Maple Buttercream & Bacon Cupcakes

These sweet and savory Maple Syrup Buttercream & Bacon Cupcakes are perfect for Father's Day, game day parties and more. Chocolate cupcakes topped with homemade maple buttercream, chocolate ganache, bacon candy bark and a bacon cupcake topper. What's not to love? Perfect for Father's Day, Super Bowl parties and game day get-togethers, these savory and sweet treats are sure to kick off a great time. Learn how to make Maple Syrup Buttercream & Bacon Cupcakes.

AmountAbout 24 cupcakes

Ingredients & Tools
Instructions

Instructions

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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
Prepare and bake chocolate cupcakes following package directions. Cool completely.
While the cupcakes are baking and cooling, make the toppings.
Preheat oven to 400ºF. 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.
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.
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.
Cut ¾ of the remaining bacon slices into thirds. Drizzle with remaining ganache. Chill until set, about 5 minutes. Finely chop the remaining bacon.
For icing, combine all ingredients in large bowl and beat with electric mixer on low speed until smooth and well combined. Spatula ice cupcakes.
Decorate cupcakes with bark, drizzled bacon pieces, chopped bacon and chocolate jimmies.
Makes 2 dozen cupcakes.