Maple Bacon Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups

all-purpose flour

1 tsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

baking soda

1/2 tsp

salt

1/2 cup

unsalted butter, (room temperature, 1 stick)

1/2 cup

light brown sugar, (packed)

large eggs, (room temperature)

1/4 cup

pure maple syrup

1/2 tsp

vanilla extract

1/3 cup

buttermilk

3/4 cup

unsalted butter, (room temperature, 1 1/2 sticks)

1/2 cup

cocoa powder, (sifted)

2 1/2 cups

confectioners' sugar, (sifted)

2 tbsp

maple syrup

1/8 tsp

maple extract, (optional)

2 tbsp

heavy cream, (more or less as needed)

3 tbsp

light brown sugar, (packed)

1 tsp

cocoa powder

strips bacon