To make the cupcakes, preheat oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4 and line a cupcake pan with 12 cupcake liners.

Using an electric handheld or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, cream, and vanilla, and blend.

In a separate bowl, sift or whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt to blend.

Pour the flour mixture into the mixing bowl, and blend on low. Stop the mixer, and scrape down the sides of the bowl, then blend again on high for about 1 minute, or until all ingredients are well blended.

Fold in the crumbled bacon.

Fill the liner about 3/4 of the way full with the cupcake batter.

Place in preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Leave the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the pancakes while the cupcakes are baking and cooling.

Sift or whisk to blend the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.

Stir in the sugar.

Add the cream, egg, and oil and whisk until well blended.

Using a frying pan or griddle; butter the surface, and drop the batter by the tablespoonful, making mini pancakes. Cook until light golden color, stack, and set aside.

To make the frosting use an electric handheld or stand mixer, and place the shortening and butter in a bowl and mix until smooth.

Add vanilla and maple flavoring and mix well.

Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, along with a tablespoon of heavy cream, and mix on low speed until combined.

Add the rest of the powdered sugar, alternating with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cream, until all ingredients have been added.

Keep the mixer on low until all ingredients are combined. Stop the mixer, and scrape down the sides, and blend again on high to mix well. Place mixing bowl in the refrigerator.

When the cupcakes have cooled, place the frosting in a pastry bag, and pipe onto the cupcakes.

Place the crumbled bacon pieces on a plate, and gently roll the sides of the frosted cupcakes in the bacon pieces. Or, you can place the bacon pieces on the cupcakes by hand if you prefer.

Place three of the mini pancakes on top of the cupcakes, and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Enjoy!