Crisp & Sweet Crunchy Pecan Pie Bark Recipe for Snack Lovers

Chocolate drizzles dance across this irresistible pecan pie bark that blends classic Southern dessert charm with a modern twist.

Sweet pecans nestled in a buttery caramel base create an extraordinary flavor profile.

Crisp layers of graham crackers provide the perfect foundation for this delectable treat.

The homemade bark combines sugary richness with nutty crunch in every single bite.

Lovers of traditional pecan pie will adore this simplified, shareable version that requires minimal baking skills.

Each piece promises a delightful balance of texture and sweetness that melts in your mouth.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that transforms ordinary snacking into a memorable culinary experience.

FAQs

• Why use saltine crackers as a base?

Saltine crackers provide a perfect crispy, salty foundation that complements the sweet toffee and chocolate, creating a delicious contrast in textures and flavors.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work great as substitutes and will still provide a delicious crunch to the bark.

• How do I prevent the toffee from burning?

Stir the butter and brown sugar constantly when bringing to a boil, and use medium heat. Watch carefully during the 3-minute boiling process to ensure it doesn’t burn.

• What's the best way to spread chocolate evenly?

Let the chocolate chips sit on the hot toffee for 2-3 minutes to soften, then use a spatula to spread in smooth, even strokes from edge to edge of the bark.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 267 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s in Pecan Pie Bark

• Saltine Crackers: Crispy foundation that provides a salty, sturdy base for the bark's delightful layers and adds a delicate crunch.
• Cooking Spray: Light coating ensures easy removal and prevents sticking during baking.

• Butter: Creamy ingredient that creates rich, smooth toffee with deep caramel undertones and helps bind ingredients.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers warm, molasses-like sweetness and contributes to the toffee's deep golden color.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances the sweetness of the bark.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic depth and rounds out the toffee's flavor profile with its subtle warmth.

• Pecans: Nutty, buttery ingredient that provides delightful crunch and toasty flavor, complementing the sweet toffee base.
• Chocolate Chips: Smooth, melty element that adds luxurious richness and creates a decadent final layer with glossy finish.

Tools to Melt and Pour Pecan Pie Bark Smoothly

• Rimmed Baking Sheet: Essential for creating an even base for the bark and keeping everything contained.
• Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cooking Spray: Helps release the bark easily from the foil or paper.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for creating the rich, bubbling toffee mixture.
• Spatula: Crucial for spreading toffee and chocolate evenly across the crackers.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Knife: Needed for chopping pecans into smaller pieces.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bark in a Few Steps

• Prep the Canvas

Grab a baking sheet and line it with foil. Create a perfect cracker foundation by arranging saltines wall-to-wall, creating a crispy base for your sweet adventure.

• Craft the Golden Caramel

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Invite brown sugar and a pinch of salt to the dance, stirring until they bubble and transform into a luxurious golden liquid. Let the mixture simmer for threeal minutes without touching, then whisk in vanilla for an extra flavor punch.

• Build the Flavor Layers

Pour the molten caramel over the cracker landscape, ensuring every inch gets a golden coating. Shower chopped pecans across the surface, creating a crunchy, nutty blanket.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into a 350F oven. Watch as the toffee bubbles and pecans toast to a rich, deep brown – about 8-10 minutes of pure anticipation.

• Chocolate Finale

Pull the tray out and immediately scatter chocolate chips across the hot surface. Give them a couple minutes to melt, then smooth them into a glossy, decadent layer using a spatula.

• Transform and Devour

Let your creation cool completely. Once set, break into random, irresistible pieces. Enjoy the ultimate sweet and salty crunch that’s guaranteed to disappear in minutes!

Pecan Pie Bark Flavor Variations to Try

• Use saltine crackers with no tears or broken edges to ensure an even, stable foundation for your bark. Graham crackers work wonderfully as an alternative base for a sweeter profile.
• Toast pecans separately before adding to the bark for an extra layer of nutty depth and enhanced flavor. Gently roast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until fragrant for maximum crunch.
• Experiment with different chocolate varieties like milk, dark, or white chocolate to create unique flavor combinations. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips offer a rich, balanced sweetness.
• Replace saltine crackers with gluten-free crackers or a layer of almond flour base to make the recipe celiac-friendly. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• For a lower-sugar version, use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or reduce brown sugar quantity. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for enhanced flavor complexity.

Present Pecan Pie Bark for Gifts or Snacking

• Sweet Holiday Gift Wrap: Package these bark pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for a delightful homemade present that friends and family will love.
• Dessert Platter Centerpiece: Arrange bark pieces on a elegant wooden board with fresh mint leaves, drizzle some caramel sauce, and create a stunning dessert display perfect for gatherings.
• Ice Cream Companion: Crumble bark pieces over vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for an incredible texture contrast and added crunch that elevates the classic dessert.
• Coffee Pairing Delight: Serve bark pieces alongside strong espresso or cappuccino for a sophisticated afternoon treat that complements the rich, nutty flavors of the dessert.

Keep Pecan Pie Bark Fresh and Crunchy

• Keep bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, preventing moisture and maintaining crisp texture.
• Carefully layer bark pieces between wax paper inside a sealed freezer container. Freeze up to 3 months for extended enjoyment.
• Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to prevent chocolate from melting or crackers from becoming soggy.
• Avoid warm kitchen areas that might cause chocolate to soften or separate, ensuring perfect bark consistency and appearance.

Crunchy Pecan Pie Bark Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate and caramel pecan pie bark blends Southern dessert traditions with easy-to-make holiday treats. Crunchy pecans and silky chocolate create a delightful snack you’ll crave during festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
• 1 cup (226 g/2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, lightly greasing the surface. Meticulously arrange saltine crackers to create a uniform foundation covering the entire sheet.
2. Toffee Creation: In a saucepan over medium heat, transform butter, brown sugar, and salt into a luxurious toffee. Stir consistently until the mixture erupts into a rolling boil, maintaining a gentle bubble for exactly 3 minutes. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract, developing a glossy caramel-like texture.
3. Assembly and Baking: Pour the molten toffee uniformly across the cracker base, using a spatula to ensure complete coverage. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously, creating a textural landscape. Slide the sheet into a preheated 350F (175C) oven, allowing the toffee to bubble and pecans to toast to a golden perfection over 8-10 minutes.
4. Chocolate Finishing: Immediately after removing from the oven, scatter chocolate chips across the hot surface. Let them melt naturally for 2-3 minutes, then smooth into a seamless chocolate layer using a spatula.
5. Cooling and Serving: Allow the bark to cool completely at room temperature or accelerate the process by refrigerating. Once fully set, fracture into irregular, rustic pieces ready for delightful consumption.

Notes

• Cracker Placement Precision: Arrange saltine crackers edge-to-edge without overlapping to ensure even toffee coating and consistent texture.
• Toffee Temperature Control: Monitor butter and sugar mixture closely, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve perfect caramel consistency without scorching.
• Nut Distribution Strategy: Sprinkle pecans immediately after pouring toffee for maximum adherence and to create a professional, evenly covered surface.
• Chocolate Melting Technique: Let chocolate chips sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes after removing from oven, allowing residual heat to melt them naturally before spreading for a smooth, glossy finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 267
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg