Decadent Maple Bacon Chocolate Chunk Brownies
These Decadent Maple Bacon Chocolate Chunk Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic treat, combining the rich, fudgy flavor of bittersweet chocolate with the sweet and savory notes of maple syrup and crispy bacon. Made with whole wheat pastry flour for a hearty texture, these brownies are not only delicious but also a bit more nutritious. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an indulgent snack, these brownies are sure to impress and satisfy. Whether you choose to include the bacon or not, each bite is a burst of flavor that balances sweetness and saltiness beautifully.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bittersweet chocolate pieces
4 ounces (chopped)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
Large eggs
2 (at room temperature)
Granulated sugar
3/4 cup (none)
Maple syrup
2 teaspoons (none)
Sea salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup (sifted)
Cooked bacon
1/3 cup (crumbled)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang to make removal easier, and spray the foil with cooking spray.
2
2. In a microwave-safe bowl or a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the bittersweet chocolate pieces. Stir frequently until completely melted and smooth.
3
3. Once the chocolate has melted and cooled slightly, whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until well combined. Set aside to cool further.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy, creating a lovely airy texture.
5
5. Gently mix in the maple syrup and sea salt into the egg mixture. Then, carefully fold in the cooled chocolate and olive oil mixture until combined.
6
6. Next, sift in the whole wheat pastry flour and fold it into the batter gently, being careful not to overmix.
7
7. Finally, fold in the cooked bacon, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
8. Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by looking for a shiny, dry, slightly crackly top — these indicators often appear around the 20-minute mark. If you wait for 25 minutes, you’ll get richer flavor.
10
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the foil overhang to lift the brownies out and cut into squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these Decadent Maple Bacon Chocolate Chunk Brownies unique?
These brownies combine the rich flavor of bittersweet chocolate with the sweet and savory notes of maple syrup and crispy bacon, using whole wheat pastry flour for a hearty texture.
What type of flour is used in this brownie recipe?
The recipe calls for one-half cup of sifted whole wheat pastry flour.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal, and spray the foil with cooking spray.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I melt the bittersweet chocolate?
Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water until smooth.
What kind of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one-third cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should I beat the eggs and sugar?
Beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
Why is it important to beat the eggs and sugar for five minutes?
Beating them for this duration creates a lovely airy texture for the brownies.
When do I add the maple syrup and salt?
Gently mix the maple syrup and sea salt into the egg and sugar mixture after they have been beaten until fluffy.
How do I incorporate the melted chocolate and oil?
Carefully fold the cooled chocolate and olive oil mixture into the egg mixture until combined.
How should the flour be added to the batter?
Sift the whole wheat pastry flour and fold it into the batter gently, taking care not to overmix.
When is the bacon added to the mixture?
Fold in the cooked, crumbled bacon as the final step before pouring the batter into the pan.
What is the baking time for these brownies?
Bake the brownies for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I check if the brownies are done?
Look for a shiny, dry, and slightly crackly top, which usually appears around the 20-minute mark.
What is the benefit of baking the brownies for the full 25 minutes?
Baking for the full 25 minutes results in a richer flavor profile.
How should the brownies be cooled?
Let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to remove or cut them.
How do I remove the brownies from the baking pan?
Once cooled, use the foil overhang to lift the entire block of brownies out of the pan.
Can I make these brownies without bacon?
Yes, you can choose to include or exclude the bacon; each bite will still provide a burst of flavor.
What type of chocolate is recommended?
The recipe specifies four ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate pieces.
Should the eggs be at a specific temperature?
The recipe suggests using two large eggs at room temperature.
How much maple syrup is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires two teaspoons of maple syrup.
How much bacon is needed?
You will need one-third cup of cooked and crumbled bacon.
What size baking pan should I use?
Use an 8-inch or 20 cm square baking pan.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include brownies, chocolate, bacon, maple syrup, dessert, sweet and savory, and whole grain.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is suitable for holiday baking or party treats.
What is the texture of these brownies?
They have a rich, fudgy flavor with a hearty texture from the whole wheat pastry flour.
How much sea salt is included?
The recipe calls for one-quarter teaspoon of sea salt.
How much sugar is in the batter?
The recipe uses three-quarters of a cup of granulated sugar.
Can I use regular whole wheat flour instead?
The recipe specifies whole wheat pastry flour for its lighter texture; regular whole wheat flour may make the brownies denser.
What should I do after removing the brownies from the pan?
Once lifted out using the foil, cut the brownies into squares for serving.