3516. SPICED PUMPKIN and BACON TOASTED MARSHMALLOW CUPCAKES

The cake:
1 box spice cake mix
1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz.)
2/3 cup milk
1/3 cup brewed coffee, cooled
1/3 cup finely chopped bacon

The marshmallow frosting:
8 large egg whites, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon fine salt
2 teaspoons bourbon vanilla extract

The cake:
Mix the cake mix and the puree until combined. Slowly add the milk, then coffee and mix until well combined. Fold in the chopped bacon. Spoon into 20-24 cupcake liners. Bake at 350° for 18 minutes. Cool completely.

The marshmallow frosting:
Place the cooled cupcakes on a baking sheet (they can be touching) and set them aside.

Fill a medium saucepan with 1 inch of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.

Place the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt in the clean bowl and whisk by hand to combine. Nest the bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water. Heat the egg white mixture, whisking constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot to the touch (about 120°F on an instant-read thermometer), about 6 minutes.

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whisk for 1 minute on medium speed. Increase the speed to high and whisk until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5 minutes more. Add the vanilla and whisk until just incorporated, about 1 minute.

Transfer the frosting to a large piping bag fitted with your preferred piping tip and pipe onto the cupcakes. Broil until the tops are starting to brown, about 20 to 30 seconds—watch carefully to avoid burning. (Alternatively, you can use a kitchen torch). In my oven, it took 1-2 minutes, so be sure to keep an eye on them. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 hours.


bacon recipe source: Piggy Piggy Princess (aka Sara Lewis), Bacon Today (@bacontoday)