Description
Irresistible Pecan Pie Bark
A buttery treat with a hint of sweetness!
Ingredients:
2 cups pecan halves
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 tsp salt
Optional: melted chocolate for drizzle
Steps:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange pecans.
Melt butter, brown sugar, and honey in a saucepan, stirring until smooth.
Pour over pecans and bake at 325°F for 10 minutes.
Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the bark.
Cool, break apart, and serve.
Description:
Sweet and buttery with a chocolatey option—what’s your favorite topping for pecan bark? #SweetPecanBark
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect pecan pie bark every time.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the 2 cups of pecan halves in a single, even layer on the parchment. Avoid overlapping.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Stir constantly until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is completely smooth and begins to bubble slightly. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Do not boil vigorously.
- Immediately and carefully pour the hot sugar-butter mixture evenly over the arranged pecans. Use a spatula to gently spread it into an even layer if needed.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the entire surface is bubbly and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. If using chocolate, drizzle melted chocolate over the top now.
- Allow the bark to cool completely at room temperature until hardened. For faster setting, you can place it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
- Once fully set and hard, break the bark into rustic, uneven pieces by hand or with a knife.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile bark is perfect for more than just snacking. Serve it as an elegant dessert alongside coffee or after-dinner drinks. Crumble it over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a decadent topping. Package smaller pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.
How-to Summary
To make Pecan Pie Bark: Arrange pecans on parchment, simmer butter, brown sugar, and honey into a syrup, pour over nuts, and bake at 325°F for 10-12 minutes until bubbly. Cool, add optional chocolate drizzle, then break into pieces once set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts? Yes, walnuts or almonds work well, but the flavor profile will change. Pecans are classic for this “pie” style.
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 (up to 2 weeks), keep it in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from blooming.
Why is my bark chewy instead of crisp? This is usually due to under-baking or high humidity. Ensure you bake until the entire surface is actively bubbling, and allow it to cool completely in a dry environment.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Use two baking sheets or a very large half-sheet pan to ensure the pecans remain in a single layer for even cooking and caramelization.
My butter and sugar mixture separated. What happened? This can occur if the heat is too high. Use medium heat and stir constantly. If it separates, remove from heat and whisk vigorously until it re-emulsifies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Arrange pecans in a single layer. Overlapping creates uneven clusters and some nuts won’t get properly coated.
- Overcooking the Syrup: You only need to melt and combine the ingredients until smooth. Do not cook it to a soft-ball or hard-crack stage.
- Breaking the Bark Too Soon: Allow it to cool and harden completely. Breaking it while warm will result in messy, sticky pieces instead of clean snaps.
- Using a Warm Knife to Cut: If you prefer cutting to breaking, use a cold, dry knife to get cleaner edges.
Conclusion
This Pecan Pie Bark is the ultimate easy-to-make treat that delivers the rich, buttery flavor of classic pecan pie without the fuss of a crust. Its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty crunch makes it irresistible. Whether you stick with the pure caramel flavor or add a chocolate drizzle, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Give this simple recipe a try and enjoy the delicious results.