Pecan Pie Bark
If you’re craving all the rich, buttery flavor of classic pecan pie without the hassle of making a full pie, Pecan Pie Bark is your dream come true. This quick, oven-baked treat features layers of buttery toffee, crunchy pecans, and a hint of caramelized brown sugar all on top of crisp graham crackers. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s dangerously easy to make!
Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Bark
Quick & Easy: No pie crust, no rolling just layer and bake.
Irresistibly Addictive: Sweet, crunchy, salty, and nutty all in one bite.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for holidays, potlucks, or edible gifts.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores well and gets even better the next day.
Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry.
Ingredients in Pecan Pie Bark
Graham Crackers: Forms the crisp base layer.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the caramelized topping.
Brown Sugar: The key to that signature toffee-caramel flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness.
Chopped Pecans: The star of the show toasted and crunchy.
Pinch of Salt (optional): Balances the sweetness beautifully.
(Exact amounts are listed in the printable recipe card below.)

Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
Step 2: Arrange Graham Crackers
Line the baking sheet with graham crackers, edge to edge, breaking them to fit if needed.
Step 3: Make the Topping
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Add Pecans
Fold in the chopped pecans until fully coated in the mixture.
Step 5: Pour and Spread
Pour the mixture over the graham crackers and spread evenly with a spatula to cover every bit.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Cool and Break
Let cool completely to set, then break into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per piece: ~220
Carbs: ~18g | Fat: ~16g | Protein: ~2g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bark
Holiday Treat Trays: A must-have on your Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table.
Edible Gifts: Wrap in cellophane bags with ribbon for a homemade present.
Coffee Pairing: Enjoy with a cup of black coffee or espresso.
Ice Cream Topping: Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a decadent sundae.
Additional Tips
Toast your pecans beforehand for extra flavor.
Let the bark cool completely before breaking it hardens as it sits.
Store at room temp in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Double the recipe for a party-sized batch.
Drizzle with melted chocolate or sea salt for a gourmet twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different base instead of graham crackers?
Yes! Try saltine crackers, digestive biscuits, or even pretzel crisps for a salty-sweet twist.
2. Do I need a candy thermometer?
Nope! Just boil the butter-sugar mixture for a few minutes until it’s bubbly and thick.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using vegan butter, but the texture may vary slightly.
4. Can I freeze pecan pie bark?
Yes! Freeze in layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months.
5. Why is my bark soft instead of crunchy?
It may need to cool longer. Let it sit until fully hardened before breaking.
6. Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely walnuts, almonds, or even mixed nuts will work.
7. How do I make it more festive?
Add white or dark chocolate drizzle, crushed candy canes, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking.
8. Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?
Yes, either works dark brown gives a deeper molasses flavor.
9. What size pan should I use?
A standard 9×13 baking sheet works perfectly.
10. Can I add chocolate chips?
Sure! Sprinkle them on right after baking and let them melt slightly before spreading or leaving in place.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Bark delivers all the gooey, nutty magic of pecan pie with none of the fuss. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a pan full of sweet, crunchy, buttery goodness that’s perfect for holiday munching or anytime snacking. Make a batch, break it up, and try not to eat it all before sharing we dare you!
Print
Pecan Pie Bark
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes + cooling
- Yield: 30 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie Bark is a quick and delicious twist on the classic holiday dessert. Made with buttery toffee, crunchy pecans, and a crisp cracker base, this sweet treat captures all the flavors of pecan pie in an easy, shareable form—perfect for gifting or snacking!
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.
- Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the entire baking sheet.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Bring to a boil and let it bubble for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Mix in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the crackers and spread gently to cover them all.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. If using, drizzle melted chocolate over the bark once cooled slightly.
- Once fully set, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- You can use graham crackers instead of saltines for a sweeter base.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty finish.
- Store in a cool place or refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Great for holiday gift boxes or cookie trays!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pecan pie bark, holiday dessert bark, easy pecan toffee, sweet snack bark, Christmas cookie swap