The Sweet Symphony: Pecan Pie Bark Recipe for Nutty Bliss

Crafting a delightful pecan pie bark brings sweet memories of cozy family gatherings and festive celebrations.

Layers of buttery crackers meld perfectly with rich caramel and crunchy pecans.

Golden brown edges hint at the decadent flavors waiting to be savored.

Southern baking traditions shine through this simple yet impressive dessert.

Chocolate drizzles add an unexpected twist that makes people smile.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip up this treat in no time.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next potluck with this irresistible confection.

Why Pecan Pie Bark Is a Delicious Holiday Treat

• Transform Dessert Classics: Reinvent traditional pecan pie into a crunchy, shareable bark that brings new excitement to a beloved holiday treat.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a delightful dessert using just a handful of common pantry staples like graham crackers, butter, brown sugar, and pecans.
• Quick Kitchen Triumph: Craft a showstopping dessert in less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute sweet cravings.
• Simple Crowd-Pleaser: Impress friends and family with a dessert that looks professionally made but requires zero advanced baking skills.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bark

• Graham Crackers: A sweet foundation that provides a crisp and sturdy base for the pecan pie bark.
• Pecans: A classic nutty ingredient that delivers rich flavor and delightful crunch to the dessert.

• Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar: A caramel-like combination that creates a deep, sweet coating with a smooth texture.
• Salt: A key flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness of the bark.

• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that adds warm, aromatic depth to the pecan pie bark.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bark

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a rimmed baking sheet and cover it completely with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Lightly brush the foil with a touch of butter. Lay out graham crackers across the entire sheet, breaking them if needed to create a solid foundation.

Step 3: Create the Gooey Caramel Topping

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Pecan pieces
• Salt

Heat the mixture on medium, stirring constantly until it bubbles and transforms into a rich, golden caramel. Keep stirring for 2 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boost

Pull the pan off the heat and splash in vanilla extract. Give it a quick stir to blend the flavors.

Step 5: Drench the Crackers

Pour the molten caramel over the graham crackers. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure every cracker gets a luxurious coating of pecans and caramel.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Watch as the bark transforms into a bubbly, golden delight.

Bake for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Crack

Remove the bark from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, break it into delightful, irregular pieces ready for munching.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bark

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor complexity by toasting pecans beforehand, which intensifies their nutty profile and adds depth to the dessert.
• Control sugar levels by using dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel note or light brown sugar for milder sweetness.
• Prevent burning by monitoring the caramel mixture closely and stirring continuously during the boiling process to maintain perfect consistency.
• Store bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, ensuring crisp texture and maximum enjoyment of this delectable treat.

Variations of Pecan Pie Bark to Try

• Gluten-Free Bark: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour-based cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Maple Walnut Variation: Swap pecans with walnuts and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Chocolate Drizzle Option: After cooling, melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle over the bark for added richness and visual appeal.
• Vegan Alternative: Use coconut oil instead of butter, coconut sugar in place of brown sugar, and vegan graham crackers to create a plant-based version of the dessert.

Pairing Suggestions for Pecan Pie Bark

• Sip a rich, caramel-forward bourbon like Maker's Mark that complements the sweet, nutty profile of the pecan pie bark. The whiskey's warm undertones highlight the dessert's buttery graham cracker base.
• Serve a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bark. The cold, smooth texture contrasts perfectly with the crunchy, caramelized pecans and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dessert's intense sweetness.
• Brew a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the bark's richness. The coffee's bitter notes balance the dessert's sugary caramel layers, creating a harmonious flavor experience that awakens the palate.

Storage Guidelines for Pecan Pie Bark

• Store leftovers in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 5 days to maintain crispness and prevent staleness. Seal tightly to block moisture and preserve texture.
• Wrap bark pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying to restore original crunchiness.
• Keep bark in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place in cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Use wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s super easy! Even beginner bakers can whip up this Pecan Pie Bark quickly with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes if you prefer or don’t have pecans on hand.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

Just a basic rimmed baking sheet, aluminum foil, saucepan, and spatula – nothing fancy or complicated is required.

• How long will this bark stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the Pecan Pie Bark will remain delicious for about 5-7 days.

Pecan Pie Bark Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful pecan pie bark blends classic Southern dessert flavors with easy-to-make candy bark. Crunchy pecans and sweet caramel create an irresistible treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (470 ml) pecan halves, roughly chopped
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, high-quality
• 13 standard graham crackers
• 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) fine salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Lightly grease the foil with butter, then meticulously arrange graham crackers across the entire surface, breaking them if needed to create a seamless base.
3. Combine butter, brown sugar, pecan pieces, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
4. Maintain the boil for exactly 2 minutes, then immediately remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Promptly pour the caramelized mixture over the graham crackers, using a spatula to spread evenly and ensure complete coverage of the crackers.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, watching for a bubbly, golden appearance.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the bark to cool completely at room temperature, then break into irregular pieces for serving.

Notes

• Experiment with different crackers like saltines or shortbread for unique flavor variations that complement the sweet pecan topping.
• Adjust the baking time carefully to prevent burning, watching the bark closely during the final minutes to achieve a perfect golden-brown finish.
• Enhance the recipe’s nutritional profile by using whole wheat graham crackers or adding a sprinkle of dark chocolate for extra depth and antioxidants.
• Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crispness and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg