Description
Indulgent pecan pie bark delivers a Southern-style dessert experience that marries crunchy graham crackers with rich caramel and toasted pecans. Sweet layers of buttery goodness promise delightful moments of pure comfort you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Pecan Topping:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- Melt the butter and thoroughly mix with graham cracker crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand, then firmly press the crumb base into an even layer across the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the graham cracker crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden and set, allowing it to cool slightly while preparing the pecan topping.
- In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream, heating over medium heat and stirring constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and becomes smooth.
- Remove the caramel-like mixture from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract, salt, and additional butter, creating a rich, glossy pecan coating.
- Scatter pecan halves evenly across the pre-baked graham cracker crust, then carefully pour the warm syrup mixture over the pecans, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning and allow the topping to caramelize and set.
- Optional: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot surface, allowing them to melt slightly for a decorative and delicious finish.
- Let the bark cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour, then break or cut into irregular pieces for serving.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, enjoying the crisp, sweet, and nutty treat.
Notes
- Enhance the graham cracker base by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist that complements the pecan flavor.
- Swap corn syrup with maple syrup for a more natural sweetener and deeper, richer taste profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or substituting with almond flour for a nutty, crunchy alternative base.
- Customize the bark by experimenting with different nut combinations like almonds or walnuts, or add a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness and create a gourmet touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg