Pecan Pie Bark

Looking for a fast, foolproof dessert that tastes like it took hours but only took minutes? This Pecan Pie Bark is the answer. Imagine the sweet, nutty richness of pecan pie—but transformed into a crisp, candy-like bark with buttery graham cracker layers and a golden praline topping. It’s crunchy, gooey, and completely addictive.

This is the kind of recipe you make once and immediately regret… because you didn’t double it. Whether you’re gifting it for the holidays or just need something sweet for movie night, this bark is quick to prep, easy to bake, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love It

Ready in under 30 minutes
No pie crust or fancy equipment required
Perfect for holiday gifting or snacking by the handful
Tastes like pecan pie with half the effort and all the crunch

What Exactly Is Pecan Pie Bark?

Pecan pie bark is a layered treat made with graham crackers, buttery brown sugar caramel, and chopped pecans. It’s baked just long enough to bubble and set into a crisp, candy-like sheet that breaks apart into perfect snackable chunks. Think of it like pecan brittle meets cookie bars—only easier.

Common Questions (Before You Start)

Can I use a different cracker base?

Yes! While graham crackers are classic and give a lovely honey-caramel vibe, you can also try:

Saltine crackers (for a sweet-salty combo)
Digestives or tea biscuits
Biscoff cookies (extra sweet and spiced)

Just make sure they lay flat and fill the pan as evenly as possible.

What if I only have salted butter?

You can use it—just omit the added salt in the recipe. The result will be a little more like salted caramel, which many people love.

Can this be made ahead or frozen?

Absolutely. Once fully cooled and broken into pieces, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure it’s fully cooled and crisp before sealing it up.

Why did my bark turn out soft or sticky?

This usually means the sugar mixture didn’t boil long enough. Make sure you bring the butter-sugar mixture to a full rolling boil and keep it going for 2 full minutes, stirring constantly. That step is key for getting the right texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

13 whole graham crackers – enough to cover a 10×15 baking sheet
2 sticks unsalted butter – for that rich, candy-like caramel
1 cup light brown sugar – or dark if you want deeper molasses flavor
2 cups pecan halves – coarsely chopped or whole
¼ teaspoon salt – skip this if using salted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – for that warm, cozy finish

How to Make Pecan Pie Bark

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15.25 x 10.25 inch rimmed cookie sheet with foil and lightly butter the foil. Lay out the graham crackers to cover the whole pan, trimming if needed to fit neatly.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, pecans, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once bubbling, stir constantly for 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Quickly pour the hot caramel mixture over the graham crackers. Use an offset spatula to spread evenly, making sure all crackers are covered and the pecans are distributed across the surface.

Bake for 10 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and golden.

Step 4: Cool & Break

Let the bark cool completely in the pan. Once fully set, break into pieces using your hands or a knife. Store in an airtight container.

Pecan Pie Bark

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 10 servings
Category: Candy / Bark
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Holidays, gift tins, party platters

Ingredients

13 whole honey graham crackers
1 cup light brown sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup)
2 cups pecan halves, chopped or whole
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15×10-inch baking sheet with foil and lightly butter it.
Layer the base: Arrange graham crackers in a single layer on the sheet, trimming to fit as needed.
Make topping: In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, pecans, and salt. Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla.
Assemble: Pour hot mixture evenly over graham crackers and spread with spatula.
Bake: Place in oven for 10 minutes, or until topping is bubbling.
Cool completely: Once set, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Nutrition (per piece, est. based on 10 servings)

Bonus Tips for the Perfect Bark

Use an offset spatula to quickly spread the hot topping—work fast before it sets.
Toast the pecans beforehand for deeper nutty flavor.
Double the batch if you plan to gift — this stuff disappears fast!
Don’t skip the foil — it makes cleanup and bark removal 10x easier.