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Pecan Pie Bark

This pecan pie bark is a quick and easy dessert that gives you all the classic flavors of pecan pie without the fuss. With a buttery caramel base, crunchy crackers, and toasted pecans, it's perfect for holiday gifting or a special treat any day.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sleeve (about 12 sheets) saltine crackers or graham crackers
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (113g)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar packed (100g)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (non-alcoholic)
  • 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans (150g)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
  • 2–3 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips for drizzling (optional)

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or heavy-duty foil
  • Small saucepan
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your workspace by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty foil to ensure easy cleanup later.
  2. Arrange the entire sleeve of saltine crackers or graham crackers in a single, tight layer on the prepared baking sheet to create a solid base.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the light brown sugar and let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Allow it to bubble for 3 minutes while stirring occasionally until it thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
  5. Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the cracker layer and use a spatula to spread it from edge to edge.
  6. While the caramel is still hot and sticky, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the surface and gently press them into the caramel.
  7. If desired, wait until the caramel cools slightly and then drizzle melted semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top for an extra touch of indulgence.
  8. Allow the bark to cool completely before breaking it into pieces. Enjoy your delicious, shareable treat!

Notes

This pecan pie bark is an incredibly flexible dessert that allows for plenty of substitutions. You can switch out saltine crackers for graham crackers or even pretzels for a sweet-salty twist. It stores well in an airtight container, making it perfect for holiday gifting or a make-ahead treat. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding walnuts, a pinch of cayenne, or dried cranberries.