If you love the rich, warm flavors of pecan pie but want something quick and easy to make, this Pecan Pie Bark is the perfect solution. With a buttery graham cracker base topped with a crunchy, caramelized pecan mixture, it’s a treat that captures the essence of pecan pie in a fun, snackable form. This recipe is ideal for gifting during the holidays, serving at dessert tables, or simply indulging in a sweet snack whenever the craving strikes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pecan Pie Bark is an irresistible treat that combines the sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors of pecan pie with the simplicity and crunch of graham crackers. The process is straightforward and quick, making it an easy-to-follow recipe even for beginners. The graham crackers provide a crispy base, while the pecans and caramelized sugar mixture on top give it the taste of pecan pie without the need for a pie crust. It’s a perfect snack for anyone who loves a combination of sweet and salty and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Base:
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1 sleeve (about 15) graham crackers, broken into squares
For the Pecan Topping:
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1 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1½ cups chopped pecans
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring the edges are covered to catch any drips. Arrange the graham cracker squares in a single layer, covering the entire baking sheet.
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until fully dissolved and bubbling (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until evenly combined.
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Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the graham crackers, spreading it gently to cover all the crackers.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling and golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and allow the bark to cool completely in the pan. Once fully cooled, break into irregular pieces.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Servings: 10 servings
Variations
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Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bark before breaking it into pieces.
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Spiced Pecan Pie Bark: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan mixture for a spiced flavor reminiscent of holiday pecan pie.
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Nut Substitution: While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store Pecan Pie Bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
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Reheating: There’s no need to reheat Pecan Pie Bark, but if you want to soften it, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave should do the trick. It’s delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Pecan Pie Bark can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to a week.
2. Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
You can use salted butter, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the bark too salty.
3. Can I add other nuts to the topping?
Absolutely! You can add a variety of nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios to customize the bark to your taste.
4. Can I make this with gluten-free graham crackers?
Yes, if you need a gluten-free version, simply substitute the regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers.
5. Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
To make this bark dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil.
6. Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bark?
Yes, you can freeze Pecan Pie Bark. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
7. Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Honey can be substituted for brown sugar, but it will change the flavor and texture. The bark will be more chewy than crispy with honey.
8. What is the best way to cut Pecan Pie Bark?
Once the bark has cooled completely, break it into irregular pieces by hand for a rustic look. Using a knife to cut it may be difficult due to the brittle nature of the bark.
9. Can I add chocolate chips to the topping?
Yes, chocolate chips are a great addition! You can sprinkle them over the pecan topping before baking or melt them and drizzle them over the cooled bark for an extra touch.
10. How do I prevent the topping from burning?
Keep an eye on the bark while baking. Since ovens vary, the bark can go from golden brown to burnt quickly. Check it after 8 minutes, and remove it once the topping is golden and bubbly.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Bark is a simple yet delicious treat that brings the flavors of a classic pecan pie into an easy-to-make snack. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or a sweet indulgence any time of year, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that requires just a few basic ingredients. With variations to suit every taste, you can customize it to your liking and enjoy a delightful, crunchy treat.
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Pecan Pie Bark
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pecan Pie Bark is a quick and easy treat that brings the irresistible flavors of pecan pie into a crunchy, buttery form. Made with graham crackers, a gooey brown sugar butter mixture, and chopped pecans, this bark is the perfect dessert for holiday gift-giving, dessert tables, or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve (about 15) graham crackers, broken into squares
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring the edges are covered to catch any drips. Arrange the graham cracker squares in a single layer to cover the entire baking sheet.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until fully dissolved and bubbling (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the graham crackers, spreading it gently to cover all the crackers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bark to cool completely in the pan. Once fully cooled, break into irregular pieces.
Notes
- Make sure to let the bark cool completely before breaking it apart for clean pieces.
- Store the pecan pie bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
