Maple Buttercream & Bacon Cupcakes

Instructions

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1. -

   Ingredients

   Bacon bark:

   • 1 package (16 ounces) bacon
   • 1 bag (12 ounces) Light Cocoa Candy Melts
   • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
   • Chocolate jimmies

   Cupcakes:

   • 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix

   Chocolate ganache:

   • 1 Bag (12 ounces) Light Cocoa Candy Melts
   • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

   Maple buttercream:

   • 4 cups (about 1 pound) confectioners' sugar, sifted
   • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
   • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
   • 1-½ teaspoons maple flavoring
2. - Prepare and bake chocolate cupcakes following package directions. Cool completely.
3. - While the cupcakes are baking and cooling, make the toppings.
4. - Preheat oven to 400°F. Place bacon strips on oven griddle . Bake 15-18 minutes or until crisp. Cool slightly and blot away excess grease. Cut half of the bacon into pieces between 1 and 3 inches.
5. - For bark, melt first package of Candy Melts Candy according to package instructions. Spread into an even layer about 1/8 inch thick. Immediately press pieces of cut bacon into the candy and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and chocolate jimmies. Chill until candy is set, about 20 minutes. Cut or break into shards.
6. - In medium microwave-safe container, combine Candy Melts Candy and cream. Microwave at half (50%) power 1 minute; stir. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melts are almost melted. Stir thoroughly until mixture is smooth. Dip cooled cupcakes into ganache and chill to set, about 5 minutes.
7. - Cut ¾ of the remaining bacon slices into thirds. Drizzle with remaining ganache. Chill until set, about 5 minutes. Finely chop the remaining bacon.
8. - For icing, combine all ingredients in large bowl and beat with electric mixer on low speed until smooth and well combined. Spatula ice cupcakes.
9. -

   Decorate cupcakes with bark, drizzled bacon pieces, chopped bacon and chocolate jimmies.

   Makes 2 dozen cupcakes.