French Toast Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Buttercream

French toast is a go-to breakfast item for me, especially topped with bacon, and with a side of maple syrup. Now just imagine a cupcake that has all these three ingredients listed above within it. Dream come true? I think so. I know I have been adding or topping some of my latest recipes with bacon, BUT COME ON...WHO DOESN'T LOVE BACON??!! I just don't get it. Anyway, if you are interested in making these delicious mouthwatering cupcakes, take a look below!

*Makes: 18 cupcakes 

Ingredients

For cupcakes:

• 3 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g)  granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 230g) butter, softened 
• 1 cup (240g) sour cream
• 4 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla

For streusel:

• 1/4 cup (60g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (60g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (70g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 tablespoons cold butter, cut into chunks

For maple bacon buttercream:

• 1 cup (2 sticks or 230g) butter, softened
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup (100g) maple syrup
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces

Cinnamon Sugar Maple Bacon Donuts (Gourdough's Copycat)

Ever since Gourdough's opened in Austin, Texas, I fell in love with their crazy delicious donuts. They had one that my fiance always got called the "Flying Pig" which consisted of a donut with maple icing and bacon on top (topped with even more maple icing). This is what I decided to attempt to make at home yesterday and they turned out amazing. If I can do it out of my own home, anyone can. Raise your hand if you love donuts like me! If so, give these a try, and make your way to Gourdough's if you are ever in Austin.

*Makes: 7 donuts

Donuts:

• 2 tablespoons water, warmed
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 3/4 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• vegetable oil, for frying

Maple glaze:

• 2 tablespoons milk (give or take)
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup 
• 2 cups (260g) powdered sugar

Cinnamon sugar bacon:

• 7 pieces of bacon (you can use more if you would like, this is all I had)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon