Maple French Toast and Bacon Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup half-and-half, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon (5 strips)
• 3 strips bacon, cooked and chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon potato starch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 3.9-ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature