Maple Bacon Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups

plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup

maple sugar (or 3/4 cup granulated sugar)

1 cup

granulated sugar

1/2 tsp

baking soda

1 1/2 tsp

baking powder

1 tsp

salt

2/3 cup

shortening, packed

1/4 cup

unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup

full-fat sour cream

1/2 cup

milk ( I used half & half )

large eggs

3 1/2 tsp

imitation maple extract/flavoring

2 tsp

vanilla extract

1/2 tbsp

pure maple syrup

18 tbsp

(that's 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature

5 cups

powdered confectioners' sugar

2 tsp

imitation maple extract flavoring

1/2 tsp

salt

12 oz

cream cheese, soft

1 cup

shortening, packed

2 lb

bacon, finely chopped

maple syrup, to garnish