Whiskey Maple Sundaes With Candied Bacon Recipe

This decadent Whiskey Maple Sundae is made with rich chocolate ice cream, a smooth homemade whiskey maple sauce, crispy candied bacon, and crunchy chopped toffee bars. The result is a spectacular and indulgent dessert that expertly balances sweet, salty, and smoky notes. Perfect for a fun summer evening or an impressive adults-only dessert, this recipe makes six show-stopping sundaes.

Whiskey Maple Sundaes with Candied Bacon Ingredients

Whiskey Maple Sauce:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• Pinch kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons whiskey

Candied Bacon:

• 6 slices bacon
• 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

For the Sundae:

• 1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream
• Two 1.4-ounce toffee bars, chopped

How To Make Whiskey Maple Sundaes with Candied Bacon

1. Make the whiskey sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, maple syrup, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for about 25 minutes. The sauce should bubble gently and thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.
2. Finish and chill the sauce: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the whiskey. Pour the sauce into a container and let it cool to room temperature. Once cool, place it in the refrigerator to chill completely, which takes about 2 hours.
3. Prepare the candied bacon: Preheat your oven to 350°F ($175°C). Place a wire rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet. In a small bowl, microwave the maple syrup and brown sugar for 15-20 seconds until melted, then whisk to combine.
4. Glaze and bake the bacon: Arrange the bacon slices on the wire rack. Brush the maple-sugar mixture on both sides of each slice. Bake for about 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the bacon is crisp.
5. Cool the bacon: Let the bacon cool on the rack for a few minutes. Gently lift each slice off the rack and set it back down. This crucial step prevents the sugary glaze from hardening and sticking to the rack.
6. Assemble the sundaes: For each sundae, place 3 scoops of chocolate ice cream in a dish. Drizzle generously with the chilled whiskey maple sauce. Cut a slice of candied bacon in half and arrange it in the ice cream. Finish by sprinkling the chopped toffee bars on top.

Recipe Tips

• Stir the Sauce Constantly: When making the sauce, stirring continuously prevents the cream and sugars from burning on the bottom of the pan. This ensures your sauce is smooth and free of any scorched taste.
• Use a Wire Rack for the Bacon: Baking bacon on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate all around it, making it perfectly crispy on all sides. It also allows the excess fat to drip down onto the baking sheet.
• Loosen the Bacon While Warm: Don’t skip the step of lifting the bacon off the rack as it cools. The maple glaze becomes very hard and sticky once it cools completely, and this simple action will keep it from cementing to the rack.
• Chill the Sauce Completely: Make sure the whiskey maple sauce is fully chilled before serving. A cold sauce will sit beautifully on top of the ice cream, whereas a warm sauce will cause it to melt immediately.

What To Serve Sundaes

These sundaes are a rich dessert all on their own. The best pairing is a simple beverage that complements or cuts through the sweetness. A cup of strong, black coffee or a shot of espresso is a perfect contrast. For a cohesive theme, you could also serve a small glass of the same whiskey used in the sauce.

How To Store Leftovers

The components of this sundae should be stored separately. Assembled sundaes do not store well. Sauce: The whiskey maple sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It will thicken when cold; you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using. Bacon: Store the candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It may lose some of its crispness over time.

Whiskey Maple Sundaes with Candied Bacon Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 sundae
• Calories: 750 kcal
• Total Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 75g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 65g
• Protein: 10g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to a week in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors may even deepen over time.
• Can I use a different flavor of ice cream? Absolutely! While chocolate is a classic pairing, this sundae would also be delicious with vanilla bean, coffee, salted caramel, or butter pecan ice cream.
• Is there a non-alcoholic version? To make this recipe without alcohol, you can simply omit the whiskey. For a bit of extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sauce after you take it off the heat.
• What if I don’t have a wire rack for the bacon? You can bake the bacon directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It might not be as evenly crisp, but it will still be delicious. Be sure to flip the bacon halfway through the baking time.

Try More Recipes:

• White Chocolate and Berry Pancakes Recipe
• White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies Recipe
• Yummy Slice-and-Bake Cookies Recipe