Recipe: Vegan Maple Bacon Hot Fudge Sundae

I'm sure every vegan can relate to that feeling of being bombarded with bacon everywhere you look in the foodie world, where it seems as if no food item is immune to being combined with it... bacon beer, bacon apple pie, even bacon PB&J. When I was recently sent a link to bacon ice cream, I think I just about went over the bacon edge. My immediate reaction to this idea had me rolling my eyes and sighing heavily, and yet, on second thought my head was pondering, "hmmm... vegan bacon ice cream sundae??" If this could be veganized, it would be like sacrileging sacrilege, thus canceling it out. So I gave it a try and I am beyond pleased with the results.

I made a simple chocolate sauce sweetened with maple syrup and heated in a pot just until warm to the touch. Then I drizzled it liberally over some super creamy vanilla So Delicious soy ice cream. The hot fudge was topped with a generous sprinkling of WayFare Foods "pigout" vegan bacony bits.

The end result was a rich and decadent dessert that was sweet and savory with just the right amount of saltiness. I think I'd double the portion of bits the next time, or maybe even swirl some in with the ice cream and refreeze it. This got better and better as it sat and oozed away in my hot and humid kitchen. Delish!!

Vegan Maple Bacon Hot Fudge
1 Tbl coconut oil
1 Tbl cocoa powder
1 Tbl Sucanat
1 Tbl maple syrup
2 Tbl rice milk (approx.)
splash of vanilla
pinch of sea salt
2 tsp WayFare Foods "Pigout" vegan bacony bits

In a small pot over medium, stir together coconut oil, cocoa powder, Sucanat, and maple syrup until there are no lumps. Heat for about a minute or until sauce thickens, then gradually add a tablespoon or two of rice milk, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt, and stir together to achieve a smooth and silky consistency. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vegan bacony bits, then pour sauce over soy ice cream. Sprinkle with remaining bacony bits.