcakes to a cooling rack and let cool completely before frosting.
  10. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth (about 2 minutes).
  11. Slowly add powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until fluffy.
  12. Frost each cupcake generously using a spatula or piping bag.
  13. Sprinkle remaining crispy bacon pieces on top for garnish.
  14. Serve cupcakes at room temperature.

Notes

Avoid overly smoky or flavored bacon to balance flavors. Use mid-range bourbon for best taste. Do not frost cupcakes while warm to prevent frosting from melting. For crispier bacon, cook on a wire rack in a 400°F oven for 15 minutes. Frosting can be chilled for 15 minutes if too soft. Cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and frosted before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon bacon cupcakes, maple cream cheese frosting, sweet and savory cupcakes, easy cupcake recipe, party dessert, bacon dessert

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/decadent-bourbon-bacon-cupcakes-recipe-with-easy-maple-cream-cheese-frosting/