There’s something seriously magical about sweet and savoury together. It shouldn’t work but it really, really does. That contrast between salty and sweet, crispy and sticky, rich and tangy? It just hits differently.
That’s exactly why we’re bringing you our Bacon & Maple Syrup Pancake Blondie for Shrove Tuesday because why limit pancakes to breakfast when they can be transformed into a gloriously gooey blondie?
But before we get into that, let’s take a moment to appreciate the science, history, and pure genius behind sweet and savoury food pairings and why they’ve been making people weak at the knees for centuries.
Why Do Sweet & Savoury Work So Well?
We don’t just like sweet and savoury together, we’re wired to love it. Here’s why:
1. It’s a Brain Hack
Sweet flavours = quick energy. Salty flavours = essential minerals. Our brains love both, so when they come together, we get a double hit of satisfaction.
2. Umami is the Secret Weapon
You know that deep, savoury deliciousness in cheese, bacon, or soy sauce? That’s umami, and when you pair it with something sweet, it amplifies both flavours in the best way. Another great example is Miso, a salty savoury umami fermented soya bean paste that makes dishes addictive. We're currently adding miso to sticky toffee sauce and serving with the Sticky Toffee Blondie.
3. It’s All About Texture
The best food experiences aren’t just about flavour, they’re about texture too. Think crispy bacon dripping with sticky maple syrup, smooth chocolate with crunchy crisps, or buttery cheese with tangy fruit. It’s a sensory overload (in the best way possible).
Sweet & Savoury Pairings Through History
This isn’t just a modern trend, people have been mixing sweet and savoury for centuries. Some of the first recorded pairings go way back:
Duck à l’Orange (16th Century, France & Italy)
This classic French dish actually started in Renaissance Italy, where rich meats were often paired with citrus or fruit sauces. The combo of fatty duck and sharp, tangy orange was (and still is) a total game-changer.
Mincemeat (Medieval Britain)
Would you believe that mince pies used to contain actual meat? Back in medieval times, mincemeat was a mix of spiced meat, dried fruit, and suet, a balance of sweet and savoury that helped preserve the ingredients. Over time, the meat was ditched, but the spices and fruit remained, giving us the sweet mince pies we know today.
Sweet & Sour in Asian & Middle Eastern Cuisine
From Chinese sweet and sour pork to Persian stews with pomegranate and lamb, many cuisines have embraced sweet-savoury contrasts for centuries. The idea of balancing flavours, whether it’s with honey, fruit, or tangy sauces, is nothing new, but it never gets old.
Iconic Sweet & Savoury Pairings We Can’t Get Enough Of
Some combos are just so good, they’ve earned legendary status. Here are a few:
1. Bacon & Maple Syrup 🥓🍁
If you’ve ever had a stack of fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and golden maple syrup, you already know. The salty-sweet contrast is next level.
2. Salted Caramel 🧂🍯
Whoever first added a pinch of salt to caramel deserves a medal. The salt sharpens the sweetness, making it even more addictive.
3. Cheese & Something Sweet 🧀🍯
- Brie & Cranberry – Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet.
- Goat’s Cheese & Honey – A classic for a reason.
- Cheddar & Apple – The sharper the cheese, the better the pairing.
4. Crisps & Chocolate 🍫🥔
Sounds weird, tastes incredible. The mix of creamy chocolate and salty crunch is dangerously moreish. We've been using this combo for a number of years in our Everything Brownie it's packed with Crinkle Cut Salted Crisps coated in chocolate sitting on a brownie with a few other things 😜
5. Fried Chicken & Honey (or Waffles) 🍗🍯
An American soul food staple—crispy, savoury fried chicken meets sweet syrupy goodness.
6. Prosciutto & Melon 🥓🍈
An Italian classic that proves less is more. Sweet, juicy melon with salty, paper-thin prosciutto? Perfection.
7. Mango & Chilli 🌶️🥭
Popular in Mexican and Thai street food, this combo of sweet, tangy mango with a spicy kick is pure flavour magic.
Introducing: The Bacon & Maple Syrup Pancake Blondie
Now, imagine the magic of bacon and maple syrup pancakes—but in blondie form.
This limited-edition bake is packed with real maple syrup, crispy bacon pieces, and that buttery, golden richness that makes blondies so addictive. It’s sweet, it’s salty, and it’s ridiculously good.
Available for one week only for Pancake Day, so don’t wait too long to grab yours!
Final Thoughts: What’s Your Favourite Sweet & Savoury Combo?
Sweet and savoury isn’t just a passing trend—it’s one of the best things to ever happen to food. Whether you’re into salted caramel, chocolate-covered crisps, or bacon in your brownies, there’s always something new to try.
So, what’s your go-to sweet & savoury pairing? And more importantly—who’s brave enough to try our Bacon & Maple Syrup Pancake Blondie? Let us know in the comments!
