The Best Pecan Pie Bark Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Treat

Pecan pie bark refines a classic dessert into an irresistible snack that captures the essence of indulgence.

Crisp, buttery layers meld with rich caramel undertones, creating a sensational treat that awakens memories of home-baked comfort.

Nutty pecans dance across a golden base, promising a symphony of textures and flavors in every crisp fragment.

Sweet and crunchy elements combine to elevate this simple confection beyond ordinary expectations.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making it a go-to recipe for busy home bakers seeking something extraordinary.

The magic lies in its simplicity and ability to surprise even seasoned dessert enthusiasts.

Your next gathering will sparkle with excitement when you unveil this delectable creation.

Why Pecan Pie Bark Is the Easiest Way to Go Nutty

• Craft Sweet Layers: Enjoy a delightful combination of crispy graham crackers and rich, buttery caramel pecan topping that creates an irresistible bark with multiple texture experiences in every bite.
• Quick Dessert Magic: Whip up this incredibly simple recipe in just 20 minutes total, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings without complicated baking skills required.
• Decadent Comfort Treat: Experience a nostalgic dessert that transforms classic pecan pie flavors into an easier, more shareable format with indulgent caramelized notes and satisfying crunch that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Break into bite-sized pieces for easy serving at potlucks, holiday events, or casual get-togethers, offering a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.

What You’ll Need for This Crunchy Sweet Treat

• Graham Crackers: Sturdy base that provides a crisp foundation for the bark.
• Butter: Rich ingredient that helps create a smooth caramel and prevents sticking.

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create a rich caramel mixture.
• Pecans, Chopped: Provides nutty crunch and classic pecan pie flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the caramel.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor to the caramel mixture.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bark in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with butter for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Cracker Base

Arrange graham crackers across the entire baking sheet, breaking pieces to create a solid, snug layer.

Step 3: Craft Caramel Sauce

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Chopped pecans
• Salt

Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until mixture reaches a boil. Continue boiling for 2 minutes while constantly stirring.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boost

Remove caramel mixture from heat. Stir in vanilla extract thoroughly. Drizzle hot caramel evenly over graham crackers, using a spatula to spread for uniform coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Look for bubbling and golden-brown edges as signs of readiness.

Step 6: Cool and Break

Allow bark to cool completely on the baking pan, ensuring caramel sets properly. Once cooled, break into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Separate pieces and serve. Store in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Tips for Getting the Best Caramel Crunch

• Maximize Crunch: Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crispness to the bark.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Stir the butter and brown sugar mixture constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even caramel coating.
• Perfect Graham Cracker Base: Ensure crackers are tightly arranged without gaps to create a solid foundation for the caramel topping.
• Cooling Technique: Allow the bark to cool completely at room temperature to achieve the ideal crisp texture and prevent soggy results.
• Storage Savvy: Store bark in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain its crunchiness for up to a week.

The Best Way to Store Leftover Pecan Bark

• Refrigeration: Carefully transfer pecan pie bark pieces into an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week, keeping them away from moisture to maintain crispy texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bark pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to preserve original crunchiness.
• Reheating: Warm bark pieces gently in oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore initial crispness. Avoid microwave, which can make graham crackers soggy and caramel lose its delightful texture. Enjoy bark slightly warm or at room temperature for best flavor experience.

What Drinks or Desserts Go Great with It

• Pair with Creamy Bourbon Vanilla Milkshake: Blend rich vanilla ice cream with a splash of smooth bourbon, creating a decadent companion that complements the pecan pie bark's caramel and nutty flavors.
• Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, robust coffee that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the bark's deep caramel notes, providing a perfect balancing contrast.
• Serve alongside Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Scoop creamy salted caramel ice cream next to the bark, letting the cold, salty-sweet dessert create a harmonious flavor explosion that highlights the pecan's richness.
• Enjoy with Aged Tawny Port: Pour a glass of smooth, amber-colored port wine, whose dried fruit and nutty undertones beautifully echo the pecan pie bark's warm, toasty characteristics.

Flavor Twists to Mix into Your Next Batch

• Chocolate Pecan Paradise: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bark after cooling, creating a rich and decadent layer that complements the caramel and pecans perfectly.
• Maple Bourbon Crunch: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon to the caramel mixture for a sophisticated, deep flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Salted Caramel Sensation: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before baking to enhance the sweet-salty balance and add an elegant gourmet touch to the bark.
• Coconut Pecan Dream: Scatter toasted coconut flakes on top of the caramel layer before baking, introducing a tropical texture and nutty undertone that complements the existing ingredients.

Pecan Pie Bark Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pecan pie bark brings Southern charm to classic dessert lovers, delivering irresistible caramel-glazed pecans atop crisp buttery layers. Sweet meets crunchy in this simple treat that beckons you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pecans:

• 2 cups pecan halves (roughly chopped)

Base and Caramel Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (equivalent to 2 sticks or 226 grams)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 13 graham crackers

Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil, then lightly greasing the surface with butter to ensure easy removal later.
2. Create a uniform base by arranging graham crackers across the entire baking sheet, carefully breaking or trimming pieces to create a seamless, edge-to-edge layer.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine unsalted butter (or 227 grams), dark brown sugar (or 220 grams), finely chopped pecans (or 100 grams), and a pinch of kosher salt.
4. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring continuously until it reaches a rolling boil. Maintain the boil for exactly 2 minutes, constantly stirring to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
5. Remove the caramel from heat and quickly incorporate pure vanilla extract (or 5 milliliters), mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly.
6. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the graham cracker base, using a silicone spatula to spread it uniformly, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
7. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and small bubbles indicating proper caramelization.
8. Carefully remove from the oven and allow the bark to cool completely at room temperature, which will help the caramel set and become crisp.
9. Once fully cooled and hardened, break the bark into irregular, bite-sized pieces for serving and enjoying.

Notes

• Discover a sweet twist on classic pecan pie that transforms traditional flavors into an irresistible bark treat.
• Crispy graham crackers serve as the perfect base, creating a delightful foundation for rich caramel and crunchy pecans.
• Melting butter and brown sugar together produces a luxurious caramel sauce that coats every inch of the crackers with deep, complex sweetness.
• Quick baking process ensures a golden, bubbling surface that guarantees maximum flavor development and satisfying crunch.
• Cooling allows the caramel to set perfectly, turning this simple dessert into a shareable, break-apart confection that’ll impress everyone.
• Homemade bark beats store-bought treats, delivering a personal touch and fresh-from-the-oven deliciousness in every single bite.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking, Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 366 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 41 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg