You know those recipes that feel like a tiny miracle? The ones that come together so fast you almost doubt they’ll work… until you take one bite and suddenly you’re kicking yourself for not making them sooner?
That’s Pecan Pie Bark—my holiday and everyday secret weapon. Buttery, crackly, nutty, caramel-kissed, and wildly addictive… all from six ingredients and about twenty minutes total. Anything but boring!!
If you want cozy, festive recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to subscribe—I love sending you treats you can actually make on a busy weekday.
What Is Pecan Pie Bark?
Think about all the gooey, caramelized goodness you love in a pecan pie… now imagine it transformed into an easy, breakable, hand-friendly bark. Instead of pastry crust, we use full sheets of graham crackers as the base, and they soak up just enough of the buttery brown-sugar mixture to become tender in the center and crackly at the edges.
It’s pecan pie meets toffee bark meets “where has this been my whole life?”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only six ingredients!
- Ten minutes of prep, ten minutes of baking.
- No candy thermometer—no stress.
- Crunchy, sweet, salty, buttery perfection.
- Ideal for gifting, snacking, parties, and cookie tins.
- Works ahead and freezes beautifully.
What Does Pecan Pie Bark Taste Like?
Imagine buttery toffee seeping into graham crackers, topped with warm, toasted pecans, all cooling into a crisp crack that snaps when you break it. The flavor is pure pecan-pie comfort—but even better because you get more crunch, more caramel, and more satisfying bites.
It’s sweet, nutty, buttery, slightly salty, and impossibly irresistible.
Benefits of Making This Recipe
- Great for last-minute gatherings
- Uses pantry staples
- Perfect edible gift
- Kid-friendly to help break the pieces
- No fancy skills required
- Makes your whole kitchen smell like a cozy holiday memory
Ingredients
- 13 graham crackers
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Knife (to chop pecans)
- Airtight storage container
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt white or dark chocolate and zig-zag over the cooled bark.
- Salt lovers: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before the bark cools.
- Extra warm flavor: Stir in ½ teaspoon cinnamon with the pecans.
- Graham cracker swap: Try cinnamon grahams for a deeper spice note.
- Nut variations: Almonds or walnuts work—though pecans truly shine.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bark (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare Your Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil, then grease it lightly. Lay down graham crackers to cover the entire surface.
2. Make the Caramel
In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, pecans, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let it bubble for 2 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. The aroma… unreal.
4. Pour and Spread
Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the graham crackers. Spread it evenly to the edges so every corner gets some love.
5. Bake
Bake for 10 minutes, until the caramel is bubbling and glossy.
6. Cool and Break
Let it cool completely—this is where the magic crackle happens! Break into rustic pieces.
What to Serve With Pecan Pie Bark
- A mug of hot chocolate
- Coffee or espresso
- Eggnog
- A holiday dessert board
- Vanilla ice cream (trust me—heaven!)
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bark
- Spread quickly—the caramel sets fast.
- Cool fully for the best snap.
- Use heavy-duty foil to prevent sticking.
- Chop pecans roughly for lots of texture.
- Add vanilla off the heat to preserve flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: 1–2 weeks in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Keeps extra crisp for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp—still perfectly crunchy.
General Information
Yield: Serves 9
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Dessert / Candy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without nuts?
You can, but it won’t be pecan-pie-like. Sunflower seeds or pepitas make great substitutes.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes—just reduce added salt to a pinch.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Use two sheet pans or one very large one.
Why does the caramel need to boil?
A quick boil helps it thicken so it sets into that signature bark snap.
Conclusion
If you’ve got ten minutes, you’ve got time for Pecan Pie Bark—one of the easiest, most impressive treats you’ll ever make. It’s a little rustic, a little fancy, and a whole lot delicious. Perfect for gifting, sharing… or hiding for yourself (no judgment here!).
Looking for more pecan-forward joy? Try these next:
- Old-Fashioned Pecan Logs
- Cream Cheese Pecan Pie
- Pecan Praline Blondies
- Butter Pecan Fudge
Join the Fun!
Tried this recipe?
👉 Leave a review and tag your photos on Pinterest!
Seeing your sweet creations absolutely makes my day.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~380
- Fat: 27g
- Carbs: 31g
- Sugar: 23g
- Protein: 3g
If you’d like a printable recipe card or a social-friendly condensed version, I can whip that up too!
Leave a Reply