Discover how to make smoked maple bacon cupcakes on the Ninja FlexFlame with this easy recipe using boxed cake mix.
Table of Contents
How to cook cupcakes on a grill
Usually, when I want to bake on a grill, it takes a little finesse because you have to set up an indirect heat zone. And oftentimes, you have to elevate your cakes and cupcakes above the grill grate so the bottoms don’t burn.
With the Ninja FlexFlame however, baking is super easy. You just set the grill to the roast bake setting and add your pan to the grill.
It automatically sets up an indirect cooking zone, and there is no need to elevate the pan. The cyclonic fan circulates the heat so everything bakes evenly.
You can even elevate your baked goods with smoky flavor by using wood pellets during the cook.
Maple Bacon Cupcakes on the Ninja FlexFlame
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box golden yellow cake mix
- 1 sm box sugar free vanilla pudding
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Maple Bacon Icing
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp bacon drippings
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Finishing Touches
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
Bake Cupcakes
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake ingredients. Mix until smooth. Line a cupcake pan with liners. Fill each 3/4 full.
- Heat the Ninja FlexFlame to roast/bake. Set the temperature to 375F.*
- Place the pan in the center of the FlexFlame. Close the lid and cook for 14 minutes. The tops should be firm to the touch and golden brown. Remove and let cool.
Cook Bacon
- Place the griddle on the FlexFlame. Set the function to roast/bake the temperature to 425F. Let preheat.
- Place the bacon on the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping once. Remove the bacon from the grill to cool. Save 2 tablespoons of the drippings. Chop the bacon into bits.
Make Icing
- In a large bowl, beat the butter. Stir in the powdered sugar milk, bacon drippings and maple syrup. Beat until smooth.
Assemble
- Place the frosting into a piping bag with a large star tip. Pipe onto the cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle crumbled bacon top and drizzle with maple syrup.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to bake cupcakes on the FlexFlame
This recipe uses the griddle upgrade.
- STEP ONE: Mix all of the cake ingredients together and scoop into a cupcake pan lined with paper cups.
- STEP TWO: Set the grill to the roast/bake function and the temperature to 375F. Once preheated, add your cupcakes to the grill and bake for about 15 minutes or until firm to the touch.
PRO TIP: If you want to add smoke flavor, scoop wood pellets into the hopper and press the Woodfire Flavor button. Wait until the pellets are fully ignited before adding the cupcakes.
- STEP THREE: Remove the grill grate and add the griddle upgrade to the FlexFlame. Set the grill to roast/bake and the temperature to 425F. Cook the bacon for about 8-10 minutes.
- STEP FOUR: Remove the bacon from the griddle. Crumble into pieces. Save some of the drippings for the icing.
- STEP FIVE: To make the icing, beat together all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Place the icing in a large piping bag with a star tip. Pipe on top of each cupcake.
- STEP FIVE: Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of each cupcake. Just before serving, add a drizzle of maple syrup.
Storage
Leftover cupcakes can be stored on the counter for one day. If you want to keep them longer, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
GCG Pro Pitmaster Tips
- Start with boxed cake mix to save time
- Use the bacon drippings to add flavor to the icing
- To make the cupcakes more unique, add Woodfire Flavor with wood pellets
