Chocolate Bacon Maple Mini Donut

Chocolate Bacon Maple Mini Donut

Although not a traditional combination, chocolate and bacon desserts have been taking over the culinary world. And why not?

The salty, smoky bacon and the rich chocolate donut are a match made in heaven. But when you add in the sweet maple frosting, you have a donut that is seriously out of this world!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup all purpose flour, sifted
• 1⁄4 cup cocoa powder, sifted 
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso granules
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
• 3⁄4 cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

FOR FROSTING

• 1⁄2 teaspoon whole milk
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1⁄4 teaspoon maple extract
• 11⁄2 cups powdered sugar
• 8 strips center cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

How to make

1. If using an electric donut maker, preheat according to manufacturer’s instructions. If using donut pans, preheat oven to 350°F and grease donut pans.
2. In a small bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, instant espresso granules, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg and sugar. Then add milk, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly combined. Gently stir in the flour mixture, stirring until there are no lumps.
4. If using mini donut pans: Carefully fill each donut indentation 3⁄4 full. Bake for 7–9 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Transfer donuts to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
5. If using an electric mini donut maker: Carefully fill each donut indentation 3⁄4  Bake according to manufacturer’s instructions or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
6. Remove donuts from appliance, transfer to a cooling rack, and let cool completely.
7. Place wax paper under a wire rack to collect any drippings for an easy cleanup. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together milk, pure maple syrup, and maple extract. Add powdered sugar, whisking until smooth.
8. Dip the top of each donut into the frosting, transfer to a wire rack, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Let set for 5 minutes and then serve.
9. Donuts are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.