INGREDIENTS
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For the Cupcakes:
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1 1/2 cups cake flour
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
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2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, cold, & cut into small cubes
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3 eggs
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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1/4 cup pure maple syrup
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups fresh apple, peeled, cored, and grated (about 2 medium sized apples)
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about 3/4 cup of prepared apple butter
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For the Topping:
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4 slices thick-cut bacon
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3 egg whites
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup pure maple syrup
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened but cool