If you’re looking for a dessert that blends the classic flavors of pecan pie with the irresistible crunch of candy bark, then Pecan Pie Bark is the perfect treat for you. This simple yet decadent recipe features a graham cracker base, topped with a buttery, caramelized pecan mixture, making it an ideal choice for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
12 graham cracker sheets
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the bark from sticking.
Prepare the Grahams:
Arrange the graham cracker sheets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. If necessary, break some of the crackers into smaller pieces to fill the entire surface. This will serve as the crunchy base of your Pecan Pie Bark.
Make the Caramel Pecan Topping:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the packed brown sugar and salt, stirring continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, allow it to simmer for 2 minutes without stirring—this helps to caramelize the sugar and create that rich, buttery flavor.
Add the Vanilla and Pecans:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the chopped pecans and mix until the nuts are evenly coated in the caramelized butter-sugar mixture.
Assemble the Bark:
Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Use a spatula to gently spread the topping across the entire surface of the graham crackers, ensuring that each piece is covered with the caramel-pecan blend.
Bake the Bark:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. The topping should be bubbly and slightly darkened when ready. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Cool and Break Into Pieces:
Once the Pecan Pie Bark is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. After it has cooled, break it into bite-sized pieces or larger chunks, depending on your preference.
Serving Tips:
Perfect for Sharing: Pecan Pie Bark is a fantastic dessert for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. Its bite-sized pieces make it easy to serve and share with a crowd.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: The rich, buttery flavor of the bark pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine, making it an ideal after-dinner treat.
Presentation: Arrange the bark pieces in a decorative jar or on a serving platter to make a beautiful presentation for guests. You can also package it in gift bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store Pecan Pie Bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will help maintain its crisp texture and prevent the caramel from becoming too soft.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bark for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: If you’d like to store the bark for an extended period, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the bark pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the pieces into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the bark at room temperature.
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FAQs:
Can I make Pecan Pie Bark ahead of time?
Yes, Pecan Pie Bark can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator. It’s a great make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings, parties, or gifting.
Can I use other types of nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are the star of this recipe, you can easily swap them out with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews. You can also use a combination of different nuts to create your own variation of the bark.
How can I store Pecan Pie Bark?
Store Pecan Pie Bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to two months. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving if you refrigerate or freeze it.
Can I add chocolate to my Pecan Pie Bark?
Yes, you can definitely add chocolate! For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bark or sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking. This adds a rich layer of flavor and pairs wonderfully with the buttery, caramelized pecans.
Conclusion:
Pecan Pie Bark is a fun twist on the traditional pecan pie and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering or special event. With its buttery, sweet topping and crunchy graham cracker base, it’s a treat that delivers big flavor in a small, shareable form. Give this recipe a try for your next celebration and enjoy the sweet, nutty goodness of homemade Pecan Pie Bark!
📖 Recipe:
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Pecan Pie Bark
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie Bark combines the delicious, rich flavors of traditional pecan pie with the crunchy texture of candy bark. This easy-to-make treat features a graham cracker base topped with a buttery, caramelized pecan mixture, making it perfect for holidays, special occasions, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
12 graham cracker sheets
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.
- Arrange graham cracker sheets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and salt, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the graham crackers.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and slightly darkened.
- Let the bark cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, break into pieces.
Notes
For extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bark or sprinkle mini chocolate chips before baking.
You can substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 18 pieces
- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per piece
