Maple Bacon Fudge

If you’re a fan of sweet and salty together, you need to try this Maple Bacon Fudge. It’s rich and sweet with plenty of maple flavor, then you get those little salty bits of bacon running through it.

I know bacon in fudge might sound a little odd, but it really does work! I love that it’s a bit different from the usual chocolate fudge, and it’s definitely one of those recipes people are curious to try.

This is a great one to make in the fall when I’m putting maple in pretty much everything, but it would be really good for the holidays too. Cut it into little squares and it’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or keeping in the fridge for when you fancy something sweet.

Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or foil
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Candy thermometer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife for cutting the fudge
• Cutting board

Ingredients

• Microwave bacon – Using microwave bacon keeps things really easy, and once it’s cooked you’ll crumble it up so you get little bits of salty bacon throughout the fudge.

• Unsalted butter – I use unsalted butter here because the bacon already adds plenty of saltiness.

• Sweetened condensed milk – This gives the fudge that lovely rich, creamy texture and plenty of sweetness too.

• Pure maple syrup – Definitely use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup if you can, as you really want that maple flavor to come through.

• Powdered sugar – This helps sweeten and thicken the fudge and gives it the right texture once it sets.

• Salt – You only need a little, but it helps balance out all that sweetness.

• Vanilla extract – Just a teaspoon rounds everything out and works really nicely with the maple.

Recipe Instructions

Full measurements and cooking times can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 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 aside. Cook the bacon according to the package directions, crumble it into small pieces, and set aside.

Step 2: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the sweetened condensed milk and maple syrup, stirring until well combined. Let the mixture slowly thicken without bringing it to a full boil. Keep stirring gently and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent burning, a few small bubbles are fine.

Step 3: Using a candy thermometer, cook the mixture until it reaches 237°F. Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring after each addition until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Stir in half of the crumbled bacon, along with the salt and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top, pressing it lightly so it sticks. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, then slice into squares and enjoy!

What to Serve with Maple Bacon Fudge

This fudge is pretty rich, so I like it with something simple alongside it. It’s also really nice added to a bigger dessert spread where everyone can grab a little piece and try it.

• Coffee – Probably my favorite thing to have with a piece of this, especially in the afternoon.
• Hot chocolate – A good one if you’re serving it during the colder months.
• Fresh fruit – Strawberries, raspberries, or apple slices are nice alongside all that sweetness.
• Other homemade treats – Add it to a plate with cookies, brownies, or other little pieces of fudge.
• Ice cream – Chop the fudge into smaller pieces and scatter them over vanilla ice cream for a really easy dessert.

Storing

Because this fudge has bacon in it, I like to keep it in the fridge. Pop it into an airtight container, with a piece of parchment paper between the layers if you’re stacking it, and it should keep well for around 5 days.

You can eat it straight from the fridge, but I think it’s nicer if you leave it out for a few minutes first so it softens up a little. Just don’t leave it sitting at room temperature for too long because of the bacon.

Variations & Substitutions

There are a few easy ways you can change this fudge up depending on what you have or what you fancy. I wouldn’t mess around too much with the main fudge ingredients though, as you want to make sure it still sets properly.

• Add more bacon – If you really love that sweet and salty combination, add an extra slice or two.
• Add some nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts would work really well with the maple and bacon.
• Leave off the bacon topping – You can mix all of the bacon into the fudge instead if you’d rather have a smooth top.
• Add a little cinnamon – A small pinch would give it even more of a fall feel without taking over the maple flavor.
• Try a little maple extract – If you want a stronger maple flavor, add a small amount alongside the vanilla.

FAQs

What does maple bacon fudge taste like?

It’s rich, sweet, and creamy with plenty of maple flavor and little salty pieces of bacon mixed through. If you like sweet and salty treats, this is a really good combination.

Does maple bacon fudge need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Because this fudge contains cooked bacon, I recommend keeping it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long does maple bacon fudge last?

Stored properly in the fridge, it should keep well for around 5 days.

Why do I need a candy thermometer for maple bacon fudge?

Getting the mixture to 237°F helps the fudge set properly. A candy thermometer takes the guesswork out of it and makes it much easier to know when it’s ready.

Why didn’t my maple bacon fudge set?

The most likely reason is that the mixture didn’t reach the right temperature. Make sure it gets to 237°F before you start adding the powdered sugar.

Can I make maple bacon fudge ahead of time?

Yes! It needs around 2 hours in the fridge to set anyway, so it’s an easy one to make the day before you need it.

Can I use regular bacon instead of microwave bacon?

Yes, regular bacon should be fine. Cook it until crisp, drain away as much excess grease as possible, and then crumble it before adding it to the fudge.

Can I freeze maple bacon fudge?

You can freeze it in an airtight container, although the bacon may lose a little of its texture once thawed. I’d wrap the pieces well and freeze them for up to 1 month.