Get ready to indulge in the ultimate sweet-and-savory dessert with these Virgin Chocolate Chunk Brownies with Maple Benton Bacon! Perfectly fudgy and irresistibly rich, these brownies are elevated with chunks of semi-sweet chocolate and a decadent sprinkle of crisp, caramelized bacon brushed with pure maple syrup. The contrast of gooey sweetness with smoky, salty bites creates an unforgettable flavor profile, while the thick-cut Benton bacon offers gourmet flair. Easy to make with simple pantry staples and just 20 minutes of prep, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results right at home. Whether youβre catering to chocoholics or bacon enthusiasts, these brownies are guaranteed to impress at your next gathering.
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Place the slices of Benton bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each slice generously with maple syrup on both sides.
Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 15β20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it is caramelized and crisp. Remove from the oven, let it cool, then chop into small pieces. Set aside.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325Β°F (165Β°C).
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks until fully melted and smooth.
Whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until well combined.
Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into a separate bowl. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in half of the chopped maple Benton bacon pieces and a small handful of extra chocolate chunks if desired.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces over the top of the batter for a decorative and flavorful finish.
Bake the brownies at 325Β°F for 25β30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 squares and serve.
Calories |
4787 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 227.3 g | 291% | |
| Saturated Fat | 118.8 g | 594% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 926 mg | 309% | |
| Sodium | 3721 mg | 162% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 666.6 g | 242% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.6 g | 127% | |
| Total Sugars | 534.8 g | ||
| Protein | 88.0 g | 176% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 335 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 24.5 mg | 136% | |
| Potassium | 2660 mg | 57% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.