Maple Bacon Cupcakes

For the cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

In a large bowl, combine maple sugar, white sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix in shortening and butter, followed by sour cream, milk, eggs, maple extract, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.

Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full. Bake for 27–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

For the frosting:
In a large bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, salt and maple extract. Beat in shortening and cream cheese. Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes.

Garnish with bacon and maple syrup if desired.