Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes

These adventurous cupcakes were a challenge by friends that turned into a great success. Use extra-smoky bacon to really get the salty, rich flavor.

Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes

Average Rating: 4.75

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling
YIELD: 22 cupcakes.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon baking cocoa, divided
  • 1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, divided
  • 1 can (16 ounces) chocolate frosting

Instructions

  • 1. In a large bowl, beat the sugar, buttermilk, eggs, oil and coffee until well blended. In a small bowl, combine the flour, 3/4 cup cocoa, baking powder, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended. Stir in two-thirds of the bacon.
  • 2. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  • 3. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with remaining bacon; dust with remaining cocoa. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 354 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.