Name: The Perfect Pecan Pie Bark (Easier Than Pie!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 17 sheets Graham Crackers (approx. 1 sleeve + more); 1 ½ cups Light Brown Sugar, packed; 1 ½ cups Unsalted Butter (3 sticks); 2 ½ cups Chopped Pecans; 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract; ¼ teaspoon Salt

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What’s better than a slice of classic pecan pie? How about all that rich, caramelized flavor in a crunchy, handheld treat that takes a fraction of the time to make? If you love the gooey, nutty goodness of pecan pie but dread the hassle of making a crust, this recipe is about to become your new best friend.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
Step 3: Add Flavor
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Step 5: Cool and Break

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Q2: Can I add chocolate?
Q3: Why did my crackers float up?
Q4: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

The Perfect Pecan Pie Bark (Easier Than Pie!)

Description
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

This Pecan Pie Bark is a deceptively simple dessert that tastes like a labor of love. By using crisp graham crackers as a base, you get that perfect crust-like crunch without rolling out dough. Topped with a bubbling, buttery brown sugar toffee and loads of toasted pecans, it’s a sweet and salty masterpiece often called “pecan praline bark.” Whether you’re looking for a last-minute holiday gift or just a quick way to satisfy a pie craving, this addictive treat is guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients

You only need six simple ingredients to create this rich, toffee-like bark.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Graham Crackers	17 sheets (approx. 1 sleeve + more)
Light Brown Sugar	1 ½ cups, packed
Unsalted Butter	1 ½ cups (3 sticks)
Chopped Pecans	2 ½ cups
Pure Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon

Timing

This recipe comes together incredibly fast, making it perfect for busy baking days.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes (stovetop + oven)
Cooling Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a tray of golden, bubbling pecan perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet (jelly roll pan) completely with aluminum foil. Spray the foil generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the graham crackers in a single layer, breaking them if necessary to cover the entire bottom of the pan as seamlessly as possible.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a soft boil.

Actionable Tip: Once the mixture starts bubbling, set a timer for exactly 2 minutes. Continue stirring constantly. This ensures the sugar dissolves and caramelizes properly without burning.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Be careful, as the mixture may bubble up slightly.

Step 4: Spread and Bake

Carefully pour the hot pecan mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Use a heat-proof spatula to spread it out to the edges, ensuring all the crackers are covered.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. The topping will be bubbling vigorously all over.

Step 5: Cool and Break

Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let it sit completely undisturbed until it is fully cooled and the toffee has hardened. This usually takes 1-2 hours.

Once cool, lift the foil out of the pan and use your hands to break the bark into jagged pieces.

Nutritional Information

This is a rich, indulgent treat! Nutritional values are estimates per serving (assuming approx. 24 pieces).

Calories: Approx. 200-250 kcal
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Sugar: 18 g
Protein: 1 g

Healthier Alternatives

While this is a dessert, you can make a few tweaks:

Whole Wheat Grahams: Use whole grain graham crackers for a bit more fiber.
Reduce Sugar: You can slightly reduce the brown sugar to 1 ¼ cups, though the toffee layer will be thinner.
Salted Butter: If you only have salted butter, omit the added ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Gluten-Free: Simply swap the graham crackers for your favorite gluten-free brand.

Serving Suggestions

This Pecan Pie Bark is a versatile treat perfect for sharing.

Holiday Gift: Package pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for a beautiful homemade gift.
Cookie Tray: It adds a great variety of texture and shape to a platter of round cookies.
Ice Cream Topper: Crumble smaller bits over vanilla ice cream for a pecan pie sundae!
Coffee Companion: A small piece is the perfect sweet bite to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the best bark, watch out for these common pitfalls:

Using Wax Paper: Wax paper will melt in the oven! Solution: Always use aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Under-boiling: If you don’t boil the sugar mixture long enough, the toffee might be grainy or soft. Solution: Time the 2-minute boil carefully.
Burning the Toffee: High heat can scorch the sugar quickly. Solution: Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly.
Breaking Too Soon: If the bark is still warm, it will be bendy and sticky. Solution: Be patient and let it cool completely until it snaps.

Storing Tips

This bark keeps incredibly well, making it a great make-ahead recipe.

Room Temperature: Store the broken bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigerate: You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks if you prefer a colder, crisper toffee texture.
Freeze: This freezes beautifully! Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or enjoy straight from the freezer.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bark is the ultimate proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to create a spectacular dessert. It captures all the rich, buttery, nutty essence of a pecan pie in a simple, addictive form that’s easier to make and even easier to eat. Whip up a batch for your next gathering, but be warned—once you start snacking, it’s hard to stop!

Ready to try this addictive treat? Give this recipe a go and let us know what you think in the comments below! We love hearing your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy and delicious dessert ideas!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Walnuts work beautifully in this recipe and give it a slightly different, earthier flavor profile.

Q2: Can I add chocolate?

Absolutely. Immediately after removing the bark from the oven, sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for 5 minutes to melt, then spread the chocolate evenly over the nuts.

Q3: Why did my crackers float up?

Sometimes the toffee seeps under the crackers. To prevent this, make sure your cracker layer is as tight as possible, breaking pieces to fill gaps. But don’t worry—it will still taste delicious!

Q4: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

It is not recommended. Margarine has a higher water content than butter, which can prevent the toffee from setting up properly and becoming crisp. Stick to real butter for the best results.