

Caramel Bacon Walnut Squares
Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon 12oz
Caramel Bacon Walnut Squares combine the savory richness of Sunnyvalley Thick Cut Smoked Applewood Bacon with a sweet and buttery shortbread base. The bacon fat used in the base enhances the flavor and creates a delectable, crumbly texture. Topped with caramel sauce, crispy bacon pieces, and crunchy walnuts, these squares offer a perfect balance of salty and sweet. Ideal for a morning coffee accompaniment or as a tasty treat, these squares are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Serves:
24 squares
Time To Prepare:
1 hour 30 minutes (includes cooling time)
Directions
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1/4 cup of bacon fat for the recipe. Chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the Shortbread Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, bacon fat, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Bake the Base: Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Add Caramel and Bacon: Once the shortbread base is slightly cooled, spread the caramel sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the chopped bacon and chopped walnuts evenly over the caramel layer.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the topping is golden.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into long, skinny rectangles.
Ingredients
- 6 slices Sunnyvalley Thick Cut Smoked Applewood Bacon
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup bacon fat (from cooking the bacon)
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, for topping