Easy Maple Bacon Fudge Recipe – The Perfect Sweet and Salty Treat
I know bacon in fudge sounds a little strange, but trust me, it works. The first time I made this maple bacon fudge, I was just curious, and now it’s one of the first things gone at every get-together.
The maple makes it sweet and cozy, and the bacon adds that salty crunch. It’s one of those treats that gets people talking before they even take a bite.
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If you’ve never tried maple bacon fudge, get ready for your new favorite sweet indulgence. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, salty, and crunchy – all in one bite.
How to Make Maple Bacon Fudge
Here are the ingredients you need to make this maple bacon fudge recipe, plus step by step instructions for how to make it.
Ingredients
- 7 slices microwave bacon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step by Step Instructions
1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to make lifting the fudge easier later. Set the pan aside.
2. Microwave the bacon according to the package directions until crisp. Let it cool slightly, then crumble or chop it into small pieces. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the sweetened condensed milk and maple syrup, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined. Keep the heat low, don’t let it come to a full boil. The mixture should slowly thicken; a few gentle bubbles are fine. Continue stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent burning.
4. Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 237°F (this step is key for the fudge to firm up properly). Once it hits that temperature, remove it from the heat and gradually stir in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, making sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding more.
5. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon, along with the salt and vanilla extract, until everything is evenly mixed.
6. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces on top and gently press them into the surface so they stick. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until firm.
7. Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and enjoy.
This maple bacon fudge has become my go-to when I want to make something a little different but still easy. It’s great for holiday trays, sharing with friends, or sneaking a square after dinner. Once you try it, you’ll see why the combo of maple, bacon, and fudge just works – it’s the kind of treat that surprises people in the best way.
Tips and Tricks
- Keep your fudge fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Before crumbling the bacon, blot away any excess grease with a paper towel so it mixes cleanly into the fudge.
- Move quickly once the fudge mixture is ready = it sets fast, so have everything prepped and ready to go.
More Fall Treats
Maple Bacon Fudge
Ingredients
- 7 slices microwave bacon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to make lifting the fudge easier later. Set the pan aside.
- Microwave the bacon according to the package directions until crisp. Let it cool slightly, then crumble or chop it into small pieces. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the sweetened condensed milk and maple syrup, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined. Keep the heat low, don’t let it come to a full boil. The mixture should slowly thicken; a few gentle bubbles are fine. Continue stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent burning.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 237°F (this step is key for the fudge to firm up properly). Once it hits that temperature, remove it from the heat and gradually stir in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, making sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding more.
- Stir in half of the crumbled bacon, along with the salt and vanilla extract, until everything is evenly mixed.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces on top and gently press them into the surface so they stick. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and enjoy.
Notes
- Keep your fudge fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Before crumbling the bacon, blot away any excess grease with a paper towel so it mixes cleanly into the fudge.
- Move quickly once the fudge mixture is ready = it sets fast, so have everything prepped and ready to go.
