Maple Bacon Cupcakes on the Ninja FlexFlame

Discover how to make smoked maple bacon cupcakes on the Ninja FlexFlame with this easy recipe using boxed cake mix.

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.

Get Recipe Ingredients

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. 

*To turn these into smoked cupcakes, add wood pellets to the hopper and press the Woodfire Flavor button before adding the cupcakes to the grill. 

Calories: 683kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 5gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 1gSugar: 63gVitamin A: 562IUCalcium: 119mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Be sure to rate it, leave a comment and save it so you can make it again. Show off your awesome results on social by tagging @girlscangrill

How to bake cupcakes on the FlexFlame

This recipe uses the griddle upgrade.

1. STEP ONE: Mix all of the cake ingredients together and scoop into a cupcake pan lined with paper cups.

2. 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. 

3. 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.

4. STEP FOUR: Remove the bacon from the griddle. Crumble into pieces. Save some of the drippings for the icing.

5. 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.

5. 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.