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Home Dietary Gluten Free

Man Candy: Candied Bacon and Nuts

By:Nagi
Published:30 Jan '15Updated:18 Oct '20
54 Comments
Recipe v

Candied bacon and nuts. “Man Candy”. It couldn’t possibly be called anything else. Ridiculously addictive. Easy to make. Be careful who you make this for!

A tray of Candied Bacon and Nuts

It is rare to meet a bloke who doesn’t love bacon. It is like men are genetically programmed to be obsessed with bacon. And beer, for that matter. And beef. Did I just figure out the holy trinity for men? Beer, Beef and Bacon.

This candy doesn’t have beef or beer in it. I did make a version with beer, but it was more effort to make, you couldn’t actually taste the beer in it and it had a much thicker candy coating which I thought made it far too sweet.

This one is super simple to make. It is actually a recipe by Sunny Anderson (an American celebrity chef) which she calls Bacon Bark. I changed the name because after 3 attempts to make it, it never came out like “bark” and I am not convinced it could because there is simply not enough toffee/candy to spread and hold the bacon and nuts together. It does stick together in chunks, but not like “bark”.

So I thought candy was a more suitable name for it. It’s like candied nuts – but with bacon added. You can break it up completely, all leave it in bigger chunks (which I prefer).

This is INSANELY ADDICTIVE!

A cup of Candied Bacon and Nuts (walnuts and pecan)

The ingredients are exactly the same as Sunny’s recipe but I rewrote it with more instructions so you can benefit from my failed efforts. The first time I made it, it didn’t come out like candy, more like a sticky caramel. This was because there was too much bacon fat, so I added the step to drain excess fat off the baking tray before adding the nuts. The second time I made it, I didn’t use baking / parchment paper which the recipe said was optional, but it’s definitely necessary because otherwise the toffee gets stuck on the baking tray.

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Homemade Man Candy. Now that’s a priceless gift!

– Nagi

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A tray of Candied Bacon and Nuts

Man Candy: Candied Bacon and Nuts

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 25 minutes mins
Total: 35 minutes mins
Bacon, Candy
5 from 12 votes
Servings6 - 8
Tap or hover to scale
Print
  • 353
Easy to make, and a great gift for any bacon lover. Just be careful who you give it to. Because they will be begging you to make it again and again and again!!

Ingredients

Candied Bacon

  • 6 slices centre cut or middle bacon (about 200g / 6 oz) (Note 1)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or normal)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (Note 2)
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (Note 2)
  • 1 lemon , zest only
  • Pinch of salt
  • Black pepper (3 grinds)

Candied Nuts

  • 1 cup pecans , roughly chopped
  • 1 cup walnuts , roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or normal)
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (Note 3)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (Note 2)
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (Note 2)
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • Black pepper (3 grinds)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
  • Line a baking tray with baking paper (parchment paper).
  • Cut the bacon into 1.5cm / 0.6" pieces (remove rind if it has it).
  • Combine with remaining Candied Bacon ingredients in a bowl and use your fingers to coat the bacon.
  • Combine the Candied Nuts ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine.
  • Spread the Candied Bacon onto a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes, or until the sugar is bubbling and the bacon is starting to turn brown (i.e. almost cooked).
  • Remove the bacon from the tray using a slotted spatula (so you don't get too much bacon fat) and transfer it into the bowl with the nuts. Mix to combine.
  • Use a spatula to scrape and pour the excess oil off the parchment paper (this is what I did).
  • Pour the nuts back onto the baking tray and bake for 15 minutes, stirring once at half time.
  • Turn the oven off and open the door slightly. Leave for at least 15 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.
  • Break the candy into chunks. To store, place into an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. (Note 4)

Recipe Notes:

1. Center cut is lower in fat than streaky bacon. In Australia, the equivalent is middle bacon which is the type most commonly found at supermarkets. Streaky bacon can also be used but use 1 extra piece because the bacon is much fattier and the fat renders out when you bake it so you will end up with less bacon unless you use an extra piece.
2. The original recipe calls for hot Hungarian Paprika. I couldn't find this, so I just used ordinary and added cayenne pepper for the heat. You could also use chili powder, but make sure it's pure chili powder, not American chili powder which is more like a seasoning which has other flavourings like onion powder in it.
If you happen to have hot Hungarian Paprika, then you can use 1/2 tsp of it instead of 1/2 tsp ordinary paprika + 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper.
3. Pumpkin Pie Spice is a spice blend used for pumpkin pie which you can buy pre blended in America. I make my own - it's very simple: 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder + 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg + 1/4 tsp all spice + 1/8 tsp ground ginger.
4. I am not 100% sure how long it can be kept for. I have never seen it last more than 3 days, so I know it's fine for up to 3 days. It should be stored in the refrigerator - because of the bacon. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
5. Nutrition assumes 6 servings but this does not take into account that the rendered fat is discarded.
Man Candy Bacon Pecan Walnuts Nutrition

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 82gCalories: 443cal (22%)Carbohydrates: 21.5g (7%)Protein: 16.1g (32%)Fat: 34.5g (53%)Saturated Fat: 5.3g (33%)Cholesterol: 28mg (9%)Sodium: 582mg (25%)Potassium: 360mg (10%)Fiber: 3.4g (14%)Sugar: 16.6g (18%)Vitamin A: 250IU (5%)Vitamin C: 1.7mg (2%)Calcium: 40mg (4%)Iron: 1.8mg (10%)
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

 

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54 Comments

  1. Joyce says

    December 24, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    5 stars
    OMG! Like I need this while on partial lockdown, rainy weather and the gym is closed! Not! Used pecan halves and cashews, hot smoked paprika AND cayenne. SO good! I wonder if drizzling it with chocolate would be too much? 😉.

    Reply
  2. Amy Morgan says

    January 26, 2020 at 2:15 pm

    5 stars
    We made this to go on ice cream, unbelievably good!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      January 28, 2020 at 11:45 am

      OH YES! I’m going to have to do this!

      Reply
  3. Victoria says

    December 14, 2018 at 12:02 am

    I absolutely love everything about your website, your recipes, your notes, your funny comments and your beautiful dog!
    I used to be a big fan of the Foodnetwork, until I found one of your recipes. Thank you and keep up the good work.
    I am definitely going to make the Christmas Cheese Log next week. My husband is Italian and he would love it!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 14, 2018 at 1:31 pm

      Thanks so much Victoria! I’ve eaten way too much of it the last week – it’s just that good! I hope you love it too!

      Reply
  4. teresa bartz says

    October 10, 2015 at 4:31 am

    5 stars
    I have been making this for a while, before finding your recipe. How I do it, is i buy the thick sliced bacon, and I place it in the oven in complete slices, on the parchment paper, and cook it until it is about 2/3 cooked. I take it out and let it cool. when it is cool, i place a rack on the cookie sheet and place the bacon strips on it. so any remaining fat will drip down off it onto the paper below. I put the brown sugar, spices and pecans in a food processor and pulse it just until the pecans are in small pieces. I then spread it on a piece of waxed paper and coat the bacon slices in it and place them back on the rack. I then put it back in the oven to finish baking until crispy and bubbling.
    when cool, you can break it into small pieces, or eat it as is.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      October 10, 2015 at 7:00 am

      That’s a great tip!! Is that your own recipe or did you find Sunny’s recipe too and “fix” it?

      Reply
      • teresa bartz says

        October 10, 2015 at 9:32 am

        no, its my own actually. i was watching a tv show and they talked about candied bacon, and i wondered if it was a real thing, lol cause i had never heard of it and I LOVE bacon hahaha. So when I googled it, and read a few ways of making it i set about making my own version.

        Reply
  5. Dorothy Dunton says

    May 5, 2015 at 1:25 am

    P.S. I would use smoked paprika – another thing I’m obsessed with (oh, and then there is chipotle powder)… 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      May 5, 2015 at 8:25 am

      Same here! I LOVE the smokey flavour 🙂

      Reply
  6. Dorothy Dunton says

    May 5, 2015 at 1:21 am

    Hi Nagi! Don’t know I missed this post! I agree with the comments above – Woman candy!! Then again, you know how I obsess over bacon! I start to panic when my bacon stash starts running low!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      May 5, 2015 at 8:24 am

      ME TOO! I always ALWAYS have a stash in the freezer. If you have bacon, you always have a meal on hand!!

