It’s Christmas Eve, 2025, and I’m finally writing this recipe down because I quite literally woke up to a text from a friend asking for it. Again. And at that point, I figured it was time.
This maple pecan candied bacon goes all the way back to our annual Christmas party in 2016. I baked up a tray for friends, set it out with the appetizers, and watched it vanish. No leftovers. No crumbs. Just a lot of “What is this?” and “Can you send me the recipe?”
Since then, it’s become that dish…the one people ask about every single year, the one I’m expected to bring, the one that somehow never makes it onto a plate long enough to cool. And yet, despite all those requests, it’s taken me nearly a decade (and one well-timed Christmas Eve text) to finally get it onto my wee little blog.
This is one of those recipes you can whip up in a pinch and trust it completely. Sweet, smoky, crispy, just a little spicy and wildly easy. In theory, if there were ever leftovers, I might dice them up and scatter them over a salad or use them as a garnish for deviled eggs. In reality? Highly doubtful. This bacon has a way of disappearing.
So here it is. At last.
Let’s get to the recipe.
Maple Pecan Bacon Crack
Sweet, salty, smoky, and lightly spicy candied bacon baked with maple syrup, brown sugar, pecans, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne. Dangerously addictive and perfect for gatherings, charcuterie boards, or snacking straight off the rack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (dark or light)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans sift to keep pieces and avoid pecan "dust"
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (a pinch, add to preference)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack.
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Arrange bacon strips in a single layer on the rack without overlapping.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, until bacon has rendered some fat and begun to firm but is not yet crisp.
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In a small bowl, stir together maple syrup and brown sugar until smooth.
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Remove bacon from oven and brush each strip generously with the maple mixture.
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Sprinkle evenly with chopped pecans, black pepper, and cayenne.
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Return to oven and bake 8–12 minutes, watching carefully as the sugar caramelizes.
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Remove from oven and let cool on the rack for 5–7 minutes to set before serving.
Recipe Notes
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Watch closely during the final bake because they can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.
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For extra crispness, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes (do not leave unattended).
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Reheat leftovers at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to re-crisp.
A New Season, Rooted in the Same Calling
For many years, my blog has been shaped by a love for God’s Word lived out in everyday life—through hospitality, creativity, shared meals, and faithful rhythms at home and in community.
In this season, that same heart continues here at the Jennifer G. Richmond Blog, while Bible studies, devotionals, teaching, and the Dwelling Richly podcast are now gathered under the growing Dwelling Richly ministry. God has been faithfully preparing this next step, and I’m deeply grateful for where we’ve been—and excited for what’s ahead as Dwelling Richly grows to serve homes, churches, and communities more fully.
Here on the blog: reflections, recipes, creativity, hospitality, and everyday encouragement
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Dwelling Richly Fellowship – January 10, 1-4pm – Come and hear about where Dwelling Richly is going and how you can be a part…
- join a Bible study
- host and/or lead a Grace Group
- start a Dwelling Richly group in your home or church
- get discipled to grow in your faith
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Dwelling Richly Bible Studies – January 18-24 – Bible study Grace Groups begin – join or host a group in your area…
- Dwelling Richly Bible studies meet every other week January through March beginning the week of January 18
- Current Groups (more being added soon!)
- Sundays, 5-6:30pm, La Mirada home group
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