Irresistible Pecan Pie Bark Recipe

Pecan Pie Bark Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Crafting this delectable pecan pie bark will transport you to a world of sweet, crunchy bliss.

Layers of golden graham crackers create a perfect canvas for the rich, caramel-like topping.

Buttery pecans dance across the surface, promising a symphony of textures in every bite.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this no-fuss dessert that comes together faster than traditional pies.

Clusters of toasted nuts add a delightful crunch that makes each piece irresistibly addictive.

The magic happens when caramel coats every inch, turning simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Grab a piece and watch magic unfold – this bark is about to become your new favorite indulgence.

Helpful Tips for Bark with the Right Snap

  • Optimize Cracker Base: Use saltine crackers with minimal salt for a balanced sweet-savory flavor profile that complements the toffee and chocolate layers.
  • Prevent Toffee Burning: Stir butter and brown sugar constantly to ensure even caramelization and avoid scorching, which can create bitter undertones in the bark.
  • Chocolate Melting Hack: Let residual heat from the toffee soften chocolate chips naturally, allowing for smooth spreading without additional heating that might cause chocolate to seize.
  • Customize Nut Options: Swap pecans with almonds, walnuts, or mixed nuts to create personalized variations while maintaining the bark's delicious crunch and texture.
  • Storage Success: Store bark in an airtight container between parchment paper layers at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness and crisp texture.

Storing Pecan Pie Bark It Lasts

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 7 days. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Wrap bark pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months without losing quality or taste.
  • Remove from freezer and let bark sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent chocolate from melting unevenly.
  • For best texture, consume bark within a week of preparing. Enjoy slightly chilled for a crisp, satisfying crunch.

Drinks and Treats That Go With This Bark

  • Blend vanilla ice cream, bourbon, and a dash of cinnamon to complement the rich, sweet pecan pie bark flavors.
  • Brew a strong, bold coffee that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the nutty pecan and chocolate notes.
  • Mix apple cider, caramel vodka, and a cinnamon stick to echo the warm, toasty elements of the dessert bark.
  • Steep chai tea with extra cardamom and serve with steamed milk to balance the bark's intense sweetness and provide a warming contrast.

New Ways to Flavor Pecan Pie Bark

  • Gluten-Free Bark: Replace saltine crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free pretzels for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Bark: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Replace pecans with almonds or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar. Choose dark chocolate with minimal added sugar to reduce overall sweetness.
  • Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies. Use seed butter in place of traditional toffee ingredients for similar richness.

Pecan Pie Bark That’s Hard to Put Down

  • Create a delectable treat using simple pantry staples like saltine crackers, butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips.
  • Enjoy a stress-free cooking process with straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master effortlessly.
  • Serve as a crowd-pleasing dessert at gatherings, holiday parties, or package as a homemade gift that everyone will love.

Essentials for Crunchy Pecan Pie Bark

Base Layer:
  • Saltine Crackers: Crisp foundation for the bark, providing a salty and crunchy base that supports the sweet toffee layer.
Toffee Mixture:
  • Butter, Brown Sugar, Salt: Rich combination that creates a deep caramel-like toffee with complex sweetness and depth of flavor.
Nut Topping:
  • Pecans: Adds a rich, buttery crunch and signature nutty flavor that complements the sweet toffee base.
Chocolate Layer:
  • Chocolate Chips: Smooth, melty topping that adds luxurious chocolate flavor and beautiful glossy finish to the bark.
Optional Add-ins:
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, sweet undertones.
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Prepare Pecan Bark Without Trouble

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Create a single layer of saltine crackers across the entire sheet.

Step 2: Create Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add:
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt

Stir constantly until the mixture bubbles. Simmer for 3 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Coat Crackers

Pour the hot caramel mixture over crackers. Use a spatula to spread evenly, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle chopped pecans across the entire surface.

Step 4: Toast and Bake

Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350F (175C). Bake for 8-10 minutes until the caramel bubbles and pecans turn golden brown.

Step 5: Chocolate Drizzle

Remove the tray from the oven. Scatter chocolate chips over the hot surface. Wait 2-3 minutes for chips to soften. Spread chocolate into a smooth layer using a spatula.

Step 6: Cool and Break

Allow bark to cool completely at room temperature. For faster setting, place in refrigerator. Once hardened, break into irregular pieces. Serve and enjoy your crunchy, sweet treat!

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Irresistible Pecan Pie Bark Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Pie Bark Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Pecan pie bark brings Southern comfort straight to dessert tables with a crisp, buttery base and caramelized nutty topping. Sweet layers of graham crackers and rich pecans create a simple yet indulgent treat you can quickly devour and share with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Pecan Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups pecans, roughly chopped

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)

Base and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Arrange a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, lightly coating with cooking spray. Meticulously layer saltine crackers across the entire surface to create a uniform base.
  2. Generate a rich toffee by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate brown sugar and salt, stirring consistently until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
  3. Maintain a gentle boil for precisely 3 minutes without disrupting the mixture. Carefully remove from heat and infuse with vanilla extract, creating a glossy caramel-like consistency.
  4. Cascade the hot toffee evenly across the cracker foundation, using a spatula to ensure complete coverage and uniform distribution.
  5. Generously scatter chopped pecans over the toffee layer, creating a textural landscape of nutty crunch.
  6. Transfer the prepared sheet to a preheated 350F (175C) oven, allowing the toffee to bubble and pecans to achieve a golden, toasted appearance over 8-10 minutes.
  7. Immediately after removing from the oven, disperse chocolate chips across the hot surface. Allow 2-3 minutes for natural melting, then smoothly spread into a seamless chocolate layer using a spatula.
  8. Permit the bark to cool completely at room temperature or expedite the process by refrigerating. Once fully set, fracture into irregular, rustic pieces ready for indulgence.

Notes

  • Swap saltine crackers with gluten-free crackers or graham crackers for alternative dietary needs like celiac or gluten sensitivity.
  • Select high-quality chocolate chips for richer flavor, preferring dark chocolate for less sweetness or milk chocolate for classic taste.
  • Control toffee consistency by stirring constantly and monitoring heat to prevent burning, ensuring smooth caramelization without bitter undertones.
  • Store bark in airtight container between parchment layers for up to one week, keeping texture crisp and preventing chocolate from melting.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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