Description
Pecan Pie Bark is a delightful combination of buttery toffee, toasted pecans, and smooth chocolate that’s perfect for the holiday season. This easy-to-make treat brings together the rich flavors of pecan pie and the crunch of toffee bark, making it a crowd-pleaser at parties, as a snack, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of this deliciously sweet and nutty dessert that’s sure to become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
- 13 graham crackers
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil.
Step2: Lightly grease the foil with butter and line the baking sheet with graham crackers, breaking them where necessary to make them fit.
Step3: Combine butter, brown sugar, pecans, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and let cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step4: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Immediately pour hot mixture over graham crackers and spread mixture to edges of pan using a spatula. Make sure pecans are evenly distributed and that crackers are covered.
Step5: Bake until bubbly, about 10 minutes.
Step6: Allow to cool completely and break into pieces.
Notes
- Use toasted pecans for extra flavor: Toasting pecans before adding them to the toffee enhances their natural nutty flavor and gives the bark a deeper, richer taste.
- Stir constantly when making the toffee: To prevent the toffee from burning or separating, keep the mixture moving and avoid overheating. A candy thermometer is helpful, but watching for a golden color works too.
- Chocolate options: You can use any type of chocolate (dark, milk, or white), depending on your preference. For an extra decorative touch, drizzle white chocolate over the dark or milk chocolate base.
- Add a sweet and salty twist: For those who enjoy the contrast of flavors, sprinkle sea salt over the melted chocolate before it sets. This elevates the sweetness with a subtle salty edge.
- Customization is easy: Feel free to swap out pecans for other nuts, like almonds or walnuts, or add extras like dried cranberries or cinnamon for a festive touch. You can also experiment with gluten-free or dairy-free variations by using alternative butter or chocolate.
- Perfect for gifting: Pecan pie bark is easy to package in tins, bags, or boxes, making it a lovely homemade holiday gift. Personalize it with a festive tag or ribbon for added charm.