Spicy Maple Bacon Cupcakes

Spicy Maple Bacon Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

For the Spicy Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the crumbled bacon.
6. Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cupcakes cool, prepare the spicy frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
9. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the spicy frosting.