MAPLE BACON CRACK

MAPLE BACON CRACK is a delectable treat that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans, all nestled on a base of buttery crescent roll dough. This easy-to-make dessert or snack promises to delight with its perfect blend of savory and sweet, making it a favorite for gatherings or anytime indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices bacon
• 1 tube crescent rolls
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup chopped pecan pieces

Directions:

1. Preparing the Bacon

• Cook the bacon until soft, not crunchy. For oven-baked bacon, preheat to 400°F and bake for 18 minutes. Drain and chop the bacon; set aside.

2. Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet

• Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.

3. Preparing the Dough

• Roll out the crescent roll dough onto the prepared parchment paper. Pinch the seams to create a single sheet of dough. Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.

4. Assembling the Crack

• Using a pastry brush, spread half of the maple syrup evenly over the dough.
• Sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly on top of the maple syrup.
• Scatter the chopped bacon and pecan pieces evenly over the sugar.
• Drizzle the remaining maple syrup over the top.

5. Baking

• Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and the topping is bubbly and caramelized.

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

1. Cutting into Pieces: Allow the MAPLE BACON CRACK to cool slightly before cutting into pieces. This helps the caramelized topping to set, making it easier to slice neatly.
2. Presentation: Serve on a platter or individual plates for easy access and a pleasing presentation. Consider garnishing with additional chopped pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flair.
3. Accompaniments: Enjoy these sweet and savory treats on their own or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
4. Sharing: Perfect for parties and gatherings, cut into small squares or rectangles to serve a crowd, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this irresistible treat.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: Store MAPLE BACON CRACK in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
2. Reheating: To restore crispness, briefly reheat individual pieces in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes before serving.
3. Freezing: If you need to store leftovers for longer, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

Enjoy MAPLE BACON CRACK warm or at room temperature for a delightful blend of maple sweetness, crispy bacon, and nutty pecans that everyone will love!

Variations:

1. Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, melt semi-sweet or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled MAPLE BACON CRACK for a delicious chocolatey twist.
2. Nutty Crunch: Substitute pecans with chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor profile.
3. Spiced Maple: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brown sugar mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
4. Maple Glaze: Instead of drizzling maple syrup before baking, make a maple glaze using powdered sugar and maple syrup, and drizzle it over the baked crack once cooled.
5. Fruit Addition: Sprinkle dried cranberries or chopped dried apples over the bacon and pecans before baking for a fruity contrast.
6. Savory Twist: Incorporate a sprinkle of sea salt over the finished crack for a sweet and salty combination.
7. Maple Bacon Apple: Add thinly sliced apples on top of the bacon before baking for a delightful apple-maple flavor pairing.
8. Maple Bacon S’mores: Top the baked crack with mini marshmallows and broil briefly until toasted for a gooey s’mores-inspired treat.
9. Maple Bacon Cheese: Serve alongside sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a savory-sweet cheese pairing.
10. Maple Bacon Ice Cream Sandwich: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two squares of MAPLE BACON CRACK for a unique ice cream sandwich.
11. Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: Roll the crescent roll dough into individual rolls filled with maple syrup, brown sugar, bacon, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Bake until golden brown and serve warm.
12. Maple Bacon Bread Pudding: Cube the crescent roll dough and mix it with a custard made from eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. Fold in cooked bacon pieces and bake until set for a comforting dessert.
13. Maple Bacon Sticky Buns: Roll out the crescent roll dough, spread with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Sprinkle with chopped bacon and pecans, roll up, slice, and bake until gooey and golden.
14. Maple Bacon Pull-Apart Bread: Tear apart crescent roll dough and toss with maple syrup, brown sugar, and bacon. Layer in a bundt pan, bake until golden brown, and drizzle with a maple glaze.
15. Maple Bacon Croissants: Use crescent roll dough to make mini croissants filled with a mixture of cream cheese, maple syrup, and chopped bacon. Bake until flaky and golden brown for a delightful brunch treat.
16. Maple Bacon Danish: Create individual danishes by topping crescent roll dough with a sweetened cream cheese mixture, bacon pieces, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Bake until puffed and golden.

These variations offer creative ways to customize MAPLE BACON CRACK to suit different tastes and occasions, ensuring each bite is a delightful experience of sweet maple, savory bacon, and crunchy pecans.