Maple Bacon Brunch Shake Recipe

Bake or fry bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay 4 bacon slices in a single layer on the rack. If you want candied bacon, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the bacon before baking. Bake for 12–18 minutes, depending on thickness, until crisp. For stovetop, fry over medium heat in a skillet 6–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Reserve 1 slice for crumbling on top and set remaining slices aside for whole/strip garnish.

When cool, break one slice into small pieces for topping and keep 1–2 whole or halved strips to lean against the shake glass.

Reheat pancakes & waffles

Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-low. Add 1 tsp butter and warm the mini pancakes and mini waffles 30–60 seconds per side until lightly golden and warmed through. Alternatively, toast in a toaster for 30–60 seconds. Keep warm on a plate.

If desired, lightly drizzle 2 tsp maple syrup over the warmed mini pancakes and waffles and set aside for assembly.

Blend the shake

In a blender combine 3 cups vanilla ice cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch of kosher salt and 4 ice cubes. Blend on medium-high until smooth and thick, about 20–30 seconds. Stop and scrape down sides if needed; do not over-blend or the shake will become thin. Adjust thickness by adding a little more ice cream (thicker) or a splash more milk (thinner).

Taste and adjust sweetness with more maple syrup if desired.

Prepare glass

Chill a tall milkshake glass or mason jar if desired. Optionally run a little maple syrup around the inside rim for decoration.

Pour the blended shake into the prepared glass, leaving about 1.5–2 inches at the top for toppings.

Top the shake with about 1/2 cup whipped cream, then arrange warmed mini pancakes (3) and mini waffles (2) on top, slightly overlapping. Drizzle 1 tsp maple syrup over the toppings.

Insert one or two whole or halved bacon strips leaning against the glass and sprinkle the reserved bacon crumbles over the whipped cream and pancakes. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or add a mini maple candy for extra presentation.

Serve immediately with a wide straw and a long spoon.