For the cupcakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cake flour
1 (3.9-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon potato starch
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon fresh nutmeg, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 large egg whites, room temperature
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup half-and-half, room temperature
5 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
For the icing:
1 (8 -ounce) package of cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3 strips bacon, optional, cooked and chopped
1 Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2 Place paper liners in a 12-cup muffin tin.
3 In a bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, cake flour, pudding mix, baking powder, potato starch, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4 In a separate bowl, cream 1 stick of butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar using a mixer on low speed until combined, for about 6-8 minutes.
5 Gradually mix the vanilla extract and egg whites into the sugar mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl of the sugar mixture; continue mixing until light and fluffy.
6 Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture in 3 batches, alternating with 1/4 cup maple syrup and the half-and-half, mixing after each addition and ending with the flour mixture.
7 Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined, do not overmix.
8 Fold 5 strips of the chopped bacon into the batter.
9 Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 of the way.
10 Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes.
11 Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
12 While the cupcakes cool, in a bowl, beat the cream cheese and remaining butter with a mixer on medium speed until creamy.
13 Add the confectioners’ sugar, the remaining maple sugar, and the remaining cinnamon; beat until combined.
14 Spread the icing over the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining bacon pieces.
15 Serve.
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings