If you’re a fan of sweet, nutty, and irresistible treats, then Pecan Pie Bark is a recipe that’s bound to steal your heart. Imagine the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie combined with the crispy crunch of graham crackers, all wrapped in a delightful caramelized coating. This recipe is not only a showstopper in terms of taste but also a nod to the classic pecan pie—a favorite at many holiday gatherings and family dinners.
The first time I encountered Pecan Pie Bark was at a friend’s holiday party. It was presented in a festive tin, and the moment I took a bite, I was transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked pecan pie filled the air. The bark was everything I loved about pecan pie but in a more manageable, snackable form. I found myself sneaking piece after piece, unable to resist the crispy graham cracker base, the caramelized pecan topping, and the buttery richness. It was a revelation, and I knew I had to replicate it at home.
What makes Pecan Pie Bark such an appealing treat is its perfect blend of textures and flavors. The graham crackers provide a sturdy, slightly sweet base, while the pecan topping adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness. The buttery caramel layer that binds it all together gives it a sweet richness that’s both decadent and comforting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
Ingredients
13 graham crackers
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bark will bake evenly and come out with the perfect texture.
Line the Baking Sheet: Take a rimmed sheet pan and line it with aluminum foil. This will make for easy cleanup later. Lightly grease the foil with butter to prevent the bark from sticking.
2. Arrange the Graham Crackers
Layer the Crackers: Place the graham crackers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Break the crackers as needed to make sure they fit snugly on the pan. This will form the base of your bark.
3. Make the Caramel Mixture
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, pecans, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Cook the Mixture: Stir the mixture constantly until it comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 2 minutes. It’s important to keep stirring to prevent the caramel from burning. The mixture should become bubbly and thick.
Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the caramel.
4. Assemble the Bark
Pour the Caramel: Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the arranged graham crackers on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly over the crackers. Make sure the pecans are distributed throughout the caramel and that all the crackers are covered.
Spread Evenly: Gently spread the caramel to the edges of the pan, ensuring that the crackers are fully covered and the pecans are evenly distributed. This helps in achieving uniform coverage and texture.
5. Bake the Bark
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. The bark is done when the caramel is bubbly and golden brown. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.
Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and let the bark cool completely. It will continue to set as it cools. This cooling step is crucial as it allows the caramel to harden properly.
6. Break into Pieces
Break the Bark: Once the bark has cooled and hardened, break it into pieces. You can use your hands or a knife to break it into irregular, bite-sized chunks.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Pecan Pie Bark is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a delightful snack, or package it up in festive bags or tins for gifts.
Variations and Substitutions
Nut Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your favorite, you can substitute them with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just make sure to adjust the quantity and chopping size according to your preference.
Add-Ins: For added flavor, you can mix in ingredients like chocolate chips, toffee bits, or dried fruit. These additions can enhance the sweetness and add more texture to your bark.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers if you’re making this treat for someone with dietary restrictions.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel mixture for a spiced version of the bark. This can give it a festive, holiday-inspired twist.
Summary
Pecan Pie Bark is a wonderful amalgamation of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors, encapsulated in an easy-to-make treat. Its simplicity, combined with its rich and indulgent taste, makes it a perfect choice for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this bark is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The process of making Pecan Pie Bark is straightforward and manageable, even for those new to baking. It involves just a few basic steps and ingredients, yet the result is a delectable treat that rivals the complexity of a traditional pecan pie. The graham cracker base, combined with the caramelized pecans and rich flavor, creates a satisfying snack that is as delightful to eat as it is to make.
Enjoy the process of creating this treat, and relish the joy it brings when you share it with friends and family. The Ultimate Pecan Pie Bark is more than just a dessert; it’s a sweet reminder of the simple pleasures that come from baking and sharing homemade goodies.
PECAN PIE BARK
Ingredients
- 13 graham crackers
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups pecan halves roughly chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with butter.
- Place graham crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, breaking them as needed to fit.
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, pecans, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Allow it to boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot caramel mixture over the graham crackers. Use a spatula to spread evenly, ensuring all crackers are covered and pecans are distributed.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely to allow the caramel to set.
- Once cooled and hardened, break the bark into bite-sized pieces.
