Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dessert comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package in festive tins or cellophane bags for a thoughtful, homemade gift during the holiday season.
- Satisfying Crunch: The combination of graham crackers and caramelized pecans provides an irresistible crunch in every bite.
- Versatile: Ideal for holiday dessert trays, snack tables, or as an after-dinner sweet treat.
Ingredients
- graham crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease the foil with butter for easy removal and cleanup.
- Arrange the Graham Crackers:
- Place graham crackers on the lined baking sheet in a single layer, breaking them as needed to fit snugly, forming the base layer of your bark.
- Make the Caramel Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup chopped pecans, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning. The mixture should be bubbly and thick.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
- Assemble the Bark:
- Pour the hot caramel mixture over the arranged graham crackers. Use a spatula to spread the caramel evenly, ensuring that all crackers are covered and the pecans are distributed throughout.
- Make sure to spread the caramel mixture to the edges of the pan for uniform coverage.
- Bake the Bark:
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the bark cool completely on the pan to allow the caramel to harden properly.
- Break into Pieces:
- Once cooled and set, break the bark into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a knife.
- Enjoy your Pecan Pie Bark as a sweet treat or package it in bags or tins for gifting.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12 pieces
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled bark for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top after baking for a sweet and salty combo.
- Nut Mix: Mix in chopped walnuts or almonds with the pecans for a diverse nutty flavor.
- Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel mixture for a warm, spiced note.
- Coconut Twist: Sprinkle shredded, unsweetened coconut over the caramel before baking for a tropical variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Ensure the pieces are cool and hardened before sealing them to maintain their crispness.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, keep the bark in the fridge. It will last up to 2 weeks this way and retain its crunch.
- Freezing: Pecan Pie Bark can be frozen for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. How should I store Pecan Pie Bark to keep it fresh?
Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to two months.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter; however, reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to prevent the bark from becoming too salty.
3. What type of nuts can I substitute for pecans?
You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts to create different flavor profiles.
4. Is it necessary to use aluminum foil on the baking sheet?
Lining the baking sheet with aluminum foil and greasing it makes cleanup easier and helps in removing the bark from the pan without sticking.
5. Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Absolutely! Drizzling melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled bark adds an extra layer of flavor and elegance.
Pecan Pie Bark
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and crunchy goodness of Pecan Pie Bark! Made with graham crackers, caramel, and pecans, this easy dessert is perfect for holidays, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
Here’s a structured recipe schema for Pecan Pie Bark with SEO optimization:
SEO Description:
Indulge in the sweet and crunchy goodness of Pecan Pie Bark! Made with graham crackers, caramel, and pecans, this easy dessert is perfect for holidays, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Recipe Schema
Ingredients:
- Graham crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease. - Arrange the Graham Crackers:
Lay graham crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet to form the base. - Make the Caramel Mixture:
Combine butter, brown sugar, pecans, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract. - Assemble the Bark:
Pour the caramel mixture over the graham crackers. Spread evenly to cover all crackers and distribute pecans. - Bake the Bark:
Bake for 10 minutes or until caramel is bubbly and golden brown. Let cool completely. - Break into Pieces:
Once set, break the bark into bite-sized pieces and enjoy or package for gifting.
Notes
- For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bark.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty combo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American