Bacon – yes. Bourbon – of course. Brownies – ummm, yeah. A little pecan butter and a touch of maple syrup – sure. All layered into a cake – why not?

All of these things are amazing, yes.

And together, they are astonishing.

Yes, beautifully astonishing.

It’s all grain-free.

And it’s all so delicious.

Bacon Bourbon Brownie Cake

Candied Bacon:
3 Tbs. maple sugar
6-7 slices of bacon, finely diced

Grain-Free Brownies:
2 cups organic roasted pecan butter**
1/2 cup + 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup
2 Tbs. bourbon 
2 large eggs, whisked
1 tsp/ vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. sea salt

Maple Pecan Butter:
1/3 cup roasted pecan butter**
1 Tbs. pure maple syrup 

**roasted almond butter is a fine substitute

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two 4″ cake pans or ramekins with coconut oil or butter.

Combine the maple sugar and finely diced bacon together in a large cast iron skillet. Cook, fry, sauté until glossy brown and caramelized, stirring constantly. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix the pecan butter, maple syrup, bourbon, eggs, and vanilla. Fold in the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Divide the Candied Bacon bits into quarters. Line the bottom each each pan with 1/4 of the bacon. Top with a layer of the brownie batter (divide that into quarters as well). Top with another layer of bacon bits, and then with the remaining brownie batter.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle.

Allow the brownie cakes to cool completely. Carefully invert to remove from the cake pans. Top one brownie cake with the Maple Pecan Butter. Place the remaining cake atop the Maple Pecan Butter layer.

Devour…maybe with some ice cream and an extra drizzle of bourbon! Why not?