Description
Pecan Pie Bark
This Pecan Pie Bark is the perfect sweet treat to add a touch of festive cheer to any gathering. Inspired by the classic flavors of pecan pie, this easy-to-make bark combines the rich crunch of pecans with the buttery sweetness of caramel on a graham cracker base. Whether you’re looking to impress your holiday guests, gift something homemade, or simply indulge yourself, this bark will be a hit!
Graham Crackers
1 cup Butter
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 ½ cups Pecan Halves
½ tsp Salt
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with foil and grease lightly.
2. Place graham crackers on the pan to form a base.
3. In a saucepan, heat butter, brown sugar, pecans, and salt to boil. Cook 2 mins.
4. Remove from heat; add vanilla.
5. Pour over graham crackers, spread evenly.
6. Bake 10 mins until bubbly.
7. Cool and break into pieces.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 180 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bark every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 10×15-inch rimmed baking sheet (jelly roll pan) with aluminum foil, extending the foil over the edges for easy removal. Lightly grease the foil with butter or non-stick spray. Arrange whole graham cracker sheets in a single layer to completely cover the pan’s bottom, breaking crackers as needed to fit snugly.
Next, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Add the 1 ½ cups of pecan halves and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil, stirring continuously. Once boiling, cook for exactly 2 minutes; this allows the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to thicken slightly. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Carefully and quickly pour the hot pecan mixture over the prepared graham cracker base. Use a heat-resistant spatula to spread it into an even layer, ensuring all crackers are covered. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the entire surface is actively bubbling. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire cooling rack. Let it cool completely at room temperature until the bark is firm. Once set, use the foil overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Break it into rustic, irregular pieces by hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bark on a decorative platter as part of a holiday dessert spread. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, espresso, or a glass of cold milk. For a festive touch, sprinkle the bark with a pinch of flaky sea salt immediately after removing it from the oven. You can also drizzle the cooled and broken bark with melted chocolate for an extra decadent twist. Package smaller pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Line and grease a pan with graham crackers. Boil butter, brown sugar, pecans, and salt for two minutes. Stir in vanilla, pour over crackers, and bake until bubbly. Cool completely and break into pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts? Yes, walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes. Use the same quantity for best results.
How do I store the bark and how long does it last? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
Why is my bark chewy or sticky? This usually means it wasn’t boiled for the full 2 minutes, or it wasn’t allowed to cool completely before breaking. Ensure you follow the boiling time precisely and let it cool on the rack.
Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Use gluten-free graham-style crackers to create the base.
My butter and sugar separated. What happened? Separation can occur if the heat is too high. Use medium heat and stir constantly from the moment the butter melts until you remove it from the heat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best texture and flavor. Do not skip the step of greasing the foil, or the bark will stick. Do not boil the butter-sugar-pecan mixture for longer than 2-3 minutes, as it can burn and become bitter. Do not attempt to break the bark before it is completely cool and hardened; patience is key. Finally, avoid using a pan without a rim, as the hot mixture could bubble over in the oven.
Conclusion
This Pecan Pie Bark is a stunningly simple yet impressive confection that captures the essence of a classic dessert in a shareable, snackable form. With its foolproof method and minimal ingredients, it’s a recipe that delivers maximum festive impact with minimal effort. Perfect for gifting, parties, or a sweet treat at home, this bark is sure to become a cherished seasonal tradition.