Pecan Pie Bark

Introduction

When I first made Pecan Pie Bark, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to prepare and how incredibly delicious it turned out! The perfect mix of sweet and salty, with a rich buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch from the pecans, this treat quickly became a family favorite. It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple, yet so satisfying, and everyone who tries it asks for the recipe. Whether you need a last-minute dessert for a holiday gathering or just want to treat yourself, this pecan pie bark hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of dessert that gets better the more you eat, and it’s definitely hard to stop at just one piece!

Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Bark

Pecan Pie Bark is a no-bake, easy-to-make treat that packs all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie but in a fun, bite-sized version. It combines the sweet, caramel-like taste of brown sugar and butter with the crunch of graham crackers and the nuttiness of chopped pecans. The simplicity of the ingredients—salted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and pecans—means it’s a quick and affordable recipe to whip up for any occasion.

What really makes this bark stand out is how adaptable it is. You can serve it at parties, gift it to friends and family, or even keep it on hand for those days when you just need a sweet pick-me-up. With just a few ingredients and a short amount of baking time, you’ll have a batch of these delicious, buttery pecan pieces ready to indulge in. Plus, the texture is just the right balance of crispiness from the graham crackers and crunch from the pecans.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Pecan Pie Bark:

• 2 sticks salted butter (1 cup)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 package graham crackers (about 14 crackers)

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create this sweet and salty treat:

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Start by lining a baking tray with parchment paper. This will ensure the bark doesn’t stick to the pan while it’s cooling.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
3. Melt Butter and Sugar: In a heavy pan over medium heat, melt 2 sticks of salted butter along with the 1 cup of light brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the butter has melted and the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a smooth caramel sauce.
4. Add Vanilla and Pecans: Once the butter and sugar have melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Add the 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans and mix to combine.
5. Assemble the Bark: Arrange graham crackers in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking tray. Pour the melted butter, sugar, and pecan mixture over the graham crackers, spreading it evenly to cover all of them.
6. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The mixture should be bubbling and lightly golden when ready. Be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
7. Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow it to cool. Once it’s cooled completely, cut it into small pieces or break it into bark-sized chunks.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Pecan Pie Bark at room temperature and enjoy! It makes for a great snack, dessert, or gift.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

This recipe yields about 12 servings. Each serving of Pecan Pie Bark contains the following nutritional information:

• Calories per serving: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

Pecan Pie Bark is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving ideas:

• As a Dessert: Serve as a standalone dessert at your next holiday dinner, dinner party, or family gathering.
• For Gifting: Package the bark in festive bags or jars to give as a homemade gift for the holidays.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon snack.
• On a Snack Tray: Add it to a dessert or snack tray with other treats like brownies, cookies, and fruit.

Additional Tips

Here are five helpful tips to ensure your Pecan Pie Bark turns out perfectly:

1. Use salted butter: Salted butter helps balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and adds flavor. If you only have unsalted butter, you can add a pinch of salt to the mixture.
2. Chop the pecans finely: The smaller the pecans, the better they’ll stick to the graham crackers. Aim for a medium chop so that they’re evenly distributed.
3. Watch the baking time: Since ovens vary, keep an eye on the bark as it bakes. You want the mixture to be bubbling but not burnt. If in doubt, remove it a minute or two early.
4. Cool completely before cutting: Let the bark cool completely before cutting or breaking it into pieces. This allows it to firm up and makes it easier to cut into neat chunks.
5. Add chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate over the bark after it cools and before cutting it. It adds another layer of flavor!

FAQ Section

1. Can I use unsalted butter? Yes, you can, but you may want to add a pinch of salt to the mixture to balance out the sweetness.
2. Can I use a different nut? While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews if you prefer.
3. How long does Pecan Pie Bark last? If stored in an airtight container, Pecan Pie Bark will last up to 1-2 weeks at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Pecan Pie Bark can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe is not naturally gluten-free because it uses graham crackers, which contain gluten. You can use gluten-free graham crackers if needed.
6. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar? Yes, dark brown sugar will give the bark a slightly richer flavor, but it’s not a necessary change.
7. Can I make this with a sugar substitute? You can try using a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
8. How do I store leftover bark? Store any leftover Pecan Pie Bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
9. Can I add other toppings to the bark? Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even sprinkles for extra flavor and decoration.
10. Can I use a different type of cracker? While graham crackers are the best choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of crackers, such as digestive biscuits, if you prefer.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bark is a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing treat that brings all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie without the fuss of a pie crust. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. With its perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and crunch, Pecan Pie Bark will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re gifting it to friends, serving it as a dessert, or just indulging in a bite (or two!), this sweet treat will not disappoint. Give it a try and watch how fast it disappears!

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