Savory Sweet Bacon Bliss Cupcakes with Maple Cream Frosting
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these Savory Sweet Bacon Bliss Cupcakes! Inspired by the ingenious challenge of the Dining on a Dollar Recipe Contest from Spring 2013, these cupcakes combine the rich flavors of tender chocolate cake with crispy bacon bits, creating a uniquely delicious dessert experience. The incorporation of ketchup and applesauce not only adds a hint of sweetness but also an irresistible moisture to the cake. Topped with a luscious maple cream frosting that perfectly complements the savory notes, these cupcakes are guaranteed to surprise and impress everyone who takes a bite. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just looking to elevate your dessert game, these cupcakes are a fun and creative twist that will leave your guests guessing. And for an extra touch of indulgence, you can sprinkle a few crispy bacon bits on top for garnish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ketchup
1/2 cup (none)
applesauce
1/4 cup (none)
cocoa powder
1/4 cup (none)
oil or bacon drippings
1/4 cup (chilled slightly)
eggs
3 (beaten)
cooked bacon pieces
1/2 cup (crumbled)
yellow cake mix
1 (15 1/4 ounce) (none)
pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons (none)
unsalted butter
8 tablespoons (room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 pinch (none)
powdered sugar
2 cups (sifted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with foil liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend together the ketchup, applesauce, cocoa powder, your choice of oil or bacon drippings, and eggs until smooth.
3
Carefully add the yellow cake mix and the cooked bacon pieces to the mixture, whisking well for about 2 minutes until fully combined.
4
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan.
7
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the maple cream frosting by beating together the maple syrup and unsalted butter in a bowl for 1 minute until light and fluffy.
8
Add the vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar to the frosting mixture and continue to beat for an additional 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
9
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the maple frosting generously over each one.
10
For an optional finishing touch, sprinkle extra bacon bits on top of the frosting before serving.
11
Watch as your guests enjoy every last bite while trying to guess the secret ingredients!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Sweet Bacon Bliss Cupcakes?
These are a unique dessert combining tender chocolate cake, crispy bacon bits, and a luscious maple cream frosting.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by the Dining on a Dollar Recipe Contest from Spring 2013.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What kind of cupcake liners should be used?
Foil liners are recommended for this recipe.
What are the primary wet ingredients for the batter?
The batter uses ketchup, applesauce, oil or bacon drippings, and eggs.
Why is ketchup included in the cupcake batter?
Ketchup adds a hint of sweetness and helps provide an irresistible moisture to the cake.
What is the purpose of adding applesauce to the recipe?
Applesauce is used to enhance both the sweetness and the moisture of the cupcakes.
Can I use bacon drippings instead of oil?
Yes, you can use your choice of oil or chilled bacon drippings for the fat component.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 beaten eggs.
What type of cake mix is used as a base?
A 15 1/4 ounce package of yellow cake mix is used.
When should the bacon pieces be added to the batter?
The cooked bacon pieces should be added along with the yellow cake mix after the wet ingredients are smooth.
How long should the batter be whisked once the dry ingredients are added?
You should whisk the mixture well for about 2 minutes until fully combined.
How much batter should be poured into each cupcake liner?
Each liner should be filled about 2/3 full.
How long do the cupcakes need to bake?
Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes.
How can I tell if the cupcakes are finished baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should the cupcakes be cooled in the pan?
Yes, you should allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
What ingredients make up the maple cream frosting?
The frosting consists of maple syrup, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and powdered sugar.
How long should the butter and maple syrup be beaten initially?
Beat the maple syrup and butter together for 1 minute until light and fluffy.
What should be the temperature of the butter for the frosting?
The unsalted butter should be at room temperature.
Should the powdered sugar be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the 2 cups of powdered sugar should be sifted before being added to the frosting.
How long should the frosting be beaten after adding the sugar?
Continue beating for an additional 2 minutes until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
When is it safe to frost the cupcakes?
Wait until the cupcakes are completely cooled before piping or spreading the frosting.
Is there a suggested garnish for these cupcakes?
Yes, you can sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top of the frosting as a finishing touch.
How many ingredients in total are needed for this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients listed in the recipe.
What is the flavor profile of these cupcakes?
They offer a sweet and savory flavor profile with chocolate, bacon, and maple notes.
How should the bacon in the batter be prepared?
The bacon should be cooked and crumbled into pieces.
How much cocoa powder is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of cocoa powder.
How much maple syrup is used in the frosting?
The frosting uses 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup.
What is the preparation for the oil or bacon drippings?
The oil or bacon drippings should be chilled slightly before use.
What is the best way to serve these to guests?
Serve them as a fun surprise and let guests try to guess the secret ingredients like ketchup and applesauce.