      Reply
  7. sherry from sherrys pickings says

    February 6, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    yum yum it sounds perfect. i love bacon with sweet things.!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      February 6, 2015 at 6:24 pm

      Me too! Bacon candy is awesome!! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Maggie says

    February 4, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    Now this is great! Never thought about putting bacon and nuts together, but it sounds fantastic! And of course, with beer! Don’t need to add beer into it. Just need beer, the cold one 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      February 5, 2015 at 7:04 am

      Thanks Maggie!! And YES, a beer goes great with this! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Anna (Hidden Ponies) says

    February 4, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    THIS is a Valentine’s treat my hubby would love and be TOTALLY surprised by – and the name couldn’t be more brilliant! Pinned – I’ve made candied bacon and loved it so I can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      February 4, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      Thanks Anna! Hope you do make it for him! 🙂

      Reply
  10. mila furman says

    February 3, 2015 at 5:41 am

    Nagi! THIS LOOKS AMAZE~~~ OMG why did I nut make this for the SuperBowl!!! You are a genius!!! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      February 3, 2015 at 6:47 am

      Thanks Mila!! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Tara @ Deliciously Declassified says

    January 31, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    WOW – this is seriously a man’s dream come true! Ok, maybe a bacon lovin’ woman, too. 😉

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      February 1, 2015 at 5:21 am

      I really got the name wrong, didn’t I?? WOMAN Candy!! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Easyfoodsmith says

    January 31, 2015 at 10:16 pm

    5 stars
    That does sound addictive. I have made candied walnuts before but never used bacon.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      February 1, 2015 at 5:22 am

      It IS insanely addictive. Dangerously so!!

      Reply
  13. Lisa Kaufer-Smithey says

    January 31, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    5 stars
    Are you kidding? Sweet + Salty, and you said HALF TIME! in the same recipe! This is a SUPER BOWL treat if there ever was one! go SEATTLE SEAHAWKS! LOL BIG game this Sunday and I think I just found my treat to bring. Who says we can’t have big flavors in a snack 😉 Your awesome Nagi- Thank you.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 31, 2015 at 6:57 pm

      That’s exactly right Lisa!! Big flavours in breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts and snacks! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) says

    January 31, 2015 at 9:02 am

    Beer + Beef + Bacon = Bloke! OMG Nagi – this can’t just be kept for the blokes!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 31, 2015 at 9:26 am

      Oh I know! From all the comments, I have realised the error in naming this recipe!! He he! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Sarah says

    January 31, 2015 at 5:25 am

    Yum! I’ll be giving this a try, sounds like something the Spork will love.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 31, 2015 at 5:42 am

      It’s crazy good Sarah!! I was so addicted! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says

    January 31, 2015 at 5:09 am

    5 stars
    This looks FABULOUS, Nagi. I’m going to call it woman candy – at least this woman. We have a local restaurant who makes something similar and mixes it in with caramel corn. I know. Decadent! But now I have an idea of how to make it at home. whee!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 31, 2015 at 5:42 am

      Oooh, popcorn would be a FAB addition!! I’d go that restaurant just to get this!! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Bruce Porcaro says

    January 31, 2015 at 4:22 am

    I’m speechless!! I’m so excited by this recipe!! I can not wait to try this! My mouth is watering to the point of drooling! It’s taking all i have to not lick my computer screen!

    Thank you Thank you Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 31, 2015 at 5:43 am

      I absolutely laughed out loud when I saw this message!! I love your enthusiasm and I promise that the real thing is better than licking the computer screen!! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Annie+@+ciaochowbambina says

    January 31, 2015 at 3:30 am

    5 stars
    Oh wow! My husband will love this…and I will, too!! I love how creative this is!! Thanks, Nagi!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 31, 2015 at 5:43 am

      Thanks Annie! You’re so sweet! And YES your husband WILL love this!! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Janette@culinaryginger says

    January 31, 2015 at 3:27 am

    5 stars
    This is my kind of snack, salty sweet and pretty darn tasty. Great recipe.

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 31, 2015 at 5:44 am

      Thanks Janette! It’s my kind of snack too, I really like a hint of salt with sweet! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Kristen @ The Endless Meal says

    January 31, 2015 at 3:19 am

    5 stars
    This looks incredible!!

    Reply
    • Nagi | RecipeTin says

      January 31, 2015 at 5:44 am

      Thanks Kristen! 🙂

      Reply
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