Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes

(Courtesy of Taste of Home)

Ingredients:
2 c. sugar
1 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
1/2 c. canola oil
1/2 c. strong brewed coffee
2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. plus 1 Tbsp. baking cocoa, divided
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 lb. bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, divided
1 can (16 oz.) chocolate frosting

Directions:
In a large bowl, beat the sugar, buttermilk, eggs, oil and coffee until well blended.  In a small bowl, combine the flour, 3/4 c. cocoa, baking powder, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended.  Stir in 2/3 of the bacon.

Fill paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full.  Bake at 375 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Frost cupcakes.  Sprinkle with remaining bacon; dust with remaining cocoa.  Refrigerate leftovers